cloning an os

[whatisinabuild]

i was wondering if i clone an os and my data i have on one hdd to another could i potentially put that into a different computer in order to run all the stuff off of there instead of my current computer? i want to be able to save all the stuff i have onto a different drive so that when i build a new pc i can easily start up from where i left of without any issue. also idk if that is frowned upon by windows or not and i want to make sure. im assuming it is but i might as well ask.

 

[CountMike]

You'd run into all kinds of problems if you transfer OS disk on another platform. If they are sufficiently different it might not even boot with it. Than there are problems with drivers and Windows licensing.

 

[sosolola]

what if I clone the OS to onother computer with same kind of motherboard CPU and GPU ?
and then only buy a new key ?
any drivers proplems ?

 

[CountMike]

It doesn't matter what you clone it on, Clone is just what it the word implies, exactly same as it was on first disk you cloned from.
Best way is to install new Windows on new HW. If you have W7 with retail license, you can install on new MB (that's the part that is tied to the license). If it's OEM version it's not normally transferable. You can also install W10 using registration from W7 retail.

 

[ArtPog]

First of all it is assumed that generic NON-OEM PCs are involved here in terms of both the "old" PC and the "new" PC. If you're dealing with one or both OEM machines what I indicate here is NOT applicable.

That being the case...

Go right ahead and install your "old" HDD or SSD in the new PC. If you prefer to clone that disk and use the cloned disk for installation in the new PC then use the clone for that purpose. Ideally it should be the only drive installed in the new PC at this time. Presumably you'll be connecting the drive to the motherboard's first SATA connector usually designated SATA 0 or SATA 1.

(BTW, your tentative decision to clone your drive and use the cloned drive as the transferred disk is a wise one. ALWAYS, when possible, use a cloned drive when attempting major configuration changes either in a current or different system.)

Assuming that the disk you plan to install in the new PC is non-defective and contains a viable OS there's a strong likelihood that the system will boot to that drive and the data on that drive will be accessible. Is it 100% reliable? Not by a long shot. BUT IT'S WORTH A TRY. (I'm assuming, of course, you're working with a "modern" Windows OS, e.g., Win 7, 8, or 8.1).

Generally speaking Windows is very good at picking up the drivers the system needs, however, it may be necessary to install this or that additional driver the new system needs from your new PC motherboard's installation CD/DVD.

By & by there probably will be a need to activate the new system so have your OS product ID handy.