Windows 10: Windows 10 system image decoupled from hardware

Hi all, is it possible to create a Windows 10 system image that's decoupled from the computer's hardware, or in other words, that's not hardware specific? I want to backup my laptop in case something happens. While I can do the regular backup and I know that's the most recommended, I feel like my backup scenario is a little complex:


- I have 2 different accounts plus a 3rd that's my partner's - I use one for work/school and one for personal

- I have a lot of software for work and school that I would like to save the settings of and I'm not sure where the settings are all saved - I know some programs are installed in "C:\Program Files" but then some are installed in the user account's roaming folder

- I have various Windows 10 settings specially configured, such as my PATH and other environment variables, local/group policies, etc.

- I also utilise an SSD as a D drive but I have some of my work/school account's user folders, such as Documents, stored on that drive to save space actually I have a Downloads folder on that drive that I use with both accounts; these folders I've set up using hard junctions


I honestly am not sure where to begin if I were to just do a regular file/folder backup. But I know that system images aren't meant for transference to a new computer because of the fact that Windows has files and settings tied to my laptop's specific hardware. I also know that if my C drive were to die, I could presumably buy another drive though I'm not sure if it has to be the same manufacturer and model and restore a system image to that. But what if my whole laptop dies and I have to get another computer?

:)

 

Please decouple Microsoft Account for different accounts

Thanks!



http://windowsphone.uservoice.com/f...estions/3369348-decouple-accounts-from-system

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

System Image Problem

I'm getting a head start in case you get on early.

Can you post camera pics to your thread from your phone?

There will be steps later that require attention to detail and I'd feel better if I could see what's on your screen. I had to try the steps more than once when I tested the process and I'd like to avoid that on your machine.

Here's what I'd like to do for the Macrium Rescue steps later on in the process
I'll post the the step, you'll post an picture of the Macrium screen,
I'll echo same screen back if I see something that needs changing or I'll just say Go Ahead

When I confirm that the Macrium screen, you'll make any changes I've highlighted and THEN execute the step

Here's where you begin today's session, we'll get as far as we get and then pick up when you get back home.

Step 1: Safeguard the System Image by moving it to a new folder

1. Connect the Seagate exp drive
   
   
2. File Explorer: Navigate to the Seagate drive
   
   
3. Create a new Folder named 1_sysImage
   
   
4. Move WindowsImageBackup to 1_sysImage

Step 2: List the VHDs in the System Image

1. File Explorer: Navigate to 1_sysImage\WindowsImageBackup\machineName\Backup date-time
   
   
2. Press the Type column to sort by Type
   
   
3. Post a screen shot