Transfer of OS Files

catseecoo
Senior Member

662

04-10-2016, 05:23 AM

I’m setting up a fresh computer and intend to repurpose an old one as a server. Since Linux seems suitable, I’m thinking about moving my Windows 8.1 files to a new HDD. Is this feasible with reasonable effort, or would I need to purchase Windows again?

catseecoo

04-10-2016, 05:23 AM #1

WF_Catt
Posting Freak

761

04-11-2016, 09:07 AM

Extract the Windows key from registry records.

WF_Catt

04-11-2016, 09:07 AM #2

Extract the Windows key from registry records.

JonnyB117
Member

04-20-2016, 07:23 PM

This should handle moving every file and operating system. The approach from @Gofspar is also effective.

JonnyB117

04-20-2016, 07:23 PM #3

This should handle moving every file and operating system. The approach from @Gofspar is also effective.

Zer0x_18
Member

118

04-20-2016, 09:55 PM

As long as the target disk is bigger than the HDD, you can still use Clonezilla for a flawless clone at the sector level. It feels like everything remains unchanged.

Zer0x_18

04-20-2016, 09:55 PM #4

As long as the target disk is bigger than the HDD, you can still use Clonezilla for a flawless clone at the sector level. It feels like everything remains unchanged.

Sheinigami
Member

100

04-21-2016, 04:39 AM

For cloning purposes I’d use Clonezilla, though it isn’t very intuitive for newcomers. However, since you’re transferring your setup to a different machine, I’d reinstall everything from scratch. A relocation might disrupt drivers and offers a clean slate to remove outdated components accumulated over time.

Sheinigami

04-21-2016, 04:39 AM #5