Lester,

> So what would I do differently using VM?

> In the 'VM' case would I still need to do that? You say
> 'install OS' and then load VM ... and restore image? Is that the normal
> method?

1 - Install and patch OS

2 - Install and configure VM Host software

3 - Copy VM image to appropriate path

4 - 'register' VM with host (this varies for each VM software)

5 - Run VM

> I know I should be working simply with 'images' of the hard disks, but
> that often fails when the motherboard needs changing.

I would suggest that you investigate the restore-anywhere backup solutions -- in theory it should allow you to create a master disk image and then allow you to restore to any box (and perhaps even prompt for new Win license key).

The products advertise functionality that allows migration between different hardware.


Sean