How can I create a backup Win7 installation?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
C

candlemaster

Reputable
Sep 22, 2014
15
0
4,510
My computer is currently running Windows 7 64-bit, but I'm planning on upgrading my CPU and Motherboard. I used to have a proper Windows 7 install disc, but sometime when I was moving (I've moved 8 times since building this pc) I've lost the disc.

I'm pretty sure that I'm going to need to re-install Windows 7 after making all my hardware changes. How can I do this without the original disc, or the original product key (which was on the disc)?
 
Solution
ratedk
Start > Type "Backup" choose Back up your computer
On the left side of the window, click Create a system image.

This will create a system image that backs up, not only your personal files, but the operating system as well. It creates a snapshot of your hard drive and everything installed on it. You'll need to back up to a storage device with enough capacity to cover everything that is currently installed on your hard drive.

In the same window, you'll also need to Create a system repair disc, so you can boot from it to load the system image that you create.

Windows 7 is pretty good about adapting to different hardware, if that's your plan. However, I know that *if* you are changing motherboards and go from Intel processor to an AMD...
Sort by date Sort by votes
C

candlemaster

Reputable
Sep 22, 2014
15
0
4,510
I figured it out myself, but for anybody who has a similar problem here's what I did:

First, I downloaded a Windows 7 '.iso' off piratebay. This was just a backup disc and did NOT include a keygen or anything to help me create or find an illegal product key. I'm willing to bet that you could find something similar on Microsoft's website, but I didn't check.

Next, I used eicfg_remover (which you can find at http://code.kliu.org/misc/winisoutils/) to turn the .iso I downloaded into a universal installer. Normally, each disc can only install one edition of Windows 7, and that edition needs to match the edition that your product key is for. This utility removes "ei.cfg", which turns the .iso into a universal installer by letting you choose which edition of Windows 7 to install. You still can't install an edition other than what your product key is valid for, but this way you'll never have to worry about getting the right iso.

Finally, I downloaded Belarc Advisor which went through my system registry and decrypted the product key associated with my current install. I wrote down the key, and now I'm ready to reinstall Windows 7 on my new system!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
ratedk

ratedk

Distinguished
Mar 31, 2011
405
0
18,960
Start > Type "Backup" choose Back up your computer
On the left side of the window, click Create a system image.

This will create a system image that backs up, not only your personal files, but the operating system as well. It creates a snapshot of your hard drive and everything installed on it. You'll need to back up to a storage device with enough capacity to cover everything that is currently installed on your hard drive.

In the same window, you'll also need to Create a system repair disc, so you can boot from it to load the system image that you create.

Windows 7 is pretty good about adapting to different hardware, if that's your plan. However, I know that *if* you are changing motherboards and go from Intel processor to an AMD or vice versa, the system image will NOT adapt to the hardware changes. Stay with the brand processor you currently have installed, and it *should* work. New hardware always means different drivers from the ones currently installed, but those should be supplied with the new MoBo. Don't expect everything to be 100% working afterwards, it will take some doing.

Because of the new CPU and MoBo, Windows will probably require to be re-registered with the COA (windows product key). You can retrieve this from your current windows installation by using magical jelly bean (link here: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1819949/find-windows-product-key.html )

I suggest downloading and running Ccleaner (www.filehippo.com) before you create the system image. It will help clear a boatload of temp files and speed up the backup process.

Good Luck!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
M

Melissa A

Reputable
Jul 28, 2014
18
0
4,510
Backup and restore may not be the best choice. The old drivers would still be there, likely casuing a BSOD with different hardware.

There's no need to use pirated disk images. Just download the official ISO images from Digital River (Microsoft Approved Images), write the ISO to a flash drive or DVD, and Voila! One Windows 7 Installation Disk.

Of course you'll need the product key to activate.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom