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Making a bootable HDD

Tags:
  • Desktops
  • Storage
  • Hard Drives
  • Lenovo
Last response: in Storage
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October 17, 2014 1:59:41 AM

Hello. I have a dell desktop that I would like to clone and move into a Lenovo all in one desktop I just boought. The Lenovo has no OS installed. I have never cloned before so would not mind a step by step walk through and links where possible.

More about : making bootable hdd

a b G Storage
October 17, 2014 2:28:31 AM

Welcome to the community, JKrantx!

First things first, make a backup of your data before doing anything. I personally would recommend to perform a fresh install of Windows because with a new motherboard, you'll most probably have some driver issues if you try to use an image from an old install. You need to install Windows first, then install drivers and applications, then restore the data.

If you insist on cloning, I can suggest to take a look at Acronis True Image software: http://www.acronis.com/en-us/
It's a pretty easy software to use, you can see how and what it does here: http://www.acronis.com/en-us/articles/cloning-software/
A couple of tutorials and threads that might help you as well:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-i...
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1878285/clonin...
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2057937/how-to-move-to-a...

However, you should know cloning is a good option when you are simply replacing HDDs on your computer.
When you are moving to an entirely new system, I'd really recommend you a fresh install. It's going to be a much easier and faster solution. Cloning will most probably cause you a lot of headache..

Hope this helps. :) 
SuperSoph_WD
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a c 921 G Storage
October 17, 2014 2:34:49 AM

SuperSoph_WD said:


However, you should know cloning is a good option when you are simply replacing HDDs on your computer.
When you are moving to an entirely new system, I'd really recommend you a fresh install. It's going to be a much easier and faster solution. Cloning will most probably cause you a lot of headache..


(emphasis mine)
Agree completely.

In addition, you have the licensing issues to deal with. Is the OS on the Dell a preinstalled OEM license? If so, it is licensed to that original Dell.
Secondly, now you have a Dell PC with no OS. 1 license, 1 PC.
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