Migration

[Michael]

I am anticipating a new machine. My eight-year old P-233
motherboard/cpu died.

Though I can't even boot to the bios, (various hd's don't revive it,
that aint the prob) and the floppy won't mount/boot I (for now) assume
the hd's are ok---they spin up?!

So, I am expecting the arrival of a P-4. What is the best plan to get
the data (a six gig master/20gig slave) to the new machine?

First off---I will need to format/create a small 200-300 meg fat16
primary for Dos on the new machine. I have PM Magic on floppy, several
Dos based disk utilities---whew! That part I secure with.

Win2k is on Part 3 of hd0 and part1 of hd1 in the old machine. I prefer
to migrate the second version (Primary 1 hd10 over to the new (40) gig
drive.

Yes, I realize it's a new system but I have great confidence in "Repair".

Though often long and tedius (akin to instalL) repair has always brought
me back from disaster and kept my settings. Ex---moving to a new
partition after installing a Dos partition--movng to a new partition on
a new drive.

So, on a "dead" machine what is the best way to migrate the OS +
multiple partitions to a new system.

My short version.

1. Reformat the new drive with a same # of partitions as my old
ones--larger partitions as I will have more space.

2. Install DOS in the small Fat16 partition.

3. Not sure how I will move data---I believe my old drives have a USB
plug, at least it appears that's what the little square socket at the
opposite end of the hd where the power supply/ribbon plugs in? For now,
lets assume that's that and I'll move data via UBS---(I have a NIC, but
it is useless in a dead box eh?---)

4. OK, Dos is in, the partitions are set...BUT the new box will come
with XP...though I will wipe it out (no doubt it's on C:\) with the DOS
install, I'd like to try it.

Does/can/must XP go in before or after my W2k migration? If it doesn't
matter, it might be nice to have an OS there---albeit bare bones prior
to the data/OS migration.

5. I know I sound optimistic, but I truly believe W2k will adapt to my
new machine, again, the repair process will have it's work cut out for
it! I expect to have to reinsall SP-4 and IE 6SP---A severe repair
usually takes them out.

Am I missing anything? Yes, a clean install (of W2k) offers many
positives---I simply don't relish the install of all my apps in the old
machine. I have a bunch.

IFS:
If the USB option is out...what is my fall back to transfer data from
the old box? Drive copy via a direct "ribbon patch" to the new drive? How?

Michael

 

[Dave Patrick]

These articles may help.

How to Move a Windows Installation to Different Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=249694

HOW TO: Replace the Motherboard on a Computer That Is Running Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=824125

--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

:
|I am anticipating a new machine. My eight-year old P-233
| motherboard/cpu died.
|
| Though I can't even boot to the bios, (various hd's don't revive it,
| that aint the prob) and the floppy won't mount/boot I (for now) assume
| the hd's are ok---they spin up?!
|
| So, I am expecting the arrival of a P-4. What is the best plan to get
| the data (a six gig master/20gig slave) to the new machine?
|
| First off---I will need to format/create a small 200-300 meg fat16
| primary for Dos on the new machine. I have PM Magic on floppy, several
| Dos based disk utilities---whew! That part I secure with.
|
| Win2k is on Part 3 of hd0 and part1 of hd1 in the old machine. I prefer
| to migrate the second version (Primary 1 hd10 over to the new (40) gig
| drive.
|
| Yes, I realize it's a new system but I have great confidence in "Repair".
|
| Though often long and tedius (akin to instalL) repair has always brought
| me back from disaster and kept my settings. Ex---moving to a new
| partition after installing a Dos partition--movng to a new partition on
| a new drive.
|
| So, on a "dead" machine what is the best way to migrate the OS +
| multiple partitions to a new system.
|
| My short version.
|
| 1. Reformat the new drive with a same # of partitions as my old
| ones--larger partitions as I will have more space.
|
| 2. Install DOS in the small Fat16 partition.
|
| 3. Not sure how I will move data---I believe my old drives have a USB
| plug, at least it appears that's what the little square socket at the
| opposite end of the hd where the power supply/ribbon plugs in? For now,
| lets assume that's that and I'll move data via UBS---(I have a NIC, but
| it is useless in a dead box eh?---)
|
| 4. OK, Dos is in, the partitions are set...BUT the new box will come
| with XP...though I will wipe it out (no doubt it's on C:\) with the DOS
| install, I'd like to try it.
|
| Does/can/must XP go in before or after my W2k migration? If it doesn't
| matter, it might be nice to have an OS there---albeit bare bones prior
| to the data/OS migration.
|
| 5. I know I sound optimistic, but I truly believe W2k will adapt to my
| new machine, again, the repair process will have it's work cut out for
| it! I expect to have to reinsall SP-4 and IE 6SP---A severe repair
| usually takes them out.
|
| Am I missing anything? Yes, a clean install (of W2k) offers many
| positives---I simply don't relish the install of all my apps in the old
| machine. I have a bunch.
|
| IFS:
| If the USB option is out...what is my fall back to transfer data from
| the old box? Drive copy via a direct "ribbon patch" to the new drive?
How?
|
| Michael

 

[Michael]

These articles may help.

How to Move a Windows Installation to Different Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=249694

HOW TO: Replace the Motherboard on a Computer That Is Running Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=824125

Thanks Dave. I should not have neglected the MS site..

The first article seems to be more complicated---not that I've concluded
it isn't the necessary path.

However, at first look, I suspect I may be able to achieve a
satisfactory result by following the second article---if I can get the
data to the new box?!

As concerns article 1? I have had great success with Drive Copy...in
fact, better success than with backup\restore. Working outside the OS
has always allowed a more complete copy/transfer of data...

Again, the source computer is dead--I may be missing something, but
won't I be limited to migrating the data *from* that machine (perhaps
via DOS) Iin* the new machine?

I may be able to get W2k over to the new machine before I re-format and
install Dos, but will still have to preform a repair after the FAT16
partition and DOS goes in.

Further, any comment/advice on "how" I would best transfer data from the
two drives (that are essentially or will be "without" a system). Does
my guess of the USB option seem plausable (is that a USP socket at the
opposite end of the drive from the strip/power socket)...if not, what is
the next best way to "connect" them to the new unit. I've done a lot of
migrating---but always had machines that were alive!

Finally? Can I re-install XP (after formatting and install DOS on the
new drive)but *before* I move/install W2k. I'm not sure, but it may
offer an advantage in the migration to do it with an OS on the new
machine---though, again, I've often copied partitions/drives via Drive
Copy on a floppy.

I don't think I'm stupid---hardly a newbie---I am less concerned about
getting
W2k up and going in its new home----I've found it very resiliant to
"changes" (and failure). "Repair" has done some rather complex deeds
without losing my settings. It's the getting it there that troubles me.

I suppose it is not as pertinant to this group---but getting the data
*to* the new system considering my limitations (dead machine) leaves me
feeling a bit stymied.

Thanks again,

Michael

 

[Dave Patrick]

You may be able to move the drive and then boot the Windows 2000 install
CD-Rom and perform a repair install.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/en-us/core/fndc_rec_uctu.asp

--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

:
| Thanks Dave. I should not have neglected the MS site..
|
| The first article seems to be more complicated---not that I've concluded
| it isn't the necessary path.
|
| However, at first look, I suspect I may be able to achieve a
| satisfactory result by following the second article---if I can get the
| data to the new box?!
|
| As concerns article 1? I have had great success with Drive Copy...in
| fact, better success than with backup\restore. Working outside the OS
| has always allowed a more complete copy/transfer of data...
|
| Again, the source computer is dead--I may be missing something, but
| won't I be limited to migrating the data *from* that machine (perhaps
| via DOS) Iin* the new machine?
|
| I may be able to get W2k over to the new machine before I re-format and
| install Dos, but will still have to preform a repair after the FAT16
| partition and DOS goes in.
|
| Further, any comment/advice on "how" I would best transfer data from the
| two drives (that are essentially or will be "without" a system). Does
| my guess of the USB option seem plausable (is that a USP socket at the
| opposite end of the drive from the strip/power socket)...if not, what is
| the next best way to "connect" them to the new unit. I've done a lot of
| migrating---but always had machines that were alive!
|
| Finally? Can I re-install XP (after formatting and install DOS on the
| new drive)but *before* I move/install W2k. I'm not sure, but it may
| offer an advantage in the migration to do it with an OS on the new
| machine---though, again, I've often copied partitions/drives via Drive
| Copy on a floppy.
|
| I don't think I'm stupid---hardly a newbie---I am less concerned about
| getting
| W2k up and going in its new home----I've found it very resiliant to
| "changes" (and failure). "Repair" has done some rather complex deeds
| without losing my settings. It's the getting it there that troubles me.
|
| I suppose it is not as pertinant to this group---but getting the data
| *to* the new system considering my limitations (dead machine) leaves me
| feeling a bit stymied.
|
| Thanks again,
|
| Michael
|
|

 

[Michael]

You may be able to move the drive and then boot the Windows 2000 install
CD-Rom and perform a repair install.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/en-us/core/fndc_rec_uctu.asp

Again, if you have any ideas (I do) on how to "easily" move my data over
to the new box.....I need them.

I think you know the basics of my plan (I'll reformat with a small DOS
partition). I want to really take the time and think it all through
ahead of time....so many early decisions limit/inhibit future moves.

Clearly, W2k will adapt to the new system (after a laborious "repair
routine). Been there, done that many times. W2k is hard to break...it's
a matter of knowing how to fix it...In my case, I simply have to many
applications associated with it and prefer not re-installing them.

I may draw up a list of what I really need to have "off the bat", (now)
and go for a clean install. Something tells me it's probably "time", a
good time and well, re-installing apps isn't that bad!

One problem: I'd hoped to keep a drive caddy...as I thought since the
(Dell 2400) box had a knockout for an extra CD, I could use it for a
drive (caddy)? I was told "no"...only a CD?! I hope not, (It would be
a great way to transfer the data as well!) and I prefer that as a backup
(though a burner will be nice).


As far as migrating info? I would hope to (simply) plug in (one drive
at a time) to the MoBo...as a "slave"... and use Drive Copy (from DOS)
to copy partitions over to the new disk. Actually I did that last week
as my six gig drive wasn't testing as well as one I had on the shelf.
That's the one I repartitioned, moved W2k to a new partition and
installed DOS on C:\.

Again, all outside the OS from Partition Magic and Drive Copy floppys I
have.

They were quite adament at Dell that they don't install dual
drives?!...I'm certain the controller allows for four IDE's?...there
must be socket on that board to plug in my drives (one at a time...even
if the box won't allow my caddy---damn it!)

So that's about it...please comment.

Michael

 

[Dave Patrick]

Couldn't agree more the clean install is the way to go.

--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

:
| Again, if you have any ideas (I do) on how to "easily" move my data over
| to the new box.....I need them.
|
| I think you know the basics of my plan (I'll reformat with a small DOS
| partition). I want to really take the time and think it all through
| ahead of time....so many early decisions limit/inhibit future moves.
|
| Clearly, W2k will adapt to the new system (after a laborious "repair
| routine). Been there, done that many times. W2k is hard to break...it's
| a matter of knowing how to fix it...In my case, I simply have to many
| applications associated with it and prefer not re-installing them.
|
| I may draw up a list of what I really need to have "off the bat", (now)
| and go for a clean install. Something tells me it's probably "time", a
| good time and well, re-installing apps isn't that bad!
|
| One problem: I'd hoped to keep a drive caddy...as I thought since the
| (Dell 2400) box had a knockout for an extra CD, I could use it for a
| drive (caddy)? I was told "no"...only a CD?! I hope not, (It would be
| a great way to transfer the data as well!) and I prefer that as a backup
| (though a burner will be nice).
|
|
| As far as migrating info? I would hope to (simply) plug in (one drive
| at a time) to the MoBo...as a "slave"... and use Drive Copy (from DOS)
| to copy partitions over to the new disk. Actually I did that last week
| as my six gig drive wasn't testing as well as one I had on the shelf.
| That's the one I repartitioned, moved W2k to a new partition and
| installed DOS on C:\.
|
| Again, all outside the OS from Partition Magic and Drive Copy floppys I
| have.
|
| They were quite adament at Dell that they don't install dual
| drives?!...I'm certain the controller allows for four IDE's?...there
| must be socket on that board to plug in my drives (one at a time...even
| if the box won't allow my caddy---damn it!)
|
| So that's about it...please comment.
|
| Michael

 

[Michael]

Couldn't agree more the clean install is the way to go.

Dave, I believe we can see each other's point of view. Having been
first in line to install, my W2k has probably become bloated with a lot
of junk over the years. I don't argue that a clean install may offer
some benefits.

However, I'd like to believe you realize there is the issue of the
scores of applications that will need to be re-installed...An
re-configured after re-install...

And, I have tweaked the OS to the moon. If it was only a matter of
adding SP4 and IE6...Slowly but surely it will become the same OS I
have--but it didn't become what is is overnight.

So, it probably isn't black and white. There are benefits to both paths.

I may try to migrate it and see what happens. It may not work? Though
I have great faith (however long) that "Repair" is magical. And if it
doesn't boot? That's ok. I'm asking it to do a lot and it's not as if
I didn't know I wouldn't face this day.

I don't wish to give people false hope, but I believe migration
shouldn't be discounted, feared or avoided. (Nor have you)

Further, that will be my last step.

Before I migrate, I'll reformat C:\ to FAT16, shrink it and install DOS.
I'll have to re-partition the new drive that arrives from the factory
to conform to my current HD which will become HD1--a backup.

So, (if all that goes smoothly) I may simply say screw it and drop the
CD in and do a clean install.

Or, I may say---I've done done this much, I really don't want to start
from scratch with the OS and apps...."I'll try to migrate and see how
"repair" works."

(After all, I'll have plenty of space for an additional clean
install---and I can slowly transition to that over time.

See, if migration works it doesn't mean I am prohibited from a clean
install, at my own pace.

 

[Michael]

Couldn't agree more the clean install is the way to go.

Ok, this is my strategy...

I currently have a failed machine...though I assume it is not a drive
problem. (trust me).

Thus I will need to migrate the following setup to a single 40 gig drive.

HD0
c:\ 200 meg Dos FAT16 Primary partition
D:\2 Gig Applications
E:\ 2 Gig W2k<--------will not migrate (WXP will fill that "new" partition)
Hidden partition---2 gig---old NT Server---nuttin' of value

Hd1
F:\Primary 2 gig W2k
G:\ 2 gig applications
H:\ 2 gig---nearly empty
I:\ CD rom
J:\ 2 gig applications
L:\ 2 gig application
M:\ 2 gig application
N:\ 2 gig applications
O:\ 2 gig applications
P:\ 2 gig empty

All but C:\ are FAT32

Whew!

The plan is to boot up the new system (40 gig) and look around. See
whats what, but I will soon turn the lights out and make my move----->

My first move is to re-format and repartition. That is, I will need to
create a small C:\ for Dos.

I would like to\must? duplicate the above partition sequence that is
spread between a 6 gig and 20 gig drives on my new 40 gig drive. Of
course the partitions will be larger---(I could easily combine O:\ and
P:\ into one.)

Here is where I have a choice---->

Plan A: Using drive copy, from dos, and each of the "old" drives
attqched as the secondary drive...copy the partitions into the new
partitions I've created (again, in DOS).

As I will not be moving the W2k install from hd0---I will have XP there.
Both as a place holder to keep the drive sequence intact but I have
always had two installs of Windows.

Yes, I realize migrating W2k to a new system, new drive (not hd1, not a
primary) will test the ability of W2k to repair and adjust to it's new
home. I am aware it may not boot, may require a clean install....

However, I have scores of apps associated with it and do not relish the
idea of re-installing them and also reconfiguring them. I have to try
the move/repair and give it a shot.

So, my eyes are open...If it doesn't adapt...well, I have a job after
the clean install.

Am I missing anything?

Plan B: I considered an (sort of) inplace fix of the OS---that is,
rather than using Drive Copy in Dos with each drive as a slave--(moving
data to the new drive and *then* running repair on the new drive after
the media has moved)?

----->I could hook up each "old" drive directly to the new box, and run
repair on them BEFORE I move the data---(and if they boot)--then hide
them, replace my new drive and do the Drive Copy.

Is there any difference between the two plans other (than that which I
will get to?)

That is, does it matter whether I "repair" Win2k after I move it (and
the contents of the drives) to the new drive---versus, running "repair"
on each drive (with the new drive out)---then moving the "repaired" (we
hope) media to the new drive?

Plan B, upgrading\repair of W2k *before* moving to the new drive didn't
occur to me--I figured it was at best not necessary...Plus, since W2k is
on hd1--even if I am able to run repair so that it adapts to the new
system --- well, I'll be looking to do the same thing again---as after
it moves, it will longer be on hd1--I will have to run repair again.

So, while I thought plan B would require duplication of effort (repair
of W2k before and after it moves)---is there any advantage to upgrading
the drives "before" I copy the contents to the new drive.

Other than a clean install---which I may end up doing...is there a
better plan to get two drives worth of data into one drive--- with a
dead OS?

Michael

 

[Dan Seur]

As an innocent bystander, I:
- have read this thread with interest,
and
- agree with Dave Patrick's advice wholeheartedly,
and
- completely understand Michael's optimistic hope
to save time and effort,
and
- have noticed that so far the thread appears to
be 56 hours long,
and
- will be very disappointed if Michael doesn't post
a "results play-by-play"
and
- wish Michael the best of luck!

 

[Michael]

Dan, I will not let you down. The outcome will not be secret, regardless
of which way the OS falls...

But I'm not counting on "luck" to get me through this.

Michael