Copying Windows folder to an existing install.

ctark

Reputable
Mar 31, 2014
2
0
4,510
So to make a long story short, I have 2 HDD's, lets call them A and B.

A has been around for a while, and it has been using windows for a while now. Like everything, if you use it enough, it breaks.
A's copy of windows has issue, windows update doesn't work, it hangs when you shutdown (hours and hours will go by, it will just sit at "logging out", along with a multitude of other issues.

B has a nice new copy of Windows on it. Fully updated. It was installed using the same disk, and key as A. B has no issues doing anything, as you would expect from a nice new windows install.

My question is, after trying lots of other things, non of them work. Could I copy and merge the windows folder from B, over to A, and hope it fixes some of the issues I have been having?
I'm in the process of backing everything up, but 1.65TB's of info is a lot to sort through, and it's taking longer than I anticipated.

Obviously the best solution is to back everything up, and then fresh install, but that takes time, and if this solution could fix windows, even to the point I can update it, and restart without pressing the power button, then I am happy.

Or am I just asking for trouble?
 
Solution
If you copy all of the windows files that would include your registry which has become computer specific. You do not want to do that.

Run a repair with your windows cd in order to fix any windows system files. Otherwise you will just need to do a fresh install.
If you copy all of the windows files that would include your registry which has become computer specific. You do not want to do that.

Run a repair with your windows cd in order to fix any windows system files. Otherwise you will just need to do a fresh install.
 
Solution

ctark

Reputable
Mar 31, 2014
2
0
4,510
To be fair, both answers were correct. Bonus points to boosted for the repair with windows CD suggestion.

I tihnk once I get my stuff backed up, I'll try copying over the new windows files anyway. Since I would be formatting it anyway, it would be a fun experiment to see what happens.

Thanks for the speedy answers, you guys rock!
 

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