Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

OK I pulled the trigger on the new computer, delivery on Friday. I am getting mixed information from various computer repair sites on weather I can just move the system (C) drive from my old computer and put it in the new computer or if I have to reinstall all my software on the new system disk and essentially start over.

My real concern is Lightroom Classic. I really don't want to rebuild a 10,000+ catalog. The LR files and the Backup Catalog are maintained on a 4TB external drive. Any information, links, etc. will surly be appreciated

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

You cannot have 2 operating systems on one computer. So if your new computer is coming with let's say windows installed then if you remove your ç drive from your old computer that has windows on it it will clash with the new system. You could disable the operating system on the old c drive and rename it and use it as a drive in your new computer. You will then have to change where Lightroom looks for things but not the location of those things due to drive reassignment

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Personally, because every computer has little unique interfaces, like keyboard and such, I copy files and re-install applications on new computers. If your old computer has slightly different driver interfaces (like the keyboard) you may loose something that might be on the new computer and not the old one.
ESPECIALLY if there are two different OS versions on each.

Major reason I keep computers until they HAVE to be replaced......
I HATE getting a new computer up to speed.

Sorry, can't help with the best way to handle LR.

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

You can have two different operating systems on one computer. My tablet can boot into Windows or Android. But you can only use one system at any one time.

BebuLamar

To do that the 2 computers have to be indentical or almost. The differences in CPU, Memory and Hard drive space are not problem. The differences in graphic sub system, sound, network adapter will cause the computer not to work.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Thank you for responding

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Replacement was not a result of GAS but rather because of repeated lockups and Blue Screens. I am now totally disgusted with Dell and would not recommend one to my worst enemy.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Thanks Steve

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Thank you

BebuLamar

When I ever I change new computer I just reinstall the software I use most often and then reinstall the others whenever I need to use them. Still it would take me a few days for just those that I want to have now. A few months before I have all the software installed.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I agree. I did the same thing last time I changed computers, worked like a charm except for Lightroom

sabfish

I think you would be making a horrible mistake trying to move the operating system from your old pc, particularly if that computer is not running properly. You risk importing the problems to the new computer. I would bite the bullet and reinstall the programs on the new computer. As for Lightroom, there are many online videos on how to reinstall Lightroom on the new computer and move all your files. I don't think it is as difficult as you are making it sound, particularly since the LR files and Backup are on an external hard drive. Once you install Lightroom on the new computer, you can simply plug the external drive into the new computer and use those files in the same manner you have been using them.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Your new PC will very likely come with an operating system installed (likely Windows 11). While there are aps that claim to be able to migrate applications to a new machine, the cleanest way (and especially since you were having issues with your old machine) is just to reinstall them on the new machine. Here are the steps I would take:

1) run an inventory of your old machine using a tool like Belarc (it will typically have a list of all your installed aps and passwords for each.
2) using either your home network or a USB stick, copy over your documents, program data, downloads and favorites from your old machine (in C:/users/your user name folder) to the corresponding folders on the new machine.
3) using the installation files from your download folder, install all your applications
4) just plug in your external drive with your LR cat and images and point your new installation of LR (and any other PP aps) to that drive.
5) with some aps, you may need to uninstall them from the old machine before installing on a new machine if they have a limited number of authorized seats.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yea, that warrants replacement.

My 10 year old Toshiba laptop started loosing it.
After 6+ months of putting up with it I finally replaced it.
I wish Toshiba still made consumer laptops...
Luckily I don't have as much software on the laptop as I do the desktop.

alvin3232 Loc: Houston, TX

Hello
I would look at what (Sabfish) stated.
Computer 1(Old PC) leave up and running
Computer 2(New PC)
Once you have everything set up on this PC, install (LR) and have it configured. Once that is done you can move your files over and make sure to look back at the setting from (old pc) and compare to make sure you are setting it up and PC 2. This would be the best option and yes it may take you some time to complete but in the end, it works in your favor. And it's not all that hard or complicated to do.

Alvin