Transfer SATA Z61T HD into non-Thinkpad laptop?

[tasat]

I need to move my data and programs to a different laptop. Can I safely transfer the HD from my Z61T to a different laptop?

[RealBlackStuff]

To another Z61t, and probably T61, no problems.
If other than Thinkpad: big problems because of incompatible hardware.

[tasat]

[quote="RealBlackStuff"]To another Z61t, and probably T61, no problems.
If other than Thinkpad: big problems because of incompatible hardware.[/quote]

That's what I thought, but not what I wanted to hear.

What would be the quickest and easiest way to either use that drive in a different laptop or desktop, or get all the programs and data off to use elsewhere?

[RealBlackStuff]

If the system hardware of the other laptop (which one exactly?) is very similar, such as graphics and chipset, it MAY work.
Start with taking an image before you change anything. Acronis TrueImage is the best for that.
Download the system utility drivers and graphics drivers for the new laptop.
Next, you will need to uninstall every Thinkpad utility.
If that other laptop has a different wifi-card, remove the one from the TP and uninstall its drivers.
Then uninstall the graphics driver and go back to basic VGA.
Install CrapCleaner from www.ccleaner.com and clean up your PC.
Compact all your email message folders.

Transfer the HD to the other laptop, and try to boot into safe mode.
If success, install the system utility drivers and reboot into normal windows.
Install the graphics drivers.
If at any step it fails, ask here with exact problem-description.