Windows 7 HDD transfer - booting problems

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commentrobot

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Aug 30, 2013
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Hi forum,

I've recently built a hugely upgraded computer (Pentium 4 to the i5-4440 on an ASRock Z87 Extreme4), and after following several different ways of transferring the HD (including a sysprep attempt that failed, despite workarounds), none seem to work. The result is either repeatedly re-imaging the computer, or a BSoD at Windows start up after re-imaging.

The most progress I've made is being able to add drivers for the new motherboard from the disc that came with it, though I'm not convinced that I've added all the ones I need. When I tried to add the drivers in the old setup, I was given the message box telling me that the driver is not for the hardware attached.

I've backed everything up, made images of the state it was in, and created an ISO disc, which I believe I can boot from? The HDD and Windows 7 are not OEM.

My question is this: how can I get it to work? What do I need to do? If I re-install Windows on the old setup, can I move it across afterwards?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Martin
 
Solution
USAFRet
During a major hardware change, the single best way is a clean, fresh install of the OS and applications.

Sometimes all this reimaging and cloning stuff works, sometimes it doesn't. As you have seen.

Assuming you have the activation key written somewhere, you can download the relevant Windows 7 ISO from here:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

Burn to DVD, install, and activate with your existing key.
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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During a major hardware change, the single best way is a clean, fresh install of the OS and applications.

Sometimes all this reimaging and cloning stuff works, sometimes it doesn't. As you have seen.

Assuming you have the activation key written somewhere, you can download the relevant Windows 7 ISO from here:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

Burn to DVD, install, and activate with your existing key.
 
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commentrobot

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Thanks, guys, that was like lightning! (I hope it was clear the HD came from the old computer?)



This is a very silly question, but I'm quite inexperienced: how? Using the ISO disc I've made? Or before I move the HDD?
 
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Nikolay Savov

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Hi
I`m reading and i cat get one thing :
Why are you trying to image you HDD with Old Windows and BOOT from that IMG to the NEW HW PC ?

First of all this will never work if you PC1 and PC2 have different HW - chipset , CPU etc. ......
Second , why you not just use Windows DVD to clean setup you new PC2 ?
All you need to do is to switch you Sata Mode to AHCI mode in the BIOS
Boot from the Windows Setup DVD
Next
Next Next
Done ........
Then you add drivers
And that`s it .....
On i5-4440 this all process is about 15- 20 minutes ......

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Download and burn the relevant ISO from my link above.
Build the PC and install the HDD.
Boot from and install Windows from that Windows 7 installation DVD.
Activate
Proceed.

Attempting to boot from the old Windows install will not work. Too many hardware changes.

Install fresh.
 
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commentrobot

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I read that it was possible to swap your HD over to your new setup, and wanted to do that so I could keep everything I'd worked with.

I don't have the Windows install disc, only a burned ISO. How much of a problem is that?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. In your case, it doesn't.

Save all of your personal docs and images elsewhere. Have them completely offline.
Download and burn a new Windows 7 ISO, as linked above.
Install from that.
 
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Nikolay Savov

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How to say this ......
I still have`t manage to do what you`r trying to do ..... for the last 10 years of my work experience :)

you have 2 options :
one - to download Windows 7 install .ISO and burn it to DVD
two - to download Windows 7 install .ISO and setup Boot USB

Having Boot Setup DVD or USB is for you choice
Next step is to Boot from the Setup DVD or USB
And after the Setup is running you can hit Next until you done.

IF you think that is a HIGH TECH For You look for some friend help - after first install you`l see is not so damn hard :)
 
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commentrobot

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Nikolay and USAFRet, I've got Windows installing. Not having much experience in doing this, I thought the ISO disc and install disc were two different things! Now I know! And it's just as easy as you said!

Really, really, appreciate the assistance!

Boy, do I feel a bit silly now...
 
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