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Restoring 2 PC from same backup

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Bought new PC and restored files and apps from backup from PC needing repairs.  After repairs we restored the older PC to its last backup before the HD failed. We retired an decade old PC that had no wireless capacity.  We also replaced the cable modem used to get Internet on the retired PC with one with a phone jack.  We were successful backup keeping phone service should the Comcast rented router fail by using the new modem for our phones but we cannot get two standalone system like we had with the old PC.   Maybe it isn't possible with Comcast but the repaired PC runs fine on Wi-Fi.

So I wondered about possible side effects of using the same backup for restore twice.  I noticed both computers had the same name.  I changed one but that didn't fix any issues.  Have you figured out what else shouldn't be the same on both PCs.   

 

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Norm, welcome to these User Forums.

Based on the information that you have provided, the key side effects of using the same backup with 2 different PC's is duplicate names for the computers, which could potentially include an IP address conflict which should be easily resolved.  The more serious side effect is that of Windows Activation - this is mainly based on the hardware signature of the computer where Windows was first activated, so restoring the Windows OS to different hardware can result in Windows no longer being activated, potentially on both PC's.

If there are significant hardware differences between the old and new hardware, then you may also require to use the Acronis Universal Restore media to boot and prepare the restored backup / OS on the new computer(s) to work with the new hardware found.  Windows 10 tends to be more forgiving with regards to hardware changes in terms of device driver support.

In reply to by truwrikodrorow…

I may still have Comcast issues but I would like to fix what using the backup to restore both PCs may have caused. All of my stats come from Belarc Network Map. The Comcast rental router is on the main PC and the cable modem is on the backup PC. Each is connected to a unique COAX wall jack.

Here is what I have by IP address all starting with 10.0.0

.1 Router Main has spec for router. Backup has none

.54 Windows 10 Work Station for backup with the appropriate computer name. Device Role Server.  Same data no Device type on main.

.73 no device type both Alarmsyse 27240 with the same Comcast notation.

.244 android with full reference on main and just a physical address on backup. Our WIFI is used by EMC Securities and the cell phone monitor app. Not sure how it fit in.

.251 the reverse of .54 except Samba server

.254 same physical address for both.

 

Given all that I do not know what to fix and how to do it if I did know.

Norm, sorry but I know nothing about Comcast and its routers, so cannot really advise you further in that respect.

In my own case I have a VirginMedia (UK) cable modem/router that I have both wireless and wired connections to, with a separate multiport switch to provide additional ethernet cabled connections for my desktop PC's.

Assuming that you are also connecting to your Comcast router via an ethernet cable (RJ45) then the network address depends on what the router provides.  Normally the router will be running a DHCP server to allocate IP addresses.

Ideally both of your two PC's should be connected to the same Comcast router, especially if you want to connect between them via the network connection, as this way they would be both on the same network segment and same subnet.

I got what my wife wanted without any conflicts by disabling Wireless on her PC.  We can leave the router inside our computer desk and not worry about weaker WIFI for my wife's PC.  Both PCs now run Ethernet.  Our phones do not rely on the router but could if our Cable modem fails.  Our security system, our laptop, and house guest all access from the router.

I appreciate your help.  You increased my understanding.  You may close the ticket.

Norm, glad that you have found a solution that works for you & your wife.  Thank you for the feedback.