Moving win8.1 install to new pc....sysprep?

[Banzai_Joe]

Hi all,
so basically i've changed everything in my works pc except the SSD, which has win8.1 on it.
I want to simply move the drive across to the new pc.
I've done this loads of times in the past with win7 using acronis.

But on revisiting this i wonder if there's a better way for win8.1.
I have loads of software installed that could really do without a reinstall, hence the need to move the SSD across.

I was thinking maybe a syprep whereby it strips out the main drivers as the new mobo, although another Asus is of a completely different chipset anyway.
Never really got the hang of sysprep but would like to if its the best way to do it.
I know most answers will be "back up your SSD, put it into your new pc and see what happens" Re-activation of windows isn't a problem, same goes for office installation. Everything esle should be fine.
Just don't want any driver issues.

Advice appreciated, thanks

 

[Devrij]

W8.1 does have a "reset" or "refresh" option where you can strip out all installed software and leave the data, or just refresh the whole OS to default without the ballache of a full reinstall.

I also recommend doing a fresh install, get all your default progs etc installed, everything set up how you like it, and then back that up. Then you can just start afresh in situations like this, but without the legwork of installing chrome/MSI Afterburner/all your other crap.

 

[Ploppy2k3]

systprep strips out all machine specific information like name, SID etc not the drivers.

Solution like Acronis allow you to restore to different hardware by injecting drivers in to the image that support nearly all basic functions especially drive controllers.

sysprep is incredably useful but not just for 1 machine.

 

[Imdur]

I wish I'd read this yesterday. I just changed hardware around and windows wouldn't boot (it has in the past). Just blanked the drive for a new Win 8.1 installation