Cloning and Keys

[HaydenLikeHey]

I'm planning on building my first computer soon. I already have a laptop with about 350 GB of files, programs, settings, memes, etc. that I'd like to keep handy. I was thinking that I might be able to clone my laptop's drive onto the 1 TB drive I'll use for my build, but I have no idea how that will work as far as activation goes. I know Windows will probably ask for a method of activation on the new drive for which I'm prepared to buy a new key for, but will cloning the drive allow my laptop to boot with its drive without asking for a method of activation?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Electronics Wizardy]

You need a new key. Id just install it and then copy the files you need.

[Guest]

26 minutes ago, TheGhostOfGrace said:

I'm planning on building my first computer soon. I already have a laptop with about 350 GB of files, programs, settings, memes, etc. that I'd like to keep handy. I was thinking that I might be able to clone my laptop's drive onto the 1 TB drive I'll use for my build, but I have no idea how that will work as far as activation goes. I know Windows will probably ask for a method of activation on the new drive for which I'm prepared to buy a new key for, but will cloning the drive allow my laptop to boot with its drive without asking for a method of activation?

 

Thanks in advance.

you could always do a fresh install of windows on the 1tb drive (I highly recommend) and then move all the files over you want to keep. You will need to reinstall all the programs you have on your laptop so keep that in mind.

 

Cloning the drive might (and probably should) work but windows can be a pain in the ass at times so i try to avoid cloning/reactivation/etc. like the plague.

 

The benefit of  just doing option one from the get go is that you avoid the risk of trying option 2 and having it not work. But migrating everything over to a new drive is also an unfun task.

 

Edit: *facepalm* I just realized i didn't answer your question. you can clone your drive (you'll need a new key) and still have your laptop work. But in my experience it is much easier to just do a new install of windows on the new drive.

Edited August 11, 2016 by Guest

[HaydenLikeHey]

1 minute ago, Lord_Doge said:

you could always do a fresh install of windows on the 1tb drive (I highly recommend) and then move all the files over you want to keep. You will need to reinstall all the programs you have on your laptop so keep that in mind.

 

Cloning the drive might (and probably should) work but windows can be a pain in the ass at times so i try to avoid cloning/reactivation/etc. like the plague.

 

The benefit of  just doing option one from the get go is that you avoid the risk of trying option 2 and having it not work. But migrating everything over to a new drive is also an unfun task.

 

In short, you can try it, but good luck.

 

4 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

You need a new key. Id just install it and then copy the files you need.

In that case is it possible for me to set up a connection between my computers by connecting them via Ethernet cable and just going into explorer and literally copying everything that isn't the OS onto the new drive that way? Would the computers show up to each other through the network tab?

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, TheGhostOfGrace said:

 

In that case is it possible for me to set up a connection between my computers by connecting them via Ethernet cable and just going into explorer and literally copying everything that isn't the OS onto the new drive that way? Would the computers show up to each other through the network tab?

I'm honestly not sure. it should work in theory if one (or maybe both?) computer support Auto MDIX (i think most computers do nowadays)

Or you could buy (or make a crossover cable)

 

I'm not sure how windows handles direct connections but all i have is a switch inbetween mine so it should work.

 

Actually.... if you have two ethernet cables and a router with two spare LAN ports on the back you could just use that (if a single cable between the two computers doesn't work)

[Electronics Wizardy]

1 hour ago, TheGhostOfGrace said:

 

In that case is it possible for me to set up a connection between my computers by connecting them via Ethernet cable and just going into explorer and literally copying everything that isn't the OS onto the new drive that way? Would the computers show up to each other through the network tab?

You can copy the files that way. All you need is a ethernet cable and they you can setup sharing in windows.

[Electronics Wizardy]

53 minutes ago, Lord_Doge said:

I'm honestly not sure. it should work in theory if one (or maybe both?) computer support Auto MDIX (i think most computers do nowadays)

Or you could buy (or make a crossover cable)

 

I'm not sure how windows handles direct connections but all i have is a switch inbetween mine so it should work.

 

Actually.... if you have two ethernet cables and a router with two spare LAN ports on the back you could just use that (if a single cable between the two computers doesn't work)

You don't need a crossover cable anymore. You can use anycable.