Migrated HDD's over to new comp, want to access the programs

krazykilroy

Member
Aug 14, 2001
149
0
0
How do I get to access the programs from the old drives, without having to reinstall them onto the new Windows 8?

Stuff like BF3 & 4, MS office, and scanning programs.

Anyone got an idea?
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,552
10,171
126
Windows apps don't work like that. Unless they were designed to be portable, you simply can't.
 

Matt1970

Lifer
Mar 19, 2007
12,320
3
0
When programs install they makes changes to Windows that will no longer be there if just swapped to a new system. Occasionally you will run across a program that can transfer without having to be reinstalled, but it is the exception and not the rule.
 

Virgorising

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2013
4,470
0
0
How do I get to access the programs from the old drives, without having to reinstall them onto the new Windows 8?

Stuff like BF3 & 4, MS office, and scanning programs.

Anyone got an idea?

There are a couple of programs out there like this one:

http://www.zinstall.com/products/zi...o-reinstalls?gclid=CNL17JWHz7sCFepQOgod8lkAPw

Some are reviewed better than others, but they all cost.

I was going to choose, buy and use one when I set up this system running W7 64 bit, and try to migrate everything from my now backup desktop running W7 32 bit. I even posted soliciting comments krom anyone who had actual experience with these.

But at the end of the day, I just used Windows Easy Transfer which worked well, but I still had to get most of my apps anew.

Edit: Here's another....
http://www.laplink.com/landingpages/pcmoverpro/unbranded_withNav.html?x-affiliatenetwork=google
 
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Matt1970

Lifer
Mar 19, 2007
12,320
3
0
There are a couple of programs out there like this one:

http://www.zinstall.com/products/zi...o-reinstalls?gclid=CNL17JWHz7sCFepQOgod8lkAPw

Some are reviewed better than others, but they all cost.

I was going to choose, buy and use one when I set up this system running W7 64 bit, and try to migrate everything from my now backup desktop running W7 32 bit. I even posted soliciting comments krom anyone who had actual experience with these.

But at the end of the day, I just used Windows Easy Transfer which worked well, but I still had to get most of my apps anew.

Edit: Here's another....
http://www.laplink.com/landingpages/pcmoverpro/unbranded_withNav.html?x-affiliatenetwork=google

Those programs aren't doing what you think they are doing. They have to copy the entire contents of your old drive, even Windows XP, and then set up a virtual machine every time you want to access any of those programs. If you have a program you cannot live without that doesn't have a Windows 7 version, AND you are willing to spend the $90, I suppose you could go that route.
 

Virgorising

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2013
4,470
0
0
Those programs aren't doing what you think they are doing. They have to copy the entire contents of your old drive, even Windows XP, and then set up a virtual machine every time you want to access any of those programs. If you have a program you cannot live without that doesn't have a Windows 7 version, AND you are willing to spend the $90, I suppose you could go that route.

Of course they copy the entire contents. That is what they say they do and that is what they do. I linked a client of mine in CA to the Laplink app not long ago---Laplink has been around for a very long time--- he was delighted and did not ask for a refund.

Last time, I chose to migrate as I posted. But these are viable apps.
 

Matt1970

Lifer
Mar 19, 2007
12,320
3
0
Of course they copy the entire contents. That is what they say they do and that is what they do. I linked a client of mine in CA to the Laplink app not long ago---Laplink has been around for a very long time--- he was delighted and did not ask for a refund.

Last time, I chose to migrate as I posted. But these are viable apps.

Well, if you want to run a virtual machine every time you want to use one of your programs rather than reinstalling them, knock yourself out.
 

Gunbuster

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,852
23
81
Haha, this says it all:

Zinstall "Your new computer will feel just like the old one."
 

Virgorising

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2013
4,470
0
0
Well, if you want to run a virtual machine every time you want to use one of your programs rather than reinstalling them, knock yourself out.


Above, desperation. Nothing here is either combat a contest or a sporting event.

That you know the mechanism of the apps in question does not belie the result of using them. That will be the OP's choice. NOT YOURS. It's not all about YOU.

This site comprises HUMANS.
 

Virgorising

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2013
4,470
0
0
Haha, this says it all:

Zinstall "Your new computer will feel just like the old one."

Another embarrassing, desperation driven cheap shot/attack belying perspective.

Obviously, when I chose to employ Windows Easy Transfer to migrate as much as i could form my now backup desktop running W7 32-bit, to this new, much faster system running W7 64-bit, I had to delete the windows.old file.

Someone employing the apps in question would do the same and related things. But, in any event, barrel bottom scraping via the word "feels" is just that.

Using these apps to move to a faster system form a slower one will not compromise the speed of the new system.

When I sent my client the link he ended up using.....I FIRST sent him links to freewares to clean up his original system, defrag it, etc., and then spent time with him on the phone while he ran them. The cleaner and leaner the original system, the better the result.

Goal is to connect, get and honor the reality of The Other, offer options as a colleague in a common endeavor. DOING CLEAN INSTALLS IS NOT RIGHT FOR EVERYONE.

Were it, these apps would not be making money. And these apps are used in Enterprise, including re server migration.

I chose to migrate as I did for specific reasons, not arbitrary. My client in CA chose what he did after I delineated many options and he weighed each. My choice worked for me; his choice worked for him.

Anyone free of some festering personal agenda will see this simple phenomenon clearly.
 
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Gunbuster

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,852
23
81
barrel bottom scraping via the word "feels" is just that.

Oh Virgo, I was simply pointing out the terrible marketing language. Your love for adding complexity never ceases to amuse.

I eagerly await your flowery and incomprehensible multi-paragraph reply.