I think I need to clone my drive?

[imported_JustinK]

Hello
I have a small business pc that needs an upgrade.
It's running XPPro. Quickbooks Pro 2007 is the only other software on it.

I now have two new systems with virgin HDs but XPPro CDs if needed.

I'd like to start the two new ones to appear just like my current config on the old PC, desktop look, data transferred, etc. They would then be used by three different people. I understand they would diverge at that point, but I'd like them identical initially.

What is the best way to make the new hardware look like the old desktop? Does cloning software work when moving to a new system? I imagine I need a separate Quickbooks install on each? Is it as easy as file and setting transfer wizard (i've never tried)?

Thanks much

 

[paperfist]

Originally posted by: JustinK
Hello
I have a small business pc that needs an upgrade.
It's running XPPro. Quickbooks Pro 2007 is the only other software on it.

I now have two new systems with virgin HDs but XPPro CDs if needed.

I'd like to start the two new ones to appear just like my current config on the old PC, desktop look, data transferred, etc. They would then be used by three different people. I understand they would diverge at that point, but I'd like them identical initially.

What is the best way to make the new hardware look like the old desktop? Does cloning software work when moving to a new system? I imagine I need a separate Quickbooks install on each? Is it as easy as file and setting transfer wizard (i've never tried)?

Thanks much

Welcome to the forums!

You can clone one HD that already has your programs installed on it to other systems, but if the hardware isn't identical Windows XP likely won't boot. The cloned copy would be identical across the board.

You'll also need a separate key/copy of Windows and Quickbooks for each install.

Quickbooks with he right license key supports multiple users at the same time. I'm not exactly sure what your intent it, but it almost sounds like you should set up a server instead. Maybe you can elaborate on what you are trying to accomplish.

 

[imported_JustinK]

Thanks for the help.

It's just used for business records and customer data, but I'd like two or three people to be able to be working at the same time on separate PCs, and for comfort sake they've all seen the same desktop for years and would not like to see much change. These are elderly women working part time, and if one icon is out of place they panic.

So I'm thinking
install xp
install qbooks
file/setting transfer
maybe some sort of qbooks import/export

then each person will have the same desktop she's used to, and can change from there if she likes, but they're starting from the same spot

does this sound like it would work?

 

[paperfist]

Originally posted by: JustinK
Thanks for the help.

It's just used for business records and customer data, but I'd like two or three people to be able to be working at the same time on separate PCs, and for comfort sake they've all seen the same desktop for years and would not like to see much change. These are elderly women working part time, and if one icon is out of place they panic.

So I'm thinking
install xp
install qbooks
file/setting transfer
maybe some sort of qbooks import/export

then each person will have the same desktop she's used to, and can change from there if she likes, but they're starting from the same spot

does this sound like it would work?

Are the computer's connected to each other? Quickbooks works best with the company file saved in one location. So say computer A's HD has the company file, computer A, B & C can access it at and work at it at the same time.

I don't believe QB will let you merge 3 different company files together.

For installing before cloning yes you have it right.

 

[imported_JustinK]

Didn't know that about QB, but that sounds like a great solution. I have QB Pro 2006 with a 5 user license but have only installed the one.

I was going to have a wireless network, but I could wire them temporarily.

Edit: i think i found what i need on the QB support site, i had no idea multi-user was so common...i'll assume my issue is solved but i'll report back

 

[paperfist]

Originally posted by: JustinK
Didn't know that about QB, but that sounds like a great solution. I have QB Pro 2006 with a 5 user license but have only installed the one.

I was going to have a wireless network, but I could wire them temporarily.

Yeah it allows everyone to work on the company file at the same time so it's always accurate. You just have to set QB to multi user mode for that to work. Just keep the QB file in a shared directory.

It will work in a wireless network.

If you didn't already buy the additional computers you could possibly make your existing one a server if it has decent hardware specs. The other 2 users could log in from dumb terminals which would cost $300-400.