To transfer old PC apps to a fresh machine, you can use cloning software or just install Windows 10.
To transfer old PC apps to a fresh machine, you can use cloning software or just install Windows 10.
Has anyone tried using cloning software to copy old PC apps onto a fresh computer? I don't care if the OS is Windows 10, but some programs can't be re-licensed on a new machine. My only choice is to clone my hard drive, or move it and reinstall Windows 10 without breaking the settings of my current programs. Any help would be great! Charles
No, that isn't possible. Apps have to be installed with the operating system. You can't make copies of install files like that, and you generally cannot move apps from one computer's OS to another without reinstalling them there too. Additionally, it's really hard if not impossible to copy up a drive plus the whole operating system between computers.
"cloning" makes a picture of your current hard drive and moves it over. It doesn't pick specific pieces of data; even if you just copy & paste everything, you still need settings for programs like the registry, system files, or user accounts to run them correctly. While cloning works, it's usually better than just plugging in a new disk because that would also make no difference since your old disk is already gone. Neither option is recommended for a brand-new computer. Your new setup has different parts like a fresh motherboard, processor, and memory, so the operating system needs to be installed again along with all the new drivers for those hardware pieces. You might as well just call the company that makes each piece of software and tell them you want them registered on a new machine instead of your old one. They will probably give you a refund or credit for the old registration.
I feel like if we make a copy of all the data on the HD—including the settings and links to file systems—that means everything is already in there right? The only thing that changes is the serial number, I think, and when you plug it into a new motherboard, the system knows about it. So why doesn't it work for me? Since I'm retired, maybe I can't even get a lifetime license changed from my old job.
If that program checks the hard drive serial number (or maybe even the motherboard) to decide if you're licensed, copying files won't work here. You might be stuck using what you already own for now, or better yet, start asking the vendor about moving your license from one computer to another so it fits a new machine.
Moving a hard drive or copying its data from one computer to another usually results in one of three things: everything works great right away, it breaks totally, or it seems fine but you have to deal with problems for weeks. We've seen all three types happen. The first option is actually the least common. For your specific software... that's up to whether it has a license and what parts it needs in order to run on hardware like drives and motherboards. Is it just about the drive ID? Or maybe something else entirely?
What are the restrictions of licensing of the apps in question? One possible solution: Buy a samsung 2.5" ssd of sufficient capacity to hold the used contents of your current C drive. Use the samsung data migration app to move your C drive to the 2.5" ssd. This is a logical C drive mover, not a clone which is a bit for bit copy. The app and instructions can be downloaded here: Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information. www.samsung.com Then use the 2.5" ssd and try to boot on the new pc. If successful, install the motherboard and other drivers and test your critical app. Depending on what the app checks, you may or may not work. This is a relatively safe procedure since the original source remains unchanged.