moving Windows to a different computer

We got a call from Gary who wanted to move an installation of Windows from one computer to another. It’s possible…BUT…here are some things you should know:

How to move a Windows installation to different hardware

You can restore a system state backup from one physical computer to the same physical computer or another computer that has the same make, model, and configuration (identical hardware).

Microsoft does not support restoring a system state backup from one computer to a second computer of a different make, model, or hardware configuration…Even if the source and destination computers appear to be identical makes and models, there may be driver, hardware, or firmware differences between the source and destination computers.

…the preferred method of recovery is to use the Automated System Recovery (ASR) feature. ASR automates the whole restore process. This process produces the most reliable result.

Hardware
If you remove any hardware on the destination computer that is not required to complete the restore process, you increase the probability of a successful restore operation. For example, physically remove or disable all but one network adapter. Install or enable the additional adapters after you restart the operating system after the restore operation.

Are You 1337?

In a world where online gaming is very common, how do you separate the elite from the newbie’s? Shuttle Computer’s new XPC 1337 products cater towards the most elite gamers seeking the absolute best performance. XPC 1337 systems deliver blazing fast framerate with outstanding visuals in all popular online games including World of Warcraft, Counter Strike, Battlefield and others! These systems aren’t for newbie’s though; only the 1337 gamers can harness the performance of XPC 1337 systems.

Shuttle XPC 1337 systems are different from the regular XPC system offerings. These differences include specific hardware components, internal case designs and hand painted cases. A paint-matched mouse and keyboard are also included with XPC 1337 systems. XPC 1337 systems offer the absolute best technologies available. This all comes together to make one unique system with performance to boot—only the 1337 apply.

Visit http://www.shuttle.com for more information!

Unique Hand Paint with Automotive Paint by Smooth Creations What happens when the renowned Smooth Creations spends 8 hours in their labs with an XPC? Something striking to behold, and thrilling to game with. Each SDXi is individually hand painted with real automotive finish, giving each unit its own unique feel. Shuttle XPC 1337 systems are coated with premium automotive paint. The glossy paint provides a look unique to 1337 system.

New Ways to See Games in 3D

If, like me, you remember all those nausea-inducing stereoscopic shutter glasses from a few years back, then you’re already skeptical. However, these new products have some interesting and updated spins on the same underlying immersive concept, and each also makes use of the stereo drivers available for most Nvidia graphics cards (ATI offers no equivalent).

iZ3D 3D DisplayFirst up is Neurok Optics‘ latest iZ3D 22-inch widescreen LCD monitor, which succeeds an existing 17-inch model. Though the iZ3D can function just like any other 2D monitor, it contains two LCD panels to display into- and out-of screen 3D images when you’re wearing the company’s polarized eyeglasses (available in seven styles). I briefly tested the new display at the ShowStoppers event here at CES, and found the glasses to be lightweight and the effect surprisingly non-fatiguing.

Neurok Optics’ brochures state the monitor is “compatible with all major games,” but you might want to check for your favorite titles on the company’s FAQ page.

The 22-inch iZ3D has a maximum resolution of 1680 by 1050, a stated 5ms response time, 600:1 contrast ratio and requires a dual-output Nvidia graphics card. It’ll be available in May for $1000 and is $800 if preordered by the end of January.

HeadPlay Personal Cinema SystemI also had the chance this week to try HeadPlay’s new Personal Cinema System. Once you’ve easily adjusted the headset for your sight and facial proportions, you get the impression that you’re viewing a 52 inch display from six feet away. The viewer supports resolutions up to 1024 by 768 and for 3D content, from movies to a range of Nvidia-driven PC games, its single LCoS micro display delivers identical images to each eye to reduce strain.

The Personal Cinema System has a range of potential uses. Content is fed to the headset via the small box you see pictured. Dubbed the Liberator, this box includes two USB ports, a Compact Flash slot and composite, component and S-Video inputs. Thanks to this wide range of connectivity, you could connect your PC (for games, Web browsing etc), video game console, video iPod, DVD players and anything else you can think of really.

Unlike most personal headsets, Headplay’s Viewer doesn’t include integrated headphones. The company has instead chosen to bundle a set of noise reduction ear buds with the unit. I also noticed that the system doesn’t feature head tracking (which lets you physically look around in games). For that sort of functionality, you’d need to look at rival head mounted displays like Icuiti’s iWear VR920.

The $500 Headplay Personal Cinema System will be available in April.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007 12:35 PM PT Posted by Danny Allen

Virtual Test Drive Office 2007

Tired of the old fashioned (and oh so very familiar) toolbar menus in Word? I don’t know, maybe you’re feeling a need to learn a whole new world of ribbons.

Start by reading a roundup of what five of our top editors have to say in Microsoft Office 2007: A Worthy Upgrade. It’s a hefty article that will give you insight into what to expect in the new version.

After you read the article, I bet you’ll want to try it yourself.

A hands-on test drive is just the thing to help you decide whether it’s worth the $239 upgrade. Go to the Test Drive Microsoft Office page and take it for a spin. It’s a virtual, online sandbox where you can play with any Office product for as long as you want — without downloading it. All you need is a current version of Internet Explorer (6 or 7), a willingness to accept an ActiveX control, and a broadband connection.

And just as with the Vista Test Drive I wrote about recently, your bandwidth — or more possibly, lack thereof — may hinder performance.

A Look at the FutureThe online test drive also gives you a look at the future of Microsoft’s online applications. You think I’m joking? Microsoft’s looking at Google and facing some tough challenges. Here are two articles to give you some perspective: The IDG news service talks about word processing and spreadsheets in Google Refines Online Apps and Michael Lasky take a look at other ways to work online in Your Online Office.


The Whole Office ShebangSome of you with lots of time may want to download a 60 day trial of one of the Office suites. There are plenty to choose from, too. Would you like Office Standard or Office Professional? How about Office Small Business, or maybe the Office Home and Student version.


I can see that look of confusion on your face (it’s the furrowed brow). Check out TackTech‘s handy Comparison Chart to figure out which one’s best for you.

Article by: Steve Bass’s Tips & Tweaks, PC World