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Resolved Question

Migrating from a Dead PC

Aug 16, 2014 9:56PM PDT

I just ordered a new PC because my old PC died suddenly (bad motherboard), however its disk is OK. I thought I would be in good shape to move my data and programs, but apparently not. Does anyone have experience with software that will allow me to connect this old disk to the new PC and migrate all my files and programs (except the OS)? I would connect the old drive to the new PC using an external USP 3.0 docking station. The old PC ran Windows 7 while the new PC will run windows 8.1. I am guessing that I'm not the first person having to migrate off a dead PC. Help!!

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Best Answer

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Re: migrate
Aug 16, 2014 10:05PM PDT

For programs, the best is to simply reinstall from the original disk or setup program (if it was downloaded, it's a good opportunity to download the latest version in stead of using the older setup program you saved).
If, for some reason, you can't do that (such as "lost the disk", 'didn't save the setup program", "no longer available") you can try to copy the folder in Program Files, but it's not guaranteed to work then.

For data (like documents, pictures, music) you just copy it to its new destination using Windows Explorer or your favorite file manager. If file are copy-protected, you might have a problem.

Kees

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Answer
Programs? No.
Aug 18, 2014 2:31AM PDT

Since about 1995 the ability to move apps or programs is pretty much gone. Any file however is pretty simple and has never required an app. I put the old HDD into the new machine as a second drive or in some USB case to explore and copy over the files I want on my new PC.

All this does point to a flaw overall. That is, where is your backup system? That is, we only lose what we don't backup.
Bob

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Migrating from a Dead PC
Aug 21, 2014 11:57AM PDT

<span id="INSERTION_MARKER">Would you believe that as part of this catastrophe my backup drive crashed! It took the motherboard out too, somehow. Anybody have other suggestions?

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Re: drive
Aug 21, 2014 5:14PM PDT

If I understand you correctly, you're talking about 2 disks:
1. The internal hard disk of your old PC., still intact.
2. The (external?) disk with your backup.
Since #2 broke down, you only have #1. Now it's urgent making a copy!

The quite rare case that 2 disks break at the same time means that it makes sense to always have an extra copy, that is: orginal, backup and backup of backup. Personally, I backup my files from my regular PC across the home network to a second PC (and older PC with Windows XP) and occasionally (once in a few months) I copy everything to an external disk I keep in my desk at work.So I feel my data are rather safe.
What is your backup strategy?

Kees