RE: Backup everything but the OS

WAW8 — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:56:24 GMT

Essentially, what you want to do is save off your apps, settings, and data files, wipe and reinstall Vista, and restore those apps, settings, and data files -- right?

As you probable know, the standard imaging apps won't let you do that because they will restore EVERYTHING. So, AFAIK, there are only three products that will let you do this:
1) Alohabob PC Relocator
2) Laplink PC Mover
3) Easy Migration Assistant Companion

Of these, I've used 1) but it's no longer available in retail stores because MS bought it, turned it into 3) -- and then took it out of circulation. You will find links to it through Google, but attempts to go to MS to get it fail. So, unless you can find a copy of 1) through e-tailers, this, and option 3) are not available.

Have not used 2), but it is still available in the retail channels.

Beware of other products that claim to do this because they really only migrate accounts, settings, and data files. They do NOT migrate the apps. You can do the same migration (i.e., no apps) with MS's own utilities.

Backup everything but the OS

nate55 — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:47:35 GMT

I have Vista Ultimate 64 installed on my PC, but its having some OS problems. It won't let me change some network settings, and some other things. I want to reinstall the operating system. I lost my copy of Ultimate, but have a copy of Business 64 on hand. Being that Vista won't let me downgrade from Ultimate to Business, I want to backup everything, [u]programs[/u], documents, everything, install Vista Business x64, and restore everything. After some reading, I found out that the built in Vista Backup program can't do this, and I haven't found a program that can. Anyone know of a program or of way I can do this.

Thanks

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RE: Backup everything but the OS

Backup everything but the OS