What software can move installs from one drive to another?

[Yossarian]

I'm gonna put in a WD Raptor as my main drive (OS, software installs). Is there an easy way to move my existing installs from another drive so I don't have to reinstall everything?

 

[sswingle]

Nope. Some stuff will be ok if you just copy/paste(most games), but most everything else requires reinstall.

 

[rh71]

that's not true... install the new drive as a slave drive - then use norton ghost (DOS version) to do a disk to disk copy. After you're done, you can simply swap primary with slave and it will be an image of the original so all registry settings will be intact. As if nothing was moved.

 

[Yossarian]

can Ghost do that for individual applications? I don't want to copy everything over.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: Yossarian
can Ghost do that for individual applications? I don't want to copy everything over.

no. it is everything or nothing.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Any utility that images a drive from a manufacter will also have the same problem.

Most every program nodays will have files within its own directory, however, there may be files dropped in system level directories and also embedded in system files.

Only the program installer/maker will know what needs to go across.
Best thing you can do image the new drive and then start removing what you do not want on the new drive.
Attempting to add programs will probably require more effort and also you will still have to track down any customized data/settings related to the program and transfer/setup

 

[JackMDS]

Since applications install info across few Directories, and in Windows Registry and System files, there is No Practical way to move applications individually.

The fastest way to move a Hard drive is to use programs like Symantec Ghost, or Acronis TrueImage to copy the image of the whole drive to the new drive.

It takes about 40minutes for 100GB.

Once you move the drive you can uninstall the applications that you do not need.

You should know that coping the drive does not copy Windows Activation. If you activated the drive long time ago it might be activated on line, otherwise be ready with your lic. info since you might need to call Microsoft and activate through the phone.

:sun: