Solved Transfer programs and files from Dual Core to Quad Core

win7user2010

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Hi,
I have two laptops made by the same manufacturer and same year, but one is a dual core laptop with an SSD harddrive and the other is a quad core laptop with a regular hard drive. Both laptops run Windows 8.

I would like to transfer my programs and files from the dual core to the quad core. However, obviously the quad core has different hardware.

I am wondering if I simply remove the SSD from the dual core and put it into the quad core (replacing the quad's primary hard drive with the SSD) and simply boot up the quad core, would that be sufficient? Will the quad core recognize the hardware mismatch and automatically correct the drivers, while keeping my programs and files?

Or is there some other, efficient way to make the transfer? I really want to avoid having to reinstall all my programs.

Thank you
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
There are a lot of third party tools designed to move a Windows installation to new hardware. I prefer using native Windows tool Sysprep for this, mainly because the method is the one and only Microsoft supports and recommends but also because it has never failed me.

The method is described in this tutorial on our sister site the Seven Forums and works also with Windows 8: Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer - Windows 7 Help Forums. Method One in tutorial would be ideal for you for moving the SSD to new computer.

Read the information and warnings in the beginning of the tutorial carefully, especially the warning about Windows needing to be reactivated is important. Come back if you have any questions.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
I am wondering if I simply remove the SSD from the dual core and put it into the quad core (replacing the quad's primary hard drive with the SSD) and simply boot up the quad core, would that be sufficient? Will the quad core recognize the hardware mismatch and automatically correct the drivers, while keeping my programs and files?

Or is there some other, efficient way to make the transfer? I really want to avoid having to reinstall all my programs.
Yes, It should work because I've done it before. Windows 8 is more forgiving than Windows 7. Just swap the HD's and boot it up, Windows 8 will re-install all the drivers for you. However, before doing anything like this, I suggest that you make a complete back up image first with software such as Macrium Reflect Free . Check the BIOS in other Laptop (dual core) to see if it is set for AHCI or IDE, then you should set to be the same for the Quad core laptop.

Hope this helps !!!

EDIT: this will work only if both versions of windows 8 are the same, otherwise, you might have problem with the activation.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1x64PWMC Ubuntu14.04x64 MintMate17x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brewed
    CPU
    I7 4970K OC'ed @4.7 GHz
    Motherboard
    MSI-Z97
    Memory
    16 GB G-Skill Trident X @2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450
    Sound Card
    X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual HP-W2408
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    256 GB M2 sm951, (2) 500GB 850EVO, 5TB, 2 TB Seagate
    PSU
    Antec 850W
    Case
    Antec 1200
    Cooling
    Danger Den H20
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance Mouse MX
    Internet Speed
    35/12mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
thank you, I will try topgundcp's suggestion and then reply back with what happens.
I really appreciate you all taking the time to reply so quickly
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
hi, i wasn't able to try out the suggestions since I had to return the quad core notebook, but I thank you all again for your help. This thread can be closed
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
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