How to back up WMC and install on another Win 7 PC?

[Ken H]

I've used WMC for years, using a variety of setups with OTA and/or CableCard.

I'd like to create a backup of the entire guide set up, and also be able to use it with a new Win 7 PC I'm trying to get going.

What's the best, easiest way?

[IT Troll]

Use the Backup and a Restore buttons. Works perfectly between machines. You still need to do the initial tuner setup on the new installation though.

[Ken H]

Use the Backup and a Restore buttons. Works perfectly between machines. You still need to do the initial tuner setup on the new installation though.

In EPG123, correct?

[IT Troll]

Yes, in the Client Guide Tool. That is if you want to backup and restore the whole WMC database.

The config for EPG123 itself is held in the epg123.cfg file, with just this you can jump-start a new setup with a fresh database. Depends if you want to pull across your Recording History, Series Recordings etc. or go for a clean start.

[Ken H]

You still need to do the initial tuner setup on the new installation though.

Does everything need to be identical between the 2 PC's as far as channel numbers? I've used WMC Edit Channels to change the numbers that show up in the guide. For example natively the local FOX HD affilate is mirrored on 2 different channel numbers, 234 and 1002. I use 1002 and edited it to just 2. I'm guessing both PC's need the channel numbers used to be the same for the EPG123 backup & restore to work?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[garyan2]

Your custom numbers and merged channels will be lost when you perform the TV Setup on the new machine. No avoiding that.

Doing this method transfers your recording requests along with you favorite lineups.

[garyan2]

I guess it may not be understood that the TV Setup has to be done after the restore on the new computer. That is why you will lose that information.