Cloning PC

I'm not sure about iomega but the newest acronis true image version has a feature that allows you to install an image onto different hardware, I've used it and it works.

The only problem I've ever come across is when the new machine uses completely different drivers to access the hard drive for eg. moving from a machine that uses ide to a machine that requires you to install intel sata drivers during installation - I think so far this will only be a problem with xp though.

Regarding the expensive software; I'm quite sure you'll be able to copy it perfectly using the above process so long as the software doesn't have mechanisms in place to check the serial numbers and stuff of the hardware that it's running on. At least if it doesn't work, there won't be any damage done :)
 
Either run a sysprep on the pc to be cloned, or repair windows from the install disk after the clone. Make sure to have your license keys at the ready.

If you are feeling really brave you can even copy the files from the source to target hdd using something like ultimate boot cd for windows, had to do an install of server 2003 enterprise like this.
 
I installed a new HDD on a laptop with XP yesterday. Took both HDDs, put it on another laptop using two USB adaptors and cloned the old one to the new one in less then 30 min. Only OS no other data. Fitted new drive (different size and make) - it booted and loaded XP faultless. Just said - found new hardware for new HDD and then worked perfectly from there. Used acronis. The only time that I have had a problem was when I tried to clone an IDE to SATA with XP - same issue as stevovo.
 
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Thanks guys.
Gonna try Hiren's bootcd woth the cloning function
 
If I use
http://protection-suite.iomega-web.com/vclone

will I get my programs and stuff working EXACTLY as it is on my old pc? I have some programs that a company charges R1 000 for a new installation- I want to know if using iomega will negate the need for calling them out.

my father was in a similar situation he wanted 2 PCs (one desktop one laptop) to have this specialised program installed on them, he alreaddy had the program installed on a different PC at work.

long story short he wanted this program installed on both PCs but that would cost him R1000 aswell so i tried to install it myself before he gave them a call. it turns out that it was a simple copy and paste and making sure that the program is entered in registry correctly. I dont know if it will work for you

PS this program was a special software package developed by lotus for my dads professional needs
 
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