I've been watching youtube videos on how to transfer, but I am getting confused. I want to transfer my old HDD that came with windows 8 from a pre-built to a completely new rig. I've seen "sysprep" but not sure what that does. I've also seen a video for manually clearing all drivers. I also prefer to keep all my files and programs etc... Not really sure how those processes work and it would be great if someone could explain them to me.
How to safely transfer over old HDD to new PC Build?
- Thread starter jpex123
- Start date
Solution
CountMike
Titan
- Oct 31, 2015
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Chances are that if you just stick old drive in new machine it would boot from it and than you can change drivers for new stuff. Just in case it doesn't coplete boot from it, download same version of windows you have, make a bootable USB stick with it and if needed you can boot from it and do repair install choosing to keep your files , programs and settings. That may not keep all of your universal APPs but you can always download them again.
1. First of all it would have helped immensely if you had provided details re your new system and your precise objective in utilizing ("transferring") an "old HDD" from a "pre-built" system to a new system.
2. What do mean when you refer to a "pre-built" system? Was this a self-built generic type of PC or was it an OEM machine? Presumably the "old HDD" served as the boot drive (Win 8/8.1) in that system, right?
3. Re this "completely new rig"...is this an updating of the old PC (new motherboard, new CPU, various other components) or an entirely new system?
4. We'll assume that you plan to utilize the "old" HDD as the boot drive in the new system and NOT as a secondary drive. Presumably it contains a viable OS (hopefully Win 8.1 and NOT Win 8), i.e., it is non-defective, was bootable, and functioned problem-free in the old PC.
5. That being the case, as CountMike has pointed out, it's conceivable - even likely - that you can install that disk in your new build and it will boot & function just fine in the new system.
6. As a general proposition we have found the chances of a successful transfer increase when...
1. Both the old & new PCs are non-OEM machines, and,
2. Both PCs are either Intel-based or AMD-based systems.
Understand the above are not "hard & fast" rules. We've successfully transferred systems in spite of the above "criteria" not being met, especially in situations where the old PC is a OEM machine but the new PC is a non-OEM machine. But when all is said & done it's something of a crapshoot.
Obviously there are no guarantees that the transfer will be successful but it's worth a shot. There's little to lose since you always retain the option of fresh-installing the OS together with all your programs.
So if by undertaking this transfer you're fortunate enough to gain a bootable, functional system as a result, you will, of course have all your programs, personal data, etc. available without going through that rather onerous task of installing a new system.
Obviously you may have to install different drivers of one type or another in the new system but of course these will be available from your new motherboard's driver installation CD. And you may be pleasantly surprised at Windows (Microsoft's) ability to pick up & install whatever drivers are necessary for your new installation without user intervention.
Now another piece of advice...
IF YOU DO DECIDE TO UNDERTAKE THIS TRANSFER ATTEMPT WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT BEFORE DOING SO YOU CLONE THE CONTENTS OF THE DRIVE TO BE TRANSFERRED. SHOULD THE TRANSFER OPERATION FAIL (NOT AN UNUSUAL EVENT!), THE NEW SYSTEM MIGHT - REPEAT MIGHT - MODIFY THE DRIVE'S OS IN SUCH A FASHION THAT THE OLD DRIVE'S OS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED, RESULTING IN AN UNBOOTABLE OS IF & WHEN THE DRIVE IS RE:INSTALLED BACK IN THE OLD PC. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SITUATION IN RARE CASES. HOWEVER, THE DRIVE'S NON-OS DATA SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED. AT LEAST WE'VE NEVER RUN INTO THAT SITUATION.
We've undertaken successful transfers of the type described many times and we nearly always undertake this option when circumstances permit, i.e. the above criteria I mentioned above are met.
And you do understand that you will probably need a new license for the new system so that it will be activated. But possibly not.
Let us know how the transfer went and provide some details about the two PCs involved.
2. What do mean when you refer to a "pre-built" system? Was this a self-built generic type of PC or was it an OEM machine? Presumably the "old HDD" served as the boot drive (Win 8/8.1) in that system, right?
3. Re this "completely new rig"...is this an updating of the old PC (new motherboard, new CPU, various other components) or an entirely new system?
4. We'll assume that you plan to utilize the "old" HDD as the boot drive in the new system and NOT as a secondary drive. Presumably it contains a viable OS (hopefully Win 8.1 and NOT Win 8), i.e., it is non-defective, was bootable, and functioned problem-free in the old PC.
5. That being the case, as CountMike has pointed out, it's conceivable - even likely - that you can install that disk in your new build and it will boot & function just fine in the new system.
6. As a general proposition we have found the chances of a successful transfer increase when...
1. Both the old & new PCs are non-OEM machines, and,
2. Both PCs are either Intel-based or AMD-based systems.
Understand the above are not "hard & fast" rules. We've successfully transferred systems in spite of the above "criteria" not being met, especially in situations where the old PC is a OEM machine but the new PC is a non-OEM machine. But when all is said & done it's something of a crapshoot.
Obviously there are no guarantees that the transfer will be successful but it's worth a shot. There's little to lose since you always retain the option of fresh-installing the OS together with all your programs.
So if by undertaking this transfer you're fortunate enough to gain a bootable, functional system as a result, you will, of course have all your programs, personal data, etc. available without going through that rather onerous task of installing a new system.
Obviously you may have to install different drivers of one type or another in the new system but of course these will be available from your new motherboard's driver installation CD. And you may be pleasantly surprised at Windows (Microsoft's) ability to pick up & install whatever drivers are necessary for your new installation without user intervention.
Now another piece of advice...
IF YOU DO DECIDE TO UNDERTAKE THIS TRANSFER ATTEMPT WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT BEFORE DOING SO YOU CLONE THE CONTENTS OF THE DRIVE TO BE TRANSFERRED. SHOULD THE TRANSFER OPERATION FAIL (NOT AN UNUSUAL EVENT!), THE NEW SYSTEM MIGHT - REPEAT MIGHT - MODIFY THE DRIVE'S OS IN SUCH A FASHION THAT THE OLD DRIVE'S OS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED, RESULTING IN AN UNBOOTABLE OS IF & WHEN THE DRIVE IS RE:INSTALLED BACK IN THE OLD PC. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SITUATION IN RARE CASES. HOWEVER, THE DRIVE'S NON-OS DATA SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED. AT LEAST WE'VE NEVER RUN INTO THAT SITUATION.
We've undertaken successful transfers of the type described many times and we nearly always undertake this option when circumstances permit, i.e. the above criteria I mentioned above are met.
And you do understand that you will probably need a new license for the new system so that it will be activated. But possibly not.
Let us know how the transfer went and provide some details about the two PCs involved.
All you can do is attempt the transfer and hope for the best.
If you're fortunate enough for the transfer to succeed and the result is a bootable, functional system without any problems...count your blessings.
In that event, however, since the "source" PC is an OEM machine it's virtually certain you will have to purchase a new license for the OS in order for the system to be activated.
If you're fortunate enough for the transfer to succeed and the result is a bootable, functional system without any problems...count your blessings.
In that event, however, since the "source" PC is an OEM machine it's virtually certain you will have to purchase a new license for the OS in order for the system to be activated.
RetiredChief
Judicious
- Feb 22, 2007
- 8,528
- 1
- 32,960
on Xfer of windows from OEM -> New "Home" built
From Good old uSoft
Quote
OEM :
OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
As it pertains to the OEM licenses this will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous base qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license. If the base qualifying license (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) was a full retail version, then yes, you can transfer it.
End quote.
Bottom Line if I read this correctly is A) if he used Windows Upgrade then that lic would be tied to The Win 8.1 Lic B) if he bought a win 10 ful version and did a Upgrade then the Lic would carry over to the "New" Computer as LONG as it is not in use on Old computer.
That Said It would still be worth a shot to use the Win 10 Upgrade on OEM computer, then transfer the Drive to New computer - Worse case is it would not activate in which case he/she could initiate a "chat" with uSoft stating that the OLD Computer DIED 9PS uSoft support are often very forging.
PS I just recently had to do this.
From Good old uSoft
Quote
OEM :
OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
As it pertains to the OEM licenses this will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous base qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license. If the base qualifying license (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) was a full retail version, then yes, you can transfer it.
End quote.
Bottom Line if I read this correctly is A) if he used Windows Upgrade then that lic would be tied to The Win 8.1 Lic B) if he bought a win 10 ful version and did a Upgrade then the Lic would carry over to the "New" Computer as LONG as it is not in use on Old computer.
That Said It would still be worth a shot to use the Win 10 Upgrade on OEM computer, then transfer the Drive to New computer - Worse case is it would not activate in which case he/she could initiate a "chat" with uSoft stating that the OLD Computer DIED 9PS uSoft support are often very forging.
PS I just recently had to do this.
CountMike
Titan
- Oct 31, 2015
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There is an option in later W10 versions for "Activation assistant". If one has W10 upgraded from licensed W7 or 8/8.1 with MS account it almost 100% can be licensed with "Digital activation" on MS server. That's how W10 is licensed now.
RetiredChief
Judicious
- Feb 22, 2007
- 8,528
- 1
- 32,960
CountMike
You are correct in what you said; However Not sure that it works when the Original computer was a OEM and upgraded to win 10. Yes Current version of 10 has an activation assistant. That assistant is what I used when I had to transfer my OS drive from computer that died to NEW Build (Replaced MB/CPU/Ram). I then re-installed windows on a different SSD and windows would NOT activate - Used uSoft Support Chat who not only activated my Win 10 they also upgraded it to Pro (LOLs)
Anyway; Hence, my bottom line comment was TRY it, Worse case is if it didn't activate and uSoft support did NOT re-activate (and uSoft support is normally very accommodating) - Then would have to buy a lic - BUT I think He'll make out alright.
Added: My Office 13 activated without hitch
You are correct in what you said; However Not sure that it works when the Original computer was a OEM and upgraded to win 10. Yes Current version of 10 has an activation assistant. That assistant is what I used when I had to transfer my OS drive from computer that died to NEW Build (Replaced MB/CPU/Ram). I then re-installed windows on a different SSD and windows would NOT activate - Used uSoft Support Chat who not only activated my Win 10 they also upgraded it to Pro (LOLs)
Anyway; Hence, my bottom line comment was TRY it, Worse case is if it didn't activate and uSoft support did NOT re-activate (and uSoft support is normally very accommodating) - Then would have to buy a lic - BUT I think He'll make out alright.
Added: My Office 13 activated without hitch
CountMike
Titan
- Oct 31, 2015
- 35,676
- 3,838
- 147,990
Yes, try, there's nothing to loose. I just licensed W10 on a spare machine, a Phenom II I haven't used a while which started with OEM W7, got a cheap upgrade to W8 > 8.1 and than W10 for free. It go a proper digital activation immediately as soon as I signed in with my long standing (since 1990s) MS account. Can't be sure if it was because of that but it worked.
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