Yes, Windows 7 can be cloned.
Yes, Windows 7 can be cloned.
Your Seagate Barracuda 160GB drive was previously used on a Windows 7 system. Cloning it to your new drive should preserve its state, so using it in your new build should work fine.
You'll need to restart the process. If it's an OEM model, you can't legally move it to another system under any circumstances—even if it becomes hazardous. For retail versions, moving is permitted only on a single physical machine. There are two methods that have proven effective: one involves using Acronis True Image’s ability to install on various hardware configurations, including different chipsets and CPUs; the other relies on removing all Windows drivers via Device Manager in safe mode, shutting down, and reinstalling the drive in new hardware. Be sure not to check the "delete driver" option during uninstallation. This approach may cause delays, sometimes 20–30 minutes, and can make the system appear unresponsive. It also demands having appropriate driver CDs for your new setup, particularly if it's significantly newer. If you installed it in IDE mode on the old machine and need to use SATA in AHCI or RAID, you'll have to run them in IDE. If your previous system used AHCI mode or is still running it, the new hardware will support it as well. This method generally succeeds for most cases, though results depend on many factors.