Moving HDD to another computer with current OS?

[John Connor]

I just bought myself an i7 3820 on eBay and I plan to build my new computer in the next couple of months. In the mean time I want to gather as much information on how to transfer my current hard drive with Windows 7 64 to the new computer without reinstalling the OS. I have read this guide. Apparently sysprep will reset all your settings which really sucks because I have settings that are for SSD optimization and all that will get reset. My customized logon screen will probably get rest too which really isn't a big deal. At first I thought I could go into safe mode and remove all the drivers and install the HDD to the new computer that way, but as I was searching for info. I guess that won't work. I will be uninstalling the GPU driver and sound card driver as I use a Sound Blaster sound card. With the new install I will use onboard unless I don't like it and will then use the PCI sound Blaster card again. I have 5.1 audio speakers.

Is there anything I need to know about doing this?

 

[Smoove910]

If I were to do this, I would probably install the harddrive, then do a repair installation. Have the drivers for the new computer handy, especially the chipset drivers.

 

[corkyg]

Be prepared to do a clean install. My crystal ball sees a BSOD coming.

 

[alzan]

Be prepared to do a clean install. My crystal ball sees a BSOD coming.

+1

OP will be much happier/satisfied with clean install. As well his settings and customizations will benefit.

 

[stinger608]

If it is running Win 7 Pro then just do the sysprep "out of box experience." That will uninstall all current drivers as if it was a fresh install.

Go to C:/Windows/System32/sysprep.

 

[John Connor]

Well, if the sysprep doesn't work then I'll just do a new install, but it's worth a try and if it don't work at least I tried. I have seen many people do this already and was surprised it worked, so when I get my new machine built I shall try it and report back.

 

[Red Squirrel]

It's hit and miss. Worth a shot, but chances are you'll have to do a clean install.

You could also uninstall all drivers and then try it again.

 

[stinger608]

I have actually had pretty fair luck with just sticking the hard drive in a different system with win 7.

 

[John Connor]

I have actually had pretty fair luck with just sticking the hard drive in a different system with win 7.

Without removing drivers or using sysprep?

 

[onething]

I used to think it would cause problems if you just swapped out drives with different hardware, but it's not, for the most part. Just uninstall any drivers / hardware specific applications that will not exist on the new system and swap the drive.

During the first boot it'll install new drivers and stuff, so mouse and keyboard may not work right away.

I went from AMD to Intel this way, it works fine.

 

[stinger608]

Without removing drivers or using sysprep?

Yep, done it several times without issues. Of course using sysprep is a better way to go........If sysprep will work LOL
I am running win 7 enterprise so sysprep has issues.

I used to think it would cause problems if you just swapped out drives with different hardware, but it's not, for the most part. Just uninstall any drivers / hardware specific applications that will not exist on the new system and swap the drive.

During the first boot it'll install new drivers and stuff, so mouse and keyboard may not work right away.

I went from AMD to Intel this way, it works fine.

Just went from a Intel 1366 system to a dual processor AMD system and all went just fine.
As you pointed out, it will start loading drivers and my keyboard and mouse didn't work for about 10 minutes or so. Once all loaded and did a reboot it was as if it never happened.

 

[John Connor]

Sysprep has trouble in Enterprise? I have Ultimate. What kind of trouble did you have. Did you do everything in the guide I linked to in the OP?

 

[stinger608]

Sysprep has trouble in Enterprise? I have Ultimate. What kind of trouble did you have. Did you do everything in the guide I linked to in the OP?

Oh yea I have read that one and many more. Not sure why I have issues with sysprep.
It just will not run for some odd ball reason.

 

[denis280]

or this from Bubbaleone.Open Notepad and copy/paste the following:

set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc

Name the file "setdev.bat", and save it to the Desktop as "All files" (not text document [*.txt]). Double-click setdev.bat and it opens an advanced MSC version of Device Manager. Select; View>>Devices by type>>Show hidden devices. You will now be able to see every single device that has ever been installed on your current Windows installation.

This view includes all currently installed devices, and all devices no longer installed or connected (non-existent). All the icons for non-existent devices will be "ghosted" (semi-translucent, pale gray color).

Starting at the top and working your way down the list ( click every + sign to expand each device), right-click each installed device icon, and each ghosted device icon and select "Uninstall".

Ignore any prompts to reboot the PC. When you're completely finished uninstalling all currently installed devices, as well as all non-existent devices, shutdown the computer, then remove the hard drive. It's now ready to install onto new hardware.

 

[John Connor]

That's pretty cool! I'll have to do that before sysprep.

 

[stinger608]

That's pretty cool! I'll have to do that before sysprep.

Well if sysprep works it would basically do that exact same thing.

At any rate, awesome info Denis! Thanks for sharing. :biggrin:

 

[Virgorising]

Be prepared to do a clean install. My crystal ball sees a BSOD coming.

:biggrin:

:thumbsup:

 

[Steltek]

You can also try to use backup software like Macrium Reflect Pro or Acronis True Image that has a redeploy function designed to allow restoration of a backup image to dissimilar hardware.

 

[stinger608]

You can also try to use backup software like Macrium Reflect Pro or Acronis True Image that has a redeploy function designed to allow restoration of a backup image to dissimilar hardware.

That is very true, however, that function only works on the purchased version of both software's. The free version does not include this function.

Just figured I should let the OP know that.

 

[sm625]

I've done it many times here in the lab with win 7 ultimate. Most of the time it boots right up and device manager doesnt even show a single question mark! The last time I had trouble was going from AM2 to some intel chipset.

 

[John Connor]

Virgorising, did you hear that?