I've got a Windows 7 machine that's about to die and I want to transfer my data to another machine, or possibly to a disk image that I would then run inside of Parallels on my Mac. I could of course install Windows 7 from scratch, but then I'd have to reinstall dozens of programs and transfer many gigabytes of data, all of which takes a huge amount of time. So I'm wondering if it's possible to make an image of my Windows installation and just ghost it onto another machine, or into a new virtual machine in Parallels. Can this be done?
asked Dec 28, 2012 at 23:34
-
You may need to reactivate it because it will see Parallels as different hardware, and Windows keys are tied to the motherboard. If you have Windows 7 retail, that will be no problem, but you cannot re-license OEM versions without paying full price for another key. tinyurl.com/ca97z47– ChrisNCommented Dec 29, 2012 at 0:23
-
Be aware that some software is device-specific and will not work if it is simply copied from one machine to another. Watch out for applications that require specific drivers or come packaged with hardware.– Dour High ArchCommented Dec 29, 2012 at 1:42
-
Both of these comments convinced me that my idea isn't worth doing, since it would still cost a chunk of cash to get new software, and it sounds like a huge hassle too. If someone reposts as an answer, I would accept it as answering my question.– Joshua FrankCommented Jan 1, 2013 at 13:13
Add a comment
|
2 Answers
You can use Acronis True Image 2013 (30 days free trial) to create a full backup of your PC.
With the same software you restore that backup on other machines.
Of course you have to re-install drivers when your hardware has changed.This article states that Parallels can import Acronis Backups.
(Since I don't own a Mac I can't tell you how well both software act together)
The answers and comments made me decide that this approach is far too messy and I just opted to reinstall everything from scratch. Thanks to all contributors for their input.
answered Jan 19, 2013 at 15:05