[AccessD] OT:Backup and Restore Complete PCs

Gustav Brock Gustav at cactus.dk
Fri Mar 21 12:07:56 CDT 2008


Hi Max

True, changing hardware represents a challenge where a normal backup is of limited use.
But isn't it exactly where PCmover differs from the "image" products? I'm not advocating this product in any way, just noticed it has a different approach.

/gustav

>>> max.wanadoo at gmail.com 21-03-2008 17:22 >>>
No Gustav, these won't work because they *expect* to be restoring to the
same hardware platform that they came from.  In the case of a NEW PC this
will not be the case.  Most PCs fail after 3-5 years (or people wish to
replace at that stage) and the hardware has moved on.  In my case the Power
unit blew the motherboard and the CPU.  A new PC has a completely different
configuration.  PCMover, Ghost, Image writers, etc just don't cut the
mustard.
Ta
Max
 

-----Original Message-----
From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com 
[mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Gustav Brock
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 1:30 PM
To: accessd at databaseadvisors.com 
Subject: Re: [AccessD] OT:Backup and Restore Complete PCs

Hi Max

Well, if you have your physical machine repaired, a simple Windows backup
from the virtual machine to the physical should do it.

However, if you wish to establish a new machine (different hardware),
Windows backup may fail if the hardware isn't nearly identical. One option
to copy your old apps etc. is offered by good ol' Laplink: PCmover:

http://www.laplink.com/pcmover 

I believe several similar tools, even free, exists but this one is capable
of moving your data (quoting): "across a network, Laplink USB cable, Laplink
parallel cable, Windows Easy Transfer Cable, or any type of removable media
that can be read by both PCs".

The only catch appears to be that the license (though not very costly) is
for one transfer session only. 

/gustav

>>> max.wanadoo at gmail.com 21-03-2008 13:55 >>>
Gustav, I could kiss you!

That sounds really great.  I have read the details on the site but what I am
a bit uncertain about is how do I get the details out of the remote virtual
machine copy back onto the NEW PC once I have set it up? 

Ta
Max

-----Original Message-----
From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com 
[mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Gustav Brock
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 11:10 AM
To: accessd at databaseadvisors.com 
Subject: Re: [AccessD] OT:Backup and Restore Complete PCs

Hi Max

Forgot the link:
http://www.vmware.com/products/converter/ 

>>> Gustav at cactus.dk 21-03-2008 11:58 >>>
Hi Max

One interesting option is to use the free VMware Converter to copy a
physical machine to a virtual machine from time to time. That way you can
have your "machine" up an running on any other decent hardware - not at full
specs, of course, but identical with all applications, passwords, and
settings.

/gustav





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