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So the title pretty much says what I'm trying to do. Not sure how to accomplish. I know there are programs out there (norton ghost, etc) but what I can't figure out is if they are made for doing what I am trying to do.

Do I need something like,

????

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@jamst149 — moving an existing laptop install onto a desktop drive is doable, but there are three practical points to plan for: prepare the Windows installation so it will re-detect different hardware, move the bits (image/restore or file copy), and repair/adapt the target system so it can actually boot. is right that a straight copy can leave Windows confused; the steps below show how to reduce that risk and what to do if it still fails.

First, prepare the source system. Back the laptop up first. Use the Windows System Preparation tool (Sysprep) or the equivalent “generalize” step for your OS so the install will drop hardware-specific IDs and prompt for driver detection on first boot. Also install or stage the desktop’s storage controller driver on the laptop beforehand if possible — that avoids the common ‘inaccessible boot device’ error when you move from an IDE laptop controller to a SATA/AHCI desktop controller.

Second, move the image and restore it to the desktop drive with an imaging tool that can restore to different hardware (look for a “restore to dissimilar hardware” or “universal restore” feature). After restore make sure the destination partition is set active, the MBR/boot sector is correct, and BIOS SATA mode matches what Windows expects (IDE/compatibility vs AHCI). If Windows won’t start, use the recovery console / repair tools to run fixmbr/fixboot or run a startup repair; safe mode can let you finish driver installs.

Finally, remember licensing and practicalities: OEM Windows keys generally don’t transfer between machines, and running the same installation on two computers concurrently isn’t supported. If you want the cleanest, most reliable result (and full driver/activation compliance), a fresh install on the desktop and copying user data is often faster than fighting driver and activation problems.

Member Avatar for Eric132

Hi jamst149,

They do exactly what you want. Personnally I use Power Quest's Drive Image. A great piece of software. :) You may also need an adapter IDE cable to connect the 2.5 drive to a 3.5 interface. :eek:

Regards
Eric132

Member Avatar for Member #136861

I guess I am hoping someone might explain the process. I can't seem to figure out all the details.

Right now I have a 2.5" laptop HD. I want to clone that computer to the 3.5" SATA which will then go in a destop PC. So basically I am trying to clone that OS. Can I do that and use it on both pc's?

So I think I need 2 things, correct? 1) a way to connect the laptop to the presumably bare SATA HD. 2) a software program like the 2 mentioned so far that will then clone it via the cable to the SATA.

So it would seem the easiest way to do this would be to buy a usb to sata cable?

Member Avatar for Eric132

Hi jamst149,
It's not just as simple as that.
If you were to clone the drive over unto a different PC then when you would re-start the PC, Winblows would find lots of new hardware and may get itself into a bit of a twist. It would be looking for driver discs for all the new internal devices in the PC which you would need to have at hand.
A simpler way may be to install a new OS onto the PC (not the laptop) and by means of a USB cable and HUB or even a (1Gb) USB Pen Drive be able to transfer all the required files that you want over from the laptop to the PC.
When you install say WIN XP onto a new drive it automatically installs all the drivers for the new found hardware from the install CD.

regards
Eric132

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Once you have put Winblows and your applications onto the PC you could use a 1Gb USB pen drive to transfer the required data files.

Regards

Eric132

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