Restore ALL files from file backup (Windows 10)

HotWingsFTW · 17 Aug 2016

So I just got a new computer, and I'm attempting to migrate all my files from the old computer's hard drive to the new one. So I'll list what I have tried so far:

System Image Backup: I made a system image backup of my old hard drive using the built-in Windows tool, thinking I could just pop my external hard drive into my new computer, restore from the image, and I would be good to go, right? WRONG. Apparently, Windows frowns upon using a system image from one device on another one. So that failed.
Third party backup software: I've tried EaseUS and Acronis True Image, and both failed.
1. EaseUS: When I started the backup, the time to completion for the backup just kept going up, with no progress.
2. Acronis True Image: the program starts the backup and gets stuck at 8.89 GB, refuses to go any further. Yes, I tried formatting and running a CHKDSK on the external hard drive. Still failed.
Simple File Backup: This is where I am now. From the articles I've read, most of them only explain how to restore ONE file.

So my question to you all: Is there ANY way to simultaneously restore all of my files to my new hard drive at once? Because there is no WAY I'm doing it one by one.

Alternatively, if anyone knows of another way to create and restore a system image, that would be great as well.

Steve C · 18 Aug 2016

You could try Macrium Reflect Free whcih backs up partitions. You can then just restore the partition to a location you choose or you can mount the backup image as a drive and copy/paste the files/folders you want. The paid for version of Reflect lets you backup selected files/folders. If your copying needs are simple, you can just drag & drop folders between your drives.

PS - I have a hatred of Acronis products since I had a very hard time trying to remove all traces of a previous version of True Image

cereberus · 18 Aug 2016

Basically this is a bad plan as the new pc will use different drivers eg cpu chipset, graphics, wifi, internet. It may not even boot. Even if you are lucky and get it working enough to sort drivers, you often get issues not easily rectified.

To restore an image from one device to another usually needs paid commercial programs.

I would just clean install windows and start from scratch.

dalchina · 19 Aug 2016

HI, while it is true that it's supposed to be possible to do a 'restore to bare metal' using imaging software, I've not tried it, so can't comment from experience.

What I can recommend that does work to transfer programs, data and settings from one PC or OS to another is either:
Easeus Todo PCTrans (Image Assist makes use of a disk image)
or
Laplink PCMover (One version creates its own large files, another uses a disk image)

Zinstall is another such.

So you clean install the OS, then use one of the above commercial programs to do all the hard work.

I have over 300 progs installed- only 5 or 6 needed installing manually.

Mark Phelps · 21 Aug 2016

I can confirm that LapLink PCMover will migrate apps along with data and settings -- but they have different versions, and the ones that do this all cost $$. The one you most likely need is the Pro version: http://www.laplink.com/index.php/ind...ature-overview

dalchina · 21 Aug 2016

True, and one time usage - say $50 avg, but just $28 for Laplink Image and Drive Assistant which rather nicely uses a disk image rather than a moving van- neater, faster and cheaper. However I was lucky enough to get giveaway versions when I've used them... after that, it's a question of what monetary value you put on several hours or more of your time- if you've a lot to move that is. If you've a simple setup, then manual should be fine.

Laplink Image and Drive Assistant can also be ordered with O&O DiskImage, although it can work with other imaging software (except Aomei Backupper - as I confirmed with Aomei when it failed!)

Easeus Todo PCTrans Pro couldn't cope with my programs being installed on D: (my choice for historic and other reasons) whereas Laplink could.