Imaging a drive for new computers

[lan101]

Hello guys,

I am in a little bind here with a company I am working for. They have 2 old computers I am replacing with 2 new ones. All are windows xp professional.

The old ones were custom made. The new ones are Hp DC7700's. I have ran into some problems with outlook express 2007 settings and etc. Several other small issues are coming up. I am tired of dealing with it to be honest, so I thought maybe if we just start from scratch and image the old drives to the new would possibly work.

I've never done imaging before in this fashion. Is it even possible? All the hardware is obviously different.




They have a small domain and a server with windows 2003 server. There are a few glitches there too. One thing is, they can't open date and time without "permission" I thought this might be because the computer names are different.

So my question is can we image, or is it just gonna be worse?

I have found a program that supposedly transfer all "Outlook" data to a new computer, so I thought about giving that a try. I am also afraid they are gonna run into other things.

If there is anything else you need to know, let me know.

Thank you guys,

Landon

[16k_zx81]

Laplink PC mover.

HIW too messy if you already are having probs with the machine. Fresh install, transfer progs and data. Done. Use software and disk or connect machines via cable. Process isnt quick but results are generally pretty good

If you do want to do HIW, then Storagecraft's products are probably the best (by reputation, anyway)

[iisjman07]

Acronis has a hardware independant imaging program, I forget what it's called. I believe o & o has a program that can do it as well which is more affordable

[lan101]

Thank you for the replies!

How long approx does laplink pc mover take. This would only a couple 40GB hard drives that are a little over half full I believe.

Are we talking more than 2 hours for each?

Thank you,

Landon

[Crgky127]

Acronis Universal Restore makes it pretty easy.

BTW this situation is exactly why one day I want every production system at my company to be a VM.

[16k_zx81]

Originally Posted by lan101

Thank you for the replies!

How long approx does laplink pc mover take. This would only a couple 40GB hard drives that are a little over half full I believe.

Are we talking more than 2 hours for each?

Thank you,

Landon

It can be quite a long process. Allow 2-4 to be on the safe side

[lan101]

ok thank you for the info.

Also does it work with outlook 2007 and transfering e-mail data?

It doesn't specifically say that on their site. It says Microsoft Office.


I didn't know if you have used it with transfering that.

Thank you,

Landon

[lan101]

it will not transfer email and settings on outlook 2007 according to a tech support from their company.

[Vicenarian]

Check out Fab's Autobackup. The paid version.

[DanB]

I would create a disk image if the settings are important to have. Fabs autobackup is a good choice if you just want the files, settings and mail of the user to seamlessly go on another install. As stated above go with the paid version.

Redo Backup is a great imaging utility that is free. It is also fairly fast. I like to keep image files before I get wild with new install. New installs on quality servers is a good time to consider using Virtual Machines as well. Makes your life so much easier when that new update takes the outlook down.