ItsGeekToMe.co

Q: I read with interest your column about backing up your hard drive (I.G.T.M. #195 – Apr 17, 2011).  I’ve already had to trade-out a computer that I purchased in 2010 because it was shutting down at random and restarting.  Now I got a letter from the manufacturer that the replacement computer is equipped with the Intel 6 Series Express Chipset chip that could have a problem with some SATA ports.  So now I have to go through the backup drill and reload software again.  I have a 250 gig WD My Passport drive with about 60 gigs free.  I could free up some more room it I need it.  My question is will this cloning work when I change computers or does it only work on the same computer?

– Joe R.
Crestview, Fla

 A: Wow, Joe! First let me say you seem to have terrible luck when it comes to new computers!  Second, let me say that you have excellent luck when it comes to customer service, since I’m sure there are quite a few of my readers who wish they could simply take back a malfunctioning computer and get a brand-new replacement for it.  Unfortunately, it seems like most computers don’t break down until the week after the warranty expires.  The short answer for you is that you can not simply take a configuration of Windows off one machine, load it on a different machine, and expect it to work flawlessly like it did for me.  The reason is that when Windows is installed, it scans the computer and loads drivers for that specific hardware configuration, including things that you never have to deal with, such as the particular chipset that makes your motherboard function and gives access to the cards in your expansion slots.  Now, it is possible that you might be able to load a backed-up image onto a different machine, and then start it up in Safe Mode, and scan for hardware changes.  Windows will find changes – a lot of them – and should load new drivers.  You will very likely have to nursemaid the process, as this is a highly irregular procedure, and you should not expect it to run fully automated.  It is also not without risk, and could result in an unstable Windows installation.  So, unless you’re a real experimenter and hobbyist (read: Geek) this probably isn’t for you.  But remember – you don’t have to back up the entire drive.  This process could still make it much less painful to move your data files to the new machine.

I got several e-mails about that particular column.  Another reader had a good question about performing the restore once you’ve made the backup:

Q: How (what steps) do I take after turning the computer on to restore the files from Ext E: drive back to the C: drive using Macrium Reflect?  Should the E: drive be connected when I turn the computer back on?

– Tom M.
Niceville, Fla

A: Tom, the instructions for Macrium Reflect will tell you how to make a bootable CD that you can use to bring your system back up.  You have two options: a BART PE disc, or a Linux disc.  I chose the Linux option when I did it.  Yes, you have to have the drive plugged in when booting, so it can be detected and enabled.  The only other thing you might need to do is go into your system BIOS and make sure your computer is set to boot from the CD when there is bootable media in the drive.  The procedures to do that are computer-specific, so consult your manual.  It’s usually listed under something like “Boot Device” or “Boot Priority”.