I bought a Windows 10 PC, and really like it. I installed all apps etc, and got them all working, and this took about 10 hours to setup. Great.
Now I wrant to buy another PC just like this, so I have a spare one to keep at a different location. I don't want to have to spend the 10 hours of setup re-installing apps etc. Is there a way I can clone the drive of PC#1, and copy it to PC#2. I'd expect that some apps wouldn't work (ie copy protected ones) as they would recognize a different PC and not like it - that's fine, but I'd hope the majority of them would work.
Is this doable.... and I'm willing to take it to a shop to do it.
Before I did anything, however, I would take an image of the target machine first so you can always get back to where you started.
I'm sure there are other solutions, but I have used Acronis products for many years and have been happy with the results. I've not used Acronis backup (I do use Acronis True Image Home), but from what I see on their web site, it appears that it would work relatively easily.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Wouldn't 'True Image' possibly become an issue if run on 2 different machines? It's great for cloning one machine to itself, but on different machines I assume machine keys and hardware may become an issue.
I've heard nothing but good things about Acronis, but this particular application has some other parameters that need to be considered.
It may have a better chance of success if you have an authorization key that allows multiple installs, but I think but W10 is pretty picky about that.
I'd likely take it into the local (trusted) shop. We have people in our IT/MSP/Support department that could solve this quickly and efficiently, but unfortunately I'm not one of them. I just question the success rate of running 2 OS clones on 2 different machines at once these days without hassle.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
For backups, I don't like the idea of a single propietary file that promises to hold the whole hard drive. I prefer a regular uncompressed drive of files and folders. So Acronis is not for me - no option for uncompressesd. I guess I got used to this on the Mac - SuperDuper does it like that. I wish they had that for Windows.
Anyway - a different question, but related: Does anyone know of backup software that works like that - backups to a drive maintaining the files and folder structure. Copy and Paste almost works - but inevitably stops for something silly like "cannot copy this file, so I'm stopping the whole thing"
Since the 1990s I have used Total Commander, a shareware program from Germany. It was modeled after the old Norton Commander from DOS days. It's basically a much more powerful version of having two Windows Explorer windows open side-by-side. You can select files or folders with right-click, and drag anything between drives with the mouse. I find it indispensable. It has the potential to cause confusion in the hands of someone not skilled in file management, so I don't refer just anyone to it.
It can synch directories. It can change file attributes.
It will stop when it hits an unreadable file, but you can recover and continue.
I back up folders to other drives, removable and off-site, so I've never used Acronis or any other backup utility; I prefer to control things myself with Total Commander.
For a one-time small fee, I have lifetime updates. It's even free to use with a nag screen.
There are a couple of potential issues with hardware cloning and restoration to a different machine.
If you clone the entire drive, your backup clone contains all the licenses from your source machine. The destination machine might not readily accept these (e.g. the Windows license key)
If the hardware configuration is different on the destination system, then this might cause issues that are difficult to diagnose. E.g. registry settings might point to hardware that is not available, or has changed functionality. There may be some unknown territory here.
Macrium Reflect does allow redeploying to new hardware. From the Help: "From the rescue environment you can launch Macrium ReDeploy to adapt the recovered Windows system to its new environment whether that is a virtual machine or a different computer. With Macrium Reflect ReDeploy, you can restore an image to a replacement computer or even create virtual hard drives to virtualize the machine, a technique sometimes called Physical to Virtual or P2V.
Macrium ReDeploy is now included all editions of Macrium Reflect except for the Free Edition."
I understand that Reflect, like most backup products, creates a single "save set" which is a single file containing the contents of the backup. It can perform full image, incremental or differential backups.
I also use a product named "Synchronize It!" from Grig software which copies whatever I want from anywhere to anywhere, and includes the ability to create and save reusable Sessions and Entire projects.
They also have an excellent File Compare tool that can be launched directly from Synchronize It. Both of these products get a lot of use, but Synchronize it does not perform full image, incremental or differential backups.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I can't offer the advice on which program to choose since there are so many ones available.
However, I can say that I used a cloning program on a new hard drive to replace a failing one, and the process took about 15 minutes. Every single program except one ran perfectly. I had to do a disk install and authorization and that one also ran perfectly. Didn't lose a single file. This was many years ago so I'm pretty sure it's even easier now.
BUT REMEMBER THIS: Cloning and imaging are generally used on the same machine in the event of a crashed HD. Pop in a new drive and reinstall on the same machine, as I did, or recall the image to restore a corrupted HD. All the hardware settings are the same. Cloning to a new computer isn't like that.
Then, there's this from a website:
Quote:
Unfortunately, what you describe isn't practical. And that's as true with cloning the drive as with imaging it.
When you install Windows onto a PC (or, for that matter, when it's installed at the factory), the operating system configures itself to that particular hardware. Put an exact copy onto a different computer and you're going to have nothing but trouble.
Not being a computer geek.... I would say that installing the programs manually, although it will take some time, might be the best option to insure success. You can always copy the databases without any issues.
If you clone, the hardware is different and that might present issues as the writer expressed. Worst case, you'd have to wipe the drive, reinstall the OS and go manually.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I get the issue with a single file; however, I've used Acronis products (although True Image Home is not the same as the Universal Restore capability within the Backup products, which is what is required for what's being asked here).
That being said, I've used my True Image Home "single file" (actually, multiple files, as it lets you break them down into CD or DVD size files) successfully years after creating the image.
The link talks about it in the context of using Acronis Backup (rather that True Image). True Image may work, but you still have to account for Windows licensing as well as the computer SID (which should be unique from machine to machine, especially if you want to network them). So the Universal Restore accounts for that before restoring the backup file.
But it's best to do what you feel comfortable with.
Once done, however, you'll probably have to re-authorize software such as products from Native Instruments, IK-Multimedia, Presonus, etc, but that's not too difficult. Even with Cakewalk products, if you were not able to de-authorize before putting it on a different machine, you can always call them to reset your license count (I've done this several times over the years).
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
One important clue here is that Peter said his new PC would be an exact hardware duplicate. An archived version of Windows therefore should install without prompting by Microsoft to require reauthorizing Windows.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
If you have the same motherboard it should work with 10, where as 7 you can clone it to another motherboard, will just need to reactivate some programs. That was the main reason I stuck with 7, I think if your motherboard blows on 10/8 and you put a different one in it don't boot. http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=368803#Post368803
But there maybe some software now to make it work on 10 ?
The OS product key is different between machines with the exact same hardware specs. And the key is part and parcel of the installation authorization process to prevent piracy.
Peter, let us know if you get an exact duplicate using software cloning of the machines. I'd like to know.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
With that and stuff like process explorer, etc, they have been a great source of very helpful tools.
I did notice they use the word 'reset' though, which implies it would eliminate Peter's use (I think).
"Resets Windows Product Activation. Sysprep can reset Windows Product Activation up to three times."
One thing none of us have asked; what kind of license does Peter have to begin with?
I have one W7Pro license that explicitly states I can install it on three computers, but I suspect most users assume a one computer license (like OEM). If PG can install his OS on more than one machine, he may be golden with many of the options offered previously.
I might also suggest PGMusic apply to become an MS Partner as a company. This can lead to some interesting licensing options for many MS products they may be using and paying for already.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I might also suggest PGMusic apply to become an MS Partner as a company. This can lead to some interesting licensing options for many MS products they may be using and paying for already.
Bob, I don't know for sure but PG Music may already be a MS partner. PG Music was a Microsoft research partner for ++ Songsmith ++ . Microsoft now offers Songsmith for sale ++ HERE ++ while PG Music sells extra Songsmith styles ++ HERE ++ .
++ HERE ++ is a list of music related research Microsoft is presently working on.
Yes it's an absolute pain to have to install everything again when you had it setup just how you want it with all the programs you use. I have done too many re-installs to ever want to go through all that again, and just when you think you got everything there is always something you've missed just when you need it for a job.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
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