How do I make a cloned HDD with OS bootable for my new computer?

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rhleonidas

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Aug 4, 2013
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I have this build with no OS. I want to absolutely clone everything from my old PC, with Windows 7, and have it boot exactly the same, if possible. The only reason I'm even considering this is because I heard it's possible.


I understand that drivers (a difference in hardware) create an obstacle and why. What I don't understand is why I can't seem to find any concrete information regarding my situation. Is there something obviously flawed in my approach?




Thanks and merry chr--wait... no.

 
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RealBeast
I have found that if you remove the graphic driver, it is pretty easy to move one Windows 7 OS disk to another machine. I did one yesterday from an H67 chipset to a Z87 without issues. Both had NVIDIA graphics so that wasn't an issue and once I cloned the SSD and moved it to the new machine, let windows install some new drivers, restarted, installed the new chipset driver and then the other on-board device drivers, then updated software keys to new ones.

The real issue that you face is that you need another Windows 7 key, unless it is an Enterprise version only one machine can run from a single key. It is easy enough to change after you move it, same issue with other single key software like MS Office (also easy enough to change to...
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RealBeast

RealBeast

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Sep 13, 2010
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I have found that if you remove the graphic driver, it is pretty easy to move one Windows 7 OS disk to another machine. I did one yesterday from an H67 chipset to a Z87 without issues. Both had NVIDIA graphics so that wasn't an issue and once I cloned the SSD and moved it to the new machine, let windows install some new drivers, restarted, installed the new chipset driver and then the other on-board device drivers, then updated software keys to new ones.

The real issue that you face is that you need another Windows 7 key, unless it is an Enterprise version only one machine can run from a single key. It is easy enough to change after you move it, same issue with other single key software like MS Office (also easy enough to change to the new key). Note: If it is a retail key and you are not using the old system still, you can authenticate with the original key.

I would recommend a data back up in case things go horribly wrong. And this does not work well on XP or Vista in my experience, only 7 and I have never tried it with 8, but I suspect the new way the key is tied to the bios will be a problem there.
 
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