Can HD's be copied this way? 1

[mercie]

I need someone who's "been there, done that" to tell me if I'm doing this right or if there's a better way. I have one computer with 2 HD's one a 60GB and the other an 80GB. The 60GB has the OS (Win98SE) and the 80GB has most of the software programs, data, etc. I would like to replace the 80GB with a 120GB but first I need to transfer all the info from the 80GB to the 120GB.

The only way I can think of doing this is to install the 120GB HD as a slave to my CDRW. Then, using Partition Magic, copy all partitions from the 80GB to the 120GB. Afterwards I should be able to remove the 80GB and make the 120GB the slave of the 60GB. Is this doable or is there a better way to go about it?

I would like to do this the "safest" way possible so as not to lose any of the information on the present 80GB (it's mostly business stuff!).

I would appreciate any help - never done this before!

 

[wolluf]

What you suggest will work - though you don't need to use partition magic (you can just partition & format new drive using windows disk management and then just copy files/folders in explorer). But if you're happy using PM, then by all means.

Basically, as its just data (and not the o/s) you're copying, there's not a problem.

 

[mercie]

Thanks, wolluf, I appreciate your response. If I run into any problems I'll post again.

 

[cdogg]

Actually, some system files (like DLL's for example) can reside in program folders under Program Files. So if you have a lot of software on the 80GB drive, chances are some of those files will be in use and will not copy with Windows running.

Since you already have partition magic, probably be best to use it from the command prompt at startup to copy over the files. You can also look into using the xcopy command as well if needed.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[rclarke250]

easiest is just use the tools that comes with the new drive,to copy over all the data. most just use ontrack software anyways,and works even with different manufactures of drives. Rich

I shall use google before asking stupid questions!

 

[edfair]

Have used Ghost several times to do this after getting the layout as I wanted it. But you should be fine with the methods listed above.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[mercie]

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice on how to do this. The new HD is in and all is well. Just a bit of advice for anyone who's planning to do this and reads this thread. Remember to map the drives! That's the only place where I ran into a bit of trouble and ended up having to re-install some of the software. No biggie but it would have been much easier if I'd re-mapped. Once again thanks to everyone who helped!

 

[wolluf]

Mercie

sorry - thought you'd know you'd need to map new drive to same drive letter as one its replacing (once that was removed). Whenever you replace a drive (whether o/s or data/apps) you should understand the drive letters in place before you start, and ensure they're carried forward to new config.

 

[mercie]

It's OK, wolluf, I know now!! Common sense tells you to map the drives but I was so concerned about losing my data that I didn't even think about it. All's well that ends well. I'll know better next time!

Thanks for your help.