[SOLVED] Is there any way to copy contents of a hard drive without copying windows?

[MParsons6900]

Hi there, I am very aware of copying a harddrive with something like EaseUS or any other software clone, but as I am copying data and creating a new system for my grandfather, I was wondering if there was any way to do it so that his files are easier to get to? Or is he just going to have to get used to the extra layer like the rest of us? 😆

Edit: Forgot to mention I will be using a small boot drive as well so that's why I wont need windows on that new hard drive.

 

[USAFRet]

Hi there, I am very aware of copying a harddrive with something like EaseUS or any other software clone, but as I am copying data and creating a new system for my grandfather, I was wondering if there was any way to do it so that his files are easier to get to? Or is he just going to have to get used to the extra layer like the rest of us? 😆

Copying WHAT, specifically?

Just personal files? Generally no problem. Details to follow if needed.
Applications? No...won't work.

 

[SchizTech]

Get a SATA enclosure and once the new system is otherwise complete, put the old HDD in there and copy the files into his new account.

 

[MParsons6900]

Copying WHAT, specifically?

Just personal files? Generally no problem. Details to follow if needed.
Applications? No...won't work.

I usually just image the whole drive so that's what I'm probably gonna have to do if I don't want to spend hours reinstalling his applications correct?

 

[SchizTech]

If this is a new build with different parts transplanting an os from a different system isn't recommended. Drivers will not be the same from one system to another and you'll be copying whatever little bugs he has in a system that's been run for however long has accumulated. The best performance will result from a fresh install.

 

[USAFRet]

I usually just image the whole drive so that's what I'm probably gonna have to do if I don't want to spend hours reinstalling his applications correct?

Going into all new hardware, that is strongly unrecommended.

The new system needs a new OS install. And along with that, reinstall all the applications.

 

[USAFRet]

Edit: Forgot to mention I will be using a small boot drive as well so that's why I wont need windows on that new hard drive.

OK, so what do you mean here?

You can't "migrate" the applications from the old system and have the new OS use them. Doesn't work like that.

 

[MParsons6900]

Going into all new hardware, that is strongly unrecommended.

The new system needs a new OS install. And along with that, reinstall all the applications.

omg I'm sorry, I will have the active OS on a separate SSD

 

[MParsons6900]

If this is a new build with different parts transplanting an os from a different system isn't recommended. Drivers will not be the same from one system to another and you'll be copying whatever little bugs he has in a system that's been run for however long has accumulated. The best performance will result from a fresh install.

it will be a new system but with a fresh OS on a separate SSD

 

[USAFRet]

it will be a new system but with a fresh OS on a separate SSD

So then the ONLY thing you can copy is any personal files.
Applications WILL NOT WORK.

 

[MParsons6900]

So then the ONLY thing you can copy is any personal files.
Applications WILL NOT WORK.

so the best option would be to just hand copy the files over to the new hard drive?

 

[USAFRet]

so the best option would be to just hand copy the files over to the new hard drive?

Yes.
And NOT the whole "Library" Doc/Photo/Music/etc.
The individual files within.

The easiest way is with a sufficiently large USB drive. HDD/SSD/flash drive.
Copy it all to that while the old system is still running.