brand new PC

Dear PC cracks,

I´m just wondering if I can use Acronis True Image, to copy an Image of my Laptop to an external HD. I´d like to buy a new PC and would like to avoid to reinstall all application running on my old Laptop. Is this the right way to go ? I´, not a PC sepcialist - just a user and I would be verey thankfull for any advices I should follow.

Martin

 

Yes you can, however you will need access to your XP CD, as the new hardware will stop your imaged drive from booting.

Note that if this is to an actual new computer, rather than just a new hardrive for your laptop, you need to consider the licences of your installed software.

Anyhow, with the new machine; after restoring the image on the drive, you'll need to put your XP CD in and reboot, when the options menu comes up, choose install, if all goes well, you should get a message stating that XP has found an existing installation. It will then offer you two choices; 1. Install and 2. Repair installation. Choose repair, the repair program will then wipe out all the system files and restore them with the new system hardware drivers. You will need access to your product key for XP during this.

The above is the procedure for TI home, if you are considering buying the workstation version and universal restore, in theory you will not have to play with the XP CD. I haven't used the UR software, so I can't vouch for how well it may or may not work.

Colin

 

To AVOID all problems and nightmares, I would NOT Image your Old HD, and then Restore it to a New computer. The computers are different, and have totally different Hardware (MOBO, Video Card, Sound Card, and etc).

I recommend you do a Fresh install of all applications you want on the NEW computer,... and then make a TI Image of your New HD to your External.