[PLUG] OT: Transferring image of Windows system from one computerto another

Aaron Burt aaron at bavariati.org
Mon Apr 23 16:36:19 UTC 2007


On Sun, Apr 22, 2007 at 06:45:26PM -0700, William A Morita wrote:
<snip>
> I strongly suggest that you download and run the Belarc Advisor
> http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
> This will scan the entire HW and SW for the XP system and give you a listing
> of:
> 	Hardware present
> 	Software present (including product keys) and MS updates.
> I use this to document (hard copy) all of my Windows based systems.

I just wanted to say "me too" to William's fine advice; Belarc looks
like a nifty tool that I hope I won't have to use, but probably will.

As for Winders in general, I'd STRONGLY recommend you plan on doing a
fresh install on the new box and copy the data over.  Just as the gods
need blood sacrifices every once in a while, Windows needs a good
wipe-and-reinstall every 6-18 months.

Allocate 5-8 hours for the OS install, OS patching, SW install and SW
patching.  Then another 2 hours to get the data and the settings in the
right places.  Finally, save another hour for handholding and
getting-acquainted, because things will NOT be the same as before, and
that will be frightening for the user.

If that sounds like as much work as a Linux conversion, it is, sorta,
except that Ubuntu 7.04 will do it all in less than half the time.

And I suspect Wine runs Windows apps better than Vista does,
  Aaron



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