Rebuilding Windows Quickly and Easily

Subliminal Aura · 15 Apr 2007 at 20:41

Boy do I hate windows and it's annual / bi annual reformat timetable.

I only have 1 windows machine left which unfortunately I can't shake.

SOOoooooooooooooooooo

What is the easiest why to transport a windows installation with apps / personal settings to a new hardware platform ? Do I have to re-install and then install drivers / software ? Is there an easier way ? I'm fed up of doing this.

Linux by contrast is simple : rsync + kernel fidgeting and your done within 30mins~1hr with all your settings and apps preserved. Wish I could do something similar with windows.

the-void · 15 Apr 2007 at 20:46

The easiest way to transport a windows apps to a new hardware platform is to remove the HDD with the windows installation on and stick it in the new machine, cross your fingers and hope. Of course this will not work at all if you are moving from AMD to Intel or from Intel to AMD. I would also recommend removing all motherboard and graphics card drivers prior to the switch.

Other than that, I'm afraid its a format, install drivers, install applications.

Subliminal Aura · 15 Apr 2007 at 20:49

wtf ? Don't think windows would like that : Doesn't it barf at major hardware changes ?

Also I'm sure the boot header on the disk would need to be rewritten so that the BIOS of the new machine knows where the kernel is.

csmager · 15 Apr 2007 at 20:53

Subliminal Aura said:
wtf ? Don't think windows would like that : Doesn't it barf at major hardware changes ?

Also I'm sure the boot header on the disk would need to be rewritten so that the BIOS of the new machine knows where the kernel is.

The MBR knows what to boot. All you do is tell the BIOS which disc to look for the MBR on.

I've done the above before, worked fine. Remove drivers first, boot on new machine, install new drivers. End of. It can end up as a mess, but it can certainly work.

|Ric| · 15 Apr 2007 at 21:05

If this blue screens when you try and boot you can then do a repair install which will keep all your settings. You just lose any hotfixes.

bledd · 15 Apr 2007 at 21:38

the-void said:
The easiest way to transport a windows apps to a new hardware platform is to remove the HDD with the windows installation on and stick it in the new machine, cross your fingers and hope.

thats just asking for trouble!