Replace Windows OS and save data

[reptile6]

The boss gave me the task of speeding up one client’s computer and we decided it was best to upgrade the computer and reinstall the system. Of course there are some things we have to pay close attention to like data and it’s not as simple as it seems. Client can't lose any data.

From the computer upgrade, we plan to add a 512GB SSD drive and 4GB of RAM (there is already 4GB).

The computer has two hard drives, but three partitions. What's worse, the two contain Windows system files and installed programs and this is situation I haven't encountered so far.

I came up with two ways to replace the system, upgrade the computer without losing any data. I will list both with pros and cons so help me decide.

1. System clone - there are programs that can clone the entire system, drivers, data, and even a browser with passwords and search history. Later hardware upgrade and reboot from clone.file.
The advantage - we do not have to manually transfer files and thus reduce the possibility of losing some important data
Disadvantage - When we reboot the system, there is a possibility that the computer will slow down again because the system will remain the same, but there is also a problem with the detection of new physical parts of the computer, SSD drive and RAM memory.

2. manually transfer all data to an external disk, format all exsisting disks, upgrade the computer and install a new system. Copy data from an external drive.
The advantage - a new system installation should work better and recognize all upgrades
Disadvantage - the possibility of losing parts of the data that have not been copied and after formatting the disks there is no way to restore them

Give your vote!

 

[Hungry Ego]

In the case here, I would probably go with the second option (Manually Transfer/Format Drive). You are trying to speed up a machine, adding upgraded hardware "might" fix it, but it also might not. Are cloud drives not all that common right now? I thought they were...

 

[reptile6]

Are cloud drives not all that common right now?

Yes but our client is school principle and they still save everything localy or at least part of data. Also there are some data from many years before cloud drives come and it is never tranfered into cloud or some other backup.

 

[Demon_skeith]

Once you put in the SSD, the PC will no longer be slow, if it is that means there is a bad program/virus running on the person's PC. I would manually do the transfer, and ensuring there is a back up being done on the process.

 

[Page]

Why only 512gb SSD, Then again just for the OS makes sense. Clean install is the best option so that you won't have any errors. YOu can clown parts of the files/data you now.

 

[reptile6]

Why only 512gb SSD, Then again just for the OS makes sense.

Correct 512GB for OS and classic HDD for permanent save data. In case computer is broken, we can probably get out HDD out and add it into another PC which is working.

 

[Jordan]

Hmm... If you manually transfer files you will be unable to grab most of the programs. If you clone and it is still slow you can either try Tweaking or an in-place upgrade.

 

[reptile6]

If you manually transfer files you will be unable to grab most of the programs.

True but programs could be less problems. We just need little more time to install it. Bigger problems is if we in manual transfer lost some important files. It is not good organized on drives. Many stuff is on Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Downloads.

 

[Jordan]

True but programs could be less problems. We just need little more time to install it. Bigger problems is if we in manual transfer lost some important files. It is not good organized on drives. Many stuff is on Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Downloads.

Is it a personal or work laptop? You guys aren't on a domain?

 

[reptile6]

Is it a personal or work laptop? You guys aren't on a domain?

It is client PC. They most stuff still keep localy. Some parts are online, don't have regular backups.

 

[Page]

It is client PC. They most stuff still keep localy. Some parts are online, don't have regular backups.

As the client what they want to do he might say have it back up then do A clean install with his data saved on disc or drive

 

[Jordan]

It is client PC. They most stuff still keep localy. Some parts are online, don't have regular backups.

I would just do the fresh install then manual backup. I would just grab the basic user folders + bookmarks