Copy Programs to new PC

[ImFromSweden1]

Hello.

 

I am going to be buying components for a new PC, so I'd like to keep all my games and stuff that's on my current HDD.

I'm going to install Windows on an SSD.

But can I keep the hard drive that I currently have and put it in that new PC? I only want my games and all my programs.

 

I have a 2TB external hard drive that I can copy stuff on to, and my current hard drive is only 1TB, so no problem.

Can I just copy the "Users", "Program Files (x86)", "Program Files" and "ProgramData" folders to that external hard drive? Will all my programs, downloads, shortcuts etc. be copied on to that drive?

 

*Edit*

 

(I figured something else out)

 

I have an SSD, but it's inside the box just waiting to be used. I am going to install Windows 8.1 on that SSD using a bootable USB drive.

Then, I'm going to put the HDD that I currently have, inside the new computer and connect it to the motherboard.

 

I'm going to start up the computer and boot from the SSD, then I'm going to start up my games that are on the HDD.

[Altecice]

No you cannot just copy over Program Files folders that wont work at all. You will need to do a clean install on the SSD and then use your HDD to reinstall all your programs back onto again.... there is no other way to do it.

[Rheinwasser]

reinstall the programs. gamefiles should be fine.

[ImFromSweden1]

No you cannot just copy over Program Files folders that wont work at all. You will need to do a clean install on the SSD and then use your HDD to reinstall all your programs back onto again.... there is no other way to do it.

I have an SSD, but it's inside the box just waiting to be used. I am going to install Windows 8.1 on that SSD using a bootable USB drive.

Then, I'm going to put the HDD that I currently have, inside the new computer and connect it to the motherboard.

 

I'm going to start up the computer and boot from the SSD, then I'm going to start up my games that are on the HDD.

[Altecice]

I have an SSD, but it's inside the box just waiting to be used. I am going to install Windows 8.1 on that SSD using a bootable USB drive.

Then, I'm going to put the HDD that I currently have, inside the new computer and connect it to the motherboard.

 

I'm going to start up the computer and boot from the SSD, then I'm going to start up my games that are on the HDD.

 

wont work. Your games require the correct registry enterys and lots of other stuff. Its not just as simple as that.

 

If its steam games you can create backups and restore from them sure. But your will just want to backup what personal files you need and format your HDD and start again. 

[ImFromSweden1]

wont work. Your games require the correct registry enterys and lots of other stuff. Its not just as simple as that.

 

If its steam games you can create backups and restore from them sure. But your will just want to backup what personal files you need and format your HDD and start again. 

Could I use regedit to export the registries in the "Software" folder?

[FizzyFantom]

Could I use regedit to export the registries in the "Software" folder?

No, don't do that. This almost certainly won't work, and messing with registry entries can cause huge numbers of unseen problems, especially on a very large scale like that.

You can copy-paste your Steam "Common" folder and when reinstalling the games Steam won't need to redownload the files. This usually works first time, but you might need to verify some games if they don't launch (right click, properties, local files tab, verify integrity).

Most programs will need ot be reinstalled. Very few (ImgBurn for example) will work on another system without a full installation, but these are few and can still have issues. Reinstall your programs to be safe.

[ImFromSweden1]

No, don't do that. This almost certainly won't work, and messing with registry entries can cause huge numbers of unseen problems, especially on a very large scale like that.

You can copy-paste your Steam "Common" folder and when reinstalling the games Steam won't need to redownload the files. This usually works first time, but you might need to verify some games if they don't launch (right click, properties, local files tab, verify integrity).

Most programs will need ot be reinstalled. Very few (ImgBurn for example) will work on another system without a full installation, but these are few and can still have issues. Reinstall your programs to be safe.

Okay, Thank you.