Windows 10: How can I restore a Windows 7 backup to a computer with different hardware?

I had to have my Surface Pro 4 replaced due a faulty battery. I used the Windows 7 Backup & Restore to backup my computer to an external hard drive. When I went to the Microsoft Store, they exchanged it for a Surface Pro 5 with a better CPU instead! That was pretty cool - except now the Windows 7 Backup & Restore can't find the backup.


The external backup is connected to the SP5 and I can navigate all the files in it with Windows Explorer. The computer can see the external drive just fine - only the Windows 7 Backup & Restore cannot find it.

I thought maybe it was due to a different computer name, so I changed the SP5's computer name to match the SP4 (the name was simply … 'SP4'). No dice.


Is there any way to restore the Windows 7 backup to a new computer with different hardware? I at least mounted the disk image so I can copy my files but it would be nice to be able to copy the apps & settings.

:)

 

Restoring a backup to a different computer

I think your reply answers my question. If I remember correctly, I think my backup has a system image, which can screw my previous installation. Now, I am thinking of doing this

• creating a backup of my work computer
• restoring the backup of my previous computer
• recovering files
• restoring the backup of my work computer

 

Windows 7 backup

Haven't used it but sounds like it based on Backup and Restore Center info found here. Says you can choose what files and folders if you want and also mentions a system image. Quicken has it's own backup option under one of the menus, use that too. I have for my mom and it's a breeze. Just reinstall app and use Restore in Quicken.

 

Windows 7 Backup question

Hi, I have Windows 7 x64 HP. I've used the backup and restore feature to backup on an external drive, and I've also burned a copy of the restore software that it wished me to burn onto a CD. My question is, if ever my PC fails or something and I need to restore my files, will I need anything beyond the external drive and the backup CD? Or will I need the original OS CD as well? I upgraded to Windows 7 from Vista but I don't have my Vista disc anymore (lost it a long time ago), which basically means the Windows 7 upgrade disc shouldn't work either (to be honest, I haven't touched the disc in nearly a year so I don't really know where the W7 update disc is either :/). Thanks.