Transfering data between installs

[p0ss3s3d]

Just wanted to check something on here before I go and loose all my data .

Basically my Windows 7 RC runs out this (next) weekend so I need to transfer my data and programs to a new install. Perhaps there is an easier way of doing this. Ideally I wouldn't even need to reinstall the software but IIRC you can't do this with W7 to RC?

Here is a basic plan of what I hope to do.
Create a 200gb partition on my drive then transfer all my important documents to this alongside all the music and program installs can I then format the one partition and install a new copy of Windows 7 on the larger 800gb partition. Then I should be able to drag and drop the files from the small partition back to my new install.

I'll obviously be reinstalling most programs for a fresh install but I know with older games I used to run the installer then drag the files I have ATM in the program files and overwrite the 'new' game files to return to my original install. Does anyone know if this still works with my three main programs CS4, Lightroom 2.1 and Ableton 5 becuase I have them configured just how I need them.

It would've been nice to just use the external hdd, but ATM it's full of 3500 RAW files plus my documents.

Perhaps there is an easier way to do this? Perhaps it's now possible to migrate an install? Anyone got a good idea of what an ideal route to take would be?

 

[Randomface74]

The easiest way:

1. Buy a new hard disk.
2. Install windows 7 on it.
3. Put your old hard disk in as a slave.
4. Copy any files you want to keep from the old to the new.
5. Reinstall your programs on your new drive. (no you cant copy them)
6. Remove your old drive, and stash it somewhere.

This means if anything goes wrong, you can put your old drive back in and you're good to go.

 

[mrk]

If you reinstall Win7 over the existing install, (a fresh install basically but without formatting the drive first) then the installer will put all of the program files folders and unchanged user locations into Windows.old on the root of the install drive.

This makes it easy to manually move over what you want to keep afterwards.

Alternatively Windows backup and restore will easily move your documents, programs and settings to a backup location and restore back once reinstalled.

I prefer to use the first option as it means you get more control over the process.

At the end just delete Windows.old and then defrag the drive, you'll have the drive in as good a shape as a format>reinstall then.

 

[p0ss3s3d]

The easiest way:

1. Buy a new hard disk.
2. Install windows 7 on it.
3. Put your old hard disk in as a slave.
4. Copy any files you want to keep from the old to the new.
5. Reinstall your programs on your new drive.
6. Format your old drive.

It would be, however ATM I've not got the money for a new drive. My second HDD broke (7200.11).

If you reinstall Win7 over the existing install, (a fresh install basically but without formatting the drive first) then the installer will put all of the program files folders and unchanged user locations into Windows.old on the root of the install drive.

This makes it easy to manually move over what you want to keep afterwards.

Alternatively Windows backup and restore will easily move your documents, programs and settings to a backup location and restore back once reinstalled.

I prefer to use the first option as it means you get more control over the process.

At the end just delete Windows.old and then defrag the drive, you'll have the drive in as good a shape as a format>reinstall then.

Sounds good to me. I'll just have a quick read up on that and do that this evening.