Backing up to upgrade

[wtuck]

So. I've got a new motherboard and gpu to install and have been trying to make backups of my existing files and drivers in case something goes wrong with the new hardware. Windows will not do a system image for some reason or another. I've looked up the error codes and there seems to be a bug that prevents it from doing it. I NO LONGER CARE. My question is if i just copy some of my important files and applications to my external hdd will i be able to put them onto the new and improved system without any conflicts???????? Any help would be very appreciated.

 

[jsmithepa]

This question is asked everyday. You cannot take Windows from machine#1, move the HD to machine#2 and boot it there. You must install machine#2 from scratch from an original Windows Install Media, with the license code.

If your intention is to IMAGE machine#1, so you can go back to it, with old motherboard and everything, use any of the IMAGER app available on the web. I use Macrium myself, it's free, just requires a 512MB+ Flash as the recovery boot media. It images EVERYTHING on C: and at high compression it will reduce your backup file to 1/3 of the actual space taken.

 

[wtuck]

Not exactaly. i plan to do a complete clean install of windows. i would like to save some of my files and applications so i don't have to reinstall them. Can i copy them to my external hdd and then put them back after i have completely reinstalled windows and the new componets? I was told to try macrium and did. it wouldnt work with the same error codes.