How to transfer all the things: Windows 7-->Windows 7 PC?

January 8, 2015 4:54 PM

We're upgrading a work computer (both old and new have Windows 7 installed). It is ideal that we keep everything the same, including current versions of installed programs. My Windows knowledge is fuzzy at best, but my understanding is that the migration assistant that comes with it won't move programs. How do I do this?
posted by mandymanwasregistered to Computers & Internet (8 answers total)

So long as both of them are using the same CPU architecture (that is, 32-bit x86 or 64-bit x86-64), you can probably just pull the drive from the old computer and plunk it into the new one. Just remember to boot it in safe mode and run Windows Update to get the drivers worked out.

Otherwise, you're looking for a Windows drive cloning tool, of which there are many and of which I can't really recommend any. If you buy a new SSD for the upgraded machine, it may come packaged with a utility that lets you clone your existing install - Samsung 850 Pro drives, for instance, come with a Samsung-badged program that will do this. (Only onto Samsung hardware, though.)
posted by fifthrider at 4:59 PM on January 8, 2015

If the software is "portable," you can just copy the files to the new PC.

For software with an install program, it's best to do a fresh install on the new PC and then reconfigure the settings, because the installer and software may have created or changed files in directories other than the Program Files directory (drivers, registry, etc.).

Here's a Q&A from Ask Leo!: Can I move a program from one computer to another?
posted by davcoo at 6:47 PM on January 8, 2015

I have used PC Mover, mentioned in davcoo's second link, and it worked great.
posted by Melismata at 8:00 PM on January 8, 2015

If you need to bulk-install programs, start with Ninite, which will create a tiny installer that'll get you through all the installer stuff in half a minute, and downloads the whole programs mostly unattended. It covers core utilities, some open software suites, system protection, editors, browsers, players, kitchen sinks. Save your aggravation-tolerance for the big stuff.
posted by Sunburnt at 9:06 PM on January 8, 2015

Another vote for PC mover: it's $50 for a move, but it does what it says on the tin with surprisingly little hassle. Note that they also sell (or used to) a special cable, which you don't really need.
posted by Dr Dracator at 9:54 PM on January 8, 2015

In the context of this post (So long as both of them are using the same CPU architecture (that is, 32-bit x86 or 64-bit x86-64), you can probably just pull the drive from the old computer and plunk it into the new one. Just remember to boot it in safe mode and run Windows Update to get the drivers worked out) ... Windows doesn't like the CPU underneath changing, and will complain about licensing issues, so be prepared for that.
posted by harisund at 1:22 AM on January 9, 2015

It was a bit brutal and we weren't sure whether it would work, but in this case it did:
when I recently got a different Thinkpad, we made an image of the old W7 install (using nothing but the built-in Windows feature to do so, found in the Recover and Restore section of the control panel), saved it on an external HD, and then 'restored' the new laptop, using that image and the original Windows CD.

It was a complete and utter success. Everything is right here and works. Of course, a clean install is cleaner... this was dirty and VERY quick.
posted by Too-Ticky at 1:23 AM on January 9, 2015

I find a new computer is the perfect time to reinstall programs. I know you want to avoid this, but it's the prefect time to make sure everything is up-to-date, all licensed correctly, all in the best functional order, and still needed. Don't look at it like a chore, look at it as an opportunity to get a fresh start. Super-double bonus is you won't have to worry about accumulated plugins, malware, menubar bloatware, or unneeded profiles.

I really could go on for a while on why this is the better method. (You know more no than you did when you set the previous one up, so will make better choices this time around. You'll catch some of the things you missed last time. You'll learn your PC. Etc.)

It's more work, but you'll be happier in the end.
posted by cjorgensen at 9:08 AM on January 9, 2015 [1 favorite]