Forum Home
Press F1
 
Thread ID: 121441 2011-10-26 03:06:00 Image/Backup type thing pctek (84) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1240017 2011-10-26 03:06:00 Not really an image.
I have to swap PCs at work, to what I don't know yet, but it would be good to avoid having to reinstall all the apps.
There something to do this, not an image because not only will the HW be different but maybe the O/S too.

And not the Windows transfer thing either.
pctek (84)
1240018 2011-10-26 03:42:00 Well if you keep the O/S on the new machine then you will have to reinstall all the apps.
Some may transfer OK but usually apps need to be re-installed on a new O/S.
So a full image of the existing machine would be your only option.
CYaBro (73)
1240019 2011-10-26 04:14:00 Depending on the OS,( would have to be the same version Eg: W7 Pro) if you wanted to try, make a backup copy/image of the current system first ( just in case the following doesn't work) :D "bugger" :p

You could then run sysprep through the working OS, image that to a drive or network location, then lay down the syspreped image to the other PC. Being syspreped you will then install all the new drivers, all the apps will stay in place as is.

BUT it has to be the right OS -- You would also have to enter in a new product key. I've stated doing this for customers W7's Home builds -- after making a "master" ran sysprep through it, dropping that image onto new builds, it fires up, you add in the new user, enter in THEIR new purchased COA and away you go, all the current programs installed and ready to go just like the "name brand" PC's, with the exception of adding the new drivers, and activating the new build.
Can install Windows 7 with all apps in about 5-6 minutes max


Trouble is the install to sysprep I found out, needs a volume or retail COA, after that a OEM can be entered -- Seems OEM COA's dont like syspreping to much.
wainuitech (129)
1240020 2011-10-26 05:53:00 Well we got told the O/S is the same -XP. We get recycled PCs. We get 30 minutes to set it up. I asked will be intact from the previous user and he said better to format. So if it's 100% empty then 30 mins? I don't think so.
If it is, then it's not so bad reinstalling stuff.
But an image would be an issue cause BSODS with different hardware, and it will be quite a bit different, and also there is no network drive we can use.

Good isn't it?
I'd rather bring it home and do it.............

But I suspect that won't be allowed.
pctek (84)
1240021 2011-10-26 06:37:00 Uninstall all hardware (software wise) on the old system then boot from a Linux CD then dd to a portable HD then boot the new PC with a Linux CD and dd from portable to new one, reboot it and install all the drivers. mikebartnz (21)
1240022 2011-10-26 06:52:00 Acronis True Image has a module that does that (Universal Restore) - but I have never tried it myself yet, as you need a business edition.

It doesn't work with the True Image Home edition (which is what I use)


Acronis Universal Restore lets you restore an image of Windows operating system to different hardware environment; Acronis Universal Restore allows to change Windows Hardware Abstraction Layer and install HDD controller and NIC drivers

kb.acronis.com
bevy121 (117)
1240023 2011-10-26 07:48:00 Acronis True Image has a module that does that (Universal Restore) - but I have never tried it myself yet, as you need a business edition.

It doesn't work with the True Image Home edition (which is what I use)



kb.acronis.com

SHadowProtect also has this feature but they call it "Hardware Independant Restore" and we use this quite a lot and it works well.
Basically take an image of the old machine, restore image to new machine then it scans the new hardware and injects any required drivers into the Windows install to get it to boot.
Once booted you actually install the proper/latest drivers as needed.
Everything else is exactly the same as it was on the old machine.
CYaBro (73)
1240024 2011-10-26 17:54:00 Hmmm, one of the staff has ShadowProtect..might be worth looking at pctek (84)
1240025 2011-10-26 21:24:00 SHadowProtect also has this feature but they call it "Hardware Independant Restore" and we use this quite a lot and it works well.
Basically take an image of the old machine, restore image to new machine then it scans the new hardware and injects any required drivers into the Windows install to get it to boot.
Once booted you actually install the proper/latest drivers as needed.
Everything else is exactly the same as it was on the old machine.

Never heard of it before. Thanks. $89 USD.
buy.storagecraft.com
Strommer (42)
1240026 2011-10-27 06:18:00 Acronis True Image has a module that does that (Universal Restore) - but I have never tried it myself yet, as you need a business edition.
It doesn't work with the True Image Home edition (which is what I use)
kb.acronis.com

I have used Acronis Echo Universal on two occasions. The first to make a back up XP Desk top computer out of a completely different computer. The second was transferring W7 pro from a Dell laptop to an Asus Desk top. Both operations went without a hitch, even the Activation was preserved. Acronis Universal removes any drivers which could cause a crash. Just had to find a couple of drivers, no problem with driver genius.
mzee (3324)
1