Clone a PC effectively

what do you mean clone?

you want your data to be present on the new computer?

or do you want an image file?

if you want the latter have a look at BartPE
that will help you create an iso..

you could use the vmware desktop and try to virualize it on your new computer..

or you could just copy the data using a network cable and a switch / hub

the thing that normally causes problems with cloning machines is different hardware - if it clones the drivers from the old machine the new machine must have the same hardware or you are going to run into all kinds of problems, and that's even if the new machine boots at all.

can't you reinstall all the apps on the new machine and then do a windows easy transfer? it think that's the least troublesome way your going to get all your data over without buggering the drivers on the new machine

Hi,

If it is a PC, then why not remove the drive from the old one and hook it up inside the new one, then you have all your stuff on a second disk inside of your new pc.
Unless you want to have your new pc running with the operating system as it was on your old pc? if this is the case, don't do it! You will cause so many more problems and headaches than you need to, I would just move your stuff other using a network or a USB drive of some sort, if you can't put the drive into your new PC.

M@

Seriously, don't try to clone the image of your old machine to the new one, it seems like a good idea, but is not worth it, start again and reinstall your apps, and copy your data across. You will thank yourself for doing it this way on the future

Ok... both new PC, new and old are XP-PRO.  Also, I need to clone because a software(s) within the old PC is a register software (and pretty old) and the problem I have is that the old PC is slow and having problems.  I can't just reinstall because some software needs re-registering and the programmer(s) is being difficult with issuing new registration key.

The purpose of the c;lone is just to use the current apps/data from the old PC in the new fast PC,

How can I do this with the least of problem and with EE insight on the matter

Thank you all

what is the program you need the key from?

Your new Dell will come with a preinstalled OS anyway, would it not? And this will be Windows 7.
I recommend you clone your old system into a virtual machine which you could then run as XP inside Windows 7.

The tool I recommended (Paragon Drive Copy) is specialized in converting systems to virtual machines. Windows 7 is specialized in hosting virtual machines for XP compatibility.

I think this way you will profit most a) from your old software, and b) from your new hardware and OS.

The keys are from old programs; custom made by different programmers, its not a software house.

Setting up in virtual machine its not an option since the software(s) are directed to lpt/com ports.

I',m more prone to clone the software.

We'll begin testing the apps recommended here, but based on all your experiences, the software recommended, which will be less trouble for the cloning of a disk:

  -  BartPE
  -  Disk-copy
  -  Paragon
  -  Acronis

Really appreciate all you guys input.

For simply cloning a drive, Disk Copy by Easeus is ideal.
But you don't want a simple clone (which would entail identical hardware), you want to adapt the clone to a completely new system. This is what Paragon and Acronis promise to do, Paragon being quite a bit cheaper, if I remember correctly.

Note: For reusing a clone on different hardware, Acronis True Image (as recommended) will most likely not suffice. You need a version of True Image with Acronis Universal Restore.

Finally... is there any free software regarding cloning?

Did you have a problem getting the Acronis free trial?

i can download all, but they are trials with limitation.... is there anything free?

The free trial might be limited but cloning a hard drive is not one of them.

ok... you mean I can can fully clone my old PC to my Dell new disk with the Acronis free trial?

Yes you can.

ok will try

Post back if the cloned drive doesn't boot.

ok thanx! ... will do!

"ok... you mean I can can fully clone my old PC to my Dell new disk with the Acronis free trial?" - you can clone it but you cannot boot from this drive on new PC cause you will have to purchase Universal Restore package.
With Drive Backup 10 trial you can clone the drive while in Windows and apply Adjust OS to it so to disable all HP drivers leaving only generic once and then boot the Dell PC from this drive.

So to be clear, after running "Acronis free trial" it will not boot the new drive unless purchase?

Also, Drive Backup 10 trial, I can clone and boot the drive?

(Kind'a confuse here... please advice)

You cannot go wrong following the suggestion from noxcho. In fact the next time I clone a drive I am going to give it a try.
Just get the Drive Backup 10 trial and give it a shot. What have you got to lose?

sorry but I would go for virtual.. ltp and com ports can be mapped easily... I've done a bunch of legacy programs that we have to keep runable..