Creating a "duplicate" system - cloning/compatibility

We had a recent incident with a component in our business system (a router) that made us realize that -- even with warranties -- being down means being out of business. So, even with a warranty on our ACER system, until a (prospectively broken) machine were to get fixed, we'd be out of business! So we want to create a backup system. The most important piece of software that runs on our machine requires installation by the software company, and they charge $250 every time they do that so we'd like to avoid if possible!

So...we currently have a Veriton VX4818G-Ui5240W and are looking at VX4618G-Ui72602W. If we clone our current system and completely replace the information on the VX4618G-Ui72602W, will the new machine run? In other words, are the drivers on both machines compatible? I tried to ask this on the "chat" (since I have a paid extended warranty) and they referred me to the pay per incident folks!? (Guess they don't understand the concept of pre/post sales service.

Accepted answers

Juzzo

Here is the technical side of things.

Regarding BIOS configuration: If the old image was created from a computer that had IDE enabled in the BIOS, and your new computer has AHCI enabled in the BIOS, you will get a BSOD at the windows loading screen. This means if the original system had IDE enabled in BIOS, the new system must also have IDE enabled. And the reverse is true as well, if the original system had AHCI enabled in bBIOS, the new system must have AHCI enabled as well. This setting, for the storage controller, must match between the new and the old system in order for Windows to get past the loading screen successfully.

If the motherboard chipset is different between the original backup image system and the new system the backup image will be restored to - you may get a BSOD when the image is installed on the new machine. That tells you the old image isn't compatible with the new system's chipset. However, if the old motherboard chipset is fairly similar (or identical) to the new motherboard chipset, the image should work fine. Most often, the old backup image would have been made on a system several years older than whatever computer you are replacing it with, and hence there are usually considerable differences between old chipset and new chipset, which makes restoring the saved image problematic.

If your new machine has 4GB of RAM memory or greater, you are better off with win7 64 - only win7 64 will allow you to use the full capacity of 4GB or greater of RAM memory

I would make sure I had a system restore ready to run for the new machine, however it will not hurt to try the old image. Where I work, we do as you are (Upgrading within the same product line) and 9 times out of 10, we only have to snag a few drivers off the internet after the image is loaded.

Worst case, you will just have to load everything you need onto the new computer from scratch. If you havent purchased the new machine yet, you can just purchase another 32-bit. Whole departments here still are on 32 bit machines due to software compatability issues (Old software wont run on 64 bit).

All comments

Juzzo

First off, I work at a company with 200 branches across the US...Very familiar with the issues you face.

I could not find info/specs on your old machine. If you could list them, I could take a look at compatability issues. Clone-wise, for the most part, even if a driver or two are not compatable, the operating system will be, and a quick trip to the internet will solve any issues. If your old machine is a windows 7, it should be 99.9% compatable with the new one (.1 missing due to acer sometimes screwing with the bios for whatever reason).

You can private message me if you have any other questions, or are looking for advice on the backup system...I am a networker, with heavy A+ demands at my job.

ElizabethS

Please keep all discussion on the boards unless it is of a private nature. That way, all our other members will benefit from the advice and suggestions given Smiley Happy

rsleonard

Thanks, in advance for your help...

My current machine has an Intel Core i5-2400 @3.1GHz

4GB memory, running 32 bit Windows 7

If more information would help, please advise what you need. BIOS Version needed?

rsleonard

BIOS is P01-A3

Juzzo

Here is the technical side of things.

Regarding BIOS configuration: If the old image was created from a computer that had IDE enabled in the BIOS, and your new computer has AHCI enabled in the BIOS, you will get a BSOD at the windows loading screen. This means if the original system had IDE enabled in BIOS, the new system must also have IDE enabled. And the reverse is true as well, if the original system had AHCI enabled in bBIOS, the new system must have AHCI enabled as well. This setting, for the storage controller, must match between the new and the old system in order for Windows to get past the loading screen successfully.

If the motherboard chipset is different between the original backup image system and the new system the backup image will be restored to - you may get a BSOD when the image is installed on the new machine. That tells you the old image isn't compatible with the new system's chipset. However, if the old motherboard chipset is fairly similar (or identical) to the new motherboard chipset, the image should work fine. Most often, the old backup image would have been made on a system several years older than whatever computer you are replacing it with, and hence there are usually considerable differences between old chipset and new chipset, which makes restoring the saved image problematic.

If your new machine has 4GB of RAM memory or greater, you are better off with win7 64 - only win7 64 will allow you to use the full capacity of 4GB or greater of RAM memory

I would make sure I had a system restore ready to run for the new machine, however it will not hurt to try the old image. Where I work, we do as you are (Upgrading within the same product line) and 9 times out of 10, we only have to snag a few drivers off the internet after the image is loaded.

Worst case, you will just have to load everything you need onto the new computer from scratch. If you havent purchased the new machine yet, you can just purchase another 32-bit. Whole departments here still are on 32 bit machines due to software compatability issues (Old software wont run on 64 bit).

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