Fresh install of windows but keeping everything... [SOLVEEEDDD]

by **coolcandy3001** Sat 12 Sep 2015, 21:02

I have stuff pirated that is now extremely hard to find and I refuse to lose it... yet I'm building a new PC and would like a new windows copy, as this pirated one I have is just... not working right anymore. (Don't give me fixes on this, I'm set on buying the real thing).

So anyway... I was thinking of buying a 2nd hard drive and installing legit windows onto there, then re-plugging this one (with the pirated copy) back in. How do I make it boots up the hard drive with the legit copy on and not this one??

Also, if I do it like that, I wouldn't lose anything, right? All my files and programs would remain on this HDD, I'd just boot up with a second one, right? xD

Everything would still work.. right?

by **Admin** Sat 12 Sep 2015, 21:39

Hi Sadcandy,

Hmmm... no, I don't think that will work. Razz

When you plug in the "pirated" HDD in the new PC, it'll probably result in a dual-boot screen, because your system detects two different operating systems. (But you can still use this method to copy your personal files to your new PC - or even put the HDD in an external case, and then connect it via USB)

For as far as I know it's not possible to "copy" software to a new PC, because if you copy the installed files, you'll just end up with a bunch of files. Your new OS won't "recognize" the software, it only sees a bunch of files you copied over.
Most software also need their Registry values to operate correctly. There might be special software out there to help you actually grab those Registry values, and copy the software to a new PC, but I've never looked for one/seen one.

P.S. Hard to find doesn't mean that it's impossible. Razz

by **coolcandy3001** Sat 12 Sep 2015, 22:15

So.. there's no way to get windows and just keep my programs?? :c And yes, some are impossible. All keygens no longer exist & torrents were never there to begin with. I need to download windows without losing these programs >.<

by **The_gh0stm4n** Sun 13 Sep 2015, 05:52

coolcandy3001 wrote:I have stuff pirated that is now extremely hard to find and I refuse to lose it...

And that is why you should - whenever possible ! - make sure to keep the actual installation files, so that you have them at hand when you "move" to a new system. For instance, try and get hold of some cheap external hard-drives, on which you just store your game/software installers, movies, music, pictures, etc. I heard about programs that can help your stuff migrate to a new hard-drive, like the "Steam mover", that transfers Steam games. But other than that I'm unsure.

And you cannot directly use the programs from your old hard-drive. If your new system runs Windows 10 for instance, all programs that you run will take the registry data from your new (!) hard-drive: the hard-drive that your computer booted from. But if your old programs have never been installed on that new drive, then where should the registry files be taken from ?

Unless those pirated programs in your old-drive are portable (i.e. you can put the install folder wherever you want, and still run the software), I'm afraid you won't be able to use them.

Theoretically, you could attempt to put the new hard-drive in a second computer, if you have access to one. And use your old programs from there. However, that may be problematic because of possible driver conflicts...beware of that (never did it myself), or at least do some more research before attempting that.

//EDIT

I can't tell if simply re-installing the drivers in a new computer is going to "override" any old device drivers, in all cases. If you decide to put the old hard-drive in a new computer.

by **Admin** Sun 13 Sep 2015, 10:57

Hi again,

Ah, making them portable might work. This came up after a quick Google search, I did not try any of these: http://carlcheo.com/portable-app-creators

By the way... technically you should be able to find the Registry strings that are part of the specific software that you're trying to move. Then export those values and import them on your new PC. That might work.

by **coolcandy3001** Sun 13 Sep 2015, 11:55

Nah... it turns out it isn't my windows playing up.. it's my old graphics card (It has been in here for around 7 years now) So I've added my extra hard drive as a spare for documents and stuf. Don't even need to bother with windows. Sorry guys! xD

by **Admin** Mon 14 Sep 2015, 17:13

Well, at least you still have your beloved software. Razz

Glad this is solved now. ~~You can~~ I will close this topic now. Hail King Tea!

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