Transwiki:Windows 2000/XP hard drive migration

Migration of a hard drive in MS Windows XP (or 2000)

(Verified under Windows XP Professional SP2 and Windows 2000 Professional SP4)

Ever tried to move a hard drive containing a Windows installation from one PC to another, and ran into the BSOD.

I will not be responsible for any direct or indirect damage to hardware, software OR for any loss or damage to data resulting from following these procedures - You've been warned!

Pre-requisites:
1. Source Wintel machine (Windows computer you want to migrate the hard drive from)

2. Destination Wintel machine (computer you want to move your hard drive to) 3. List of all components and their manufacturers in both source and destination machines, this is usually listed in hardware manufacturer manuals (This is important!)

4. Administrative access to your machines, or at least access to make changes in Device Manager (Go to Start-> Run-> type compmgmt.msc, under System Tools you will see Device Manager)

5. Ensure you have all the compatible (XP or 2000) drivers (including Chipset and especially network card) for your destination hardware (I recommend downloading and saving them to your source machine under a "Drivers" folder that you will be able to find later)

6. Ensure your destination PC supports your hard drive Controller (i.e. cannot plug in IDE/PATA drive into SATA controller), and power requirements (not exceeding power supply wattage, which generally should not be a problem)


 * If you are having problems garnering information on all components, you may want to try Everest Home Edition 2.20 (free for non-business PCs) available at Major Geeks, a good place to start is the Manufacturer's website

NOTE:

1. This is not an alternative to a fresh installation, it is merely intended as a mechanism to save time migrating programs, documents and settings relatively painlessly.

2. This is not intended as a method to improve performance.

Procedure:
1. Cross-reference your lists from pre-requisite #3. Note ALL differences between the two machines.

2. Start up your source machine and log in to Windows.

3. Backup ALL your data including Bookmarks and Mail folders using your method of choice. (beyond scope of this article)

4. Launch Device Manager and check through your differences.

5. Navigate to the right-hand pane. (You should see your computer's name at the top of the device tree next to a little computer icon) During this process do not "click Scan for hardware changes," or you might have start all over again. a. For each device that is different b. Click that device, go to the Actions menu and select Uninstall c. DO NOT restart your computer when prompted, go to step 5a.

Important devices to watch out for: • Hard drive controllers (IDE ATA/ATAPI, SATA or SCSI) • Display Adapters • System Devices • Processor • Monitor • Network Adapters

6. When you are satisfied that everything different has been uninstalled. (Since conflicting drivers could cause the dreaded BSOD) SHUTDOWN your source PC properly (Start-->Shutdown, don't just unplug it or force a shutdown). Unplug it from the electrical source.

7. Remove your hard drive carefully noting the power and data cable positions.

8. Check that your jumper settings match your destination configuration (i.e. master/slave/cable select), usually explained by hard drive manufacturer's manual.

9. Insert your hard drive into your destination PC.

10. Power up your destination PC. Log in to Windows and allow hardware to be detected. If Windows is unable to detect your hardware, direct the "Found New Hardware Wizard" to the "Drivers" folder created earlier. (Be prepared for multiple reboots)

11. Open Device Manager once your reboots have subsided and look for any yellow "?" marks. This usually means some drivers could not be properly detected. Check that you've downloaded / installed all the recommended drivers. a. Run Windows / Microsoft Update to update/resolve driver issues. Keep your fingers crossed.

Hopefully, you've had a relatively painless experience getting your destination pc up and running. --Gv103 22:15, 14 April 2007 (UTC)