[queasy27]

Is it possible to set up a new computer by using the "restore from backup" function and copying over my current unit's mirror image backup? This will be Windows 7 to Windows 7, but the old unit is 36 bit and new one is 64.

If not, is there another way to accomplish this? How much does the Windows Easy Transfer utility bring over?

I'd like to avoid spending hours reinstalling software and reconfiguring a hundred system preferences on the new machine. I'm concerned about system and user settings, not my files.

[JerryLBell]

It might work, but won't be without its problems. Your old computer is likely to have a different mix of hardware than the new one, so the drivers will all be different. Windows might be smart enough to drop back to generic drivers (such as a lower resolution video driver) or to find appropriate drivers (though you might have to have a Windows 7 disc in the drive or be lucky enough for the network drivers to work and allow Windows to look for the other drivers on the internet). However, if the hardware is different enough, you might not get this far. Also, Windows tends to look at your combination of hardware and may decide that the new one is different enough to be a genuinely different computer (which it is, of course) and not work until you buy a new license.

I've never tried the Windows Easy Transfer and can't comment on its usefulness or lack thereof. I've always been one to re-install everything from scratch whenever I moved to a new computer. But then I'm a software developer and general computer nerd and actually kind of enjoy doing that kind of thing.

Are there any computer clubs in The Villages you could take your PC to and get help from? (I own a home in TV but won't be living there until I retire, hopefully soon!)

Good luck!

[villagetinker]

Try contacting the Connected Villager computer club, they have a couple of people that will help you. There are also some companies in the area that may be able to help.
On a personal note, I have upgraded computers too many times to count, and I have always dreaded the experience. What I have done is to have both PCs next to each other, reinstall the software from the original disks, do any upgrades, and make sure everything is working. Then transfer over you work files, either by thumb drive or a USB to USB TRANSFER cable. It has been several years since I used the windows file transfer wizard, but as I recall this is for data files only, you cannot transfer installed software.
Once you have the new PC working with you new software and files, then manually transfer the missing files with your personalization's. This will probably take some time and effort as these files tend to be very well hidden.
The current versions are so complicated that I know of no way to accomplish what you want to do.

There are several people on this site that are much more knowledgeable that I on the details of windows and I am hoping that they reply with additional information.

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by queasy27

Is it possible to set up a new computer by using the "restore from backup" function and copying over my current unit's mirror image backup?

You are way ahead of me - I have never managed to make a mirror image backup. I always get a "broken pipe" error message and nothing I do ever fixes it.

Good luck in your endeavor, although I suspect that using your original disks will end up being your best, and most reliable, option.

[queasy27]

Thanks, all. I'm thinking that copying over my user profile would bring most of my UI preferences, so that's a start. I may buy transfer software; the paid version I'm looking at promises that 32-to-64 bit transfers aren't a problem and it also copies software installations.

The transfer software worked perfectly before when I installed a new hard drive, but that was a copy from the same computer. As you say, I think the different drivers and other system hardware would be problematic for what I'm trying to do here.

I do have a good computer repair person I trust, but he just uses a transfer program so it seems like I should be able to do the same thing!

Anyway, what surprised me is that I bought the new laptop directly from the manufacturer and it still comes with Windows 7 Pro installed (and a certificate to upgrade to 10). Which suits me because that would add another layer of problems for any transfer.

On another note, does anyone use a VPN client and have recommendations? I use one specifically set up to my company's network, but want to install one that will connect to servers in different countries.

[Stdole]

Just as a side note for future buyers .... Apple Stores
will do the transfer for you and erase the old computer of all data for a fee of $99.00... You can check your new computer before you leave the Apple Store to make sure all is OK... I have used this service twice and works fine for you and a lot of items they take care of from the start... worth the worry for me!

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by Stdole

Just as a side note for future buyers .... Apple Stores
will do the transfer for you and erase the old computer of all data for a fee of $99.00... You can check your new computer before you leave the Apple Store to make sure all is OK... I have used this service twice and works fine for you and a lot of items they take care of from the start... worth the worry for me!

Is there a store selling apple that's closer than Orlando?

[Biker Dog]

I have used Windows Easy Transfer from old laptop to new laptop both using Windows7 and the old one 32bit, new one 64bit. All work fine after the transfer. Good Luck. If you have a problem with it, download free program "take ownership" and run it on the new laptop.

[queasy27]

Originally Posted by Biker Dog

I have used Windows Easy Transfer from old laptop to new laptop both using Windows7 and the old one 32bit, new one 64bit. All work fine after the transfer. Good Luck. If you have a problem with it, download free program "take ownership" and run it on the new laptop.

Thank you! That's encouraging. Did you need to buy a transfer cable?

[rexxfan]

I've had success doing this sort of thing with the Macrium Reflect Home disk imaging product. You can restore an image backup from one machine to a different machine using the product's "redeploy to new hardware" option. The downside is it costs $69.95 (but it is one heck of a good imaging product, so for me it was worth it). Of course if you restore a backed up Windows system to a new one with markedly different hardware, you may have to jump through a few hoops to get it to activate with Microsoft, but I've never had that fail. It just takes a bit of time to go through their (now mostly automated) process to prove you're not a pirate ;-)
--
Bob C

[duhbear]

Originally Posted by queasy27

On another note, does anyone use a VPN client and have recommendations? I use one specifically set up to my company's network, but want to install one that will connect to servers in different countries.

Yes Hide My Ass (VPN Service - Top-rated VPN | Hide My Ass!), reasonably priced, servers all over the world and fast.