HDD to HDD copy

[Trudye]

Hi Hardware Guru's and other knowledgable PC'ers:

I purchased a new Dell laptop after my Toshiba HDD failed on me twice in less than 2 years. I now use the Toshiba (a.k.a. piece of @$@%$!) as a doorstop.

The new Dell will come loaded with WIN 2000 the Toshiba OS was WIN 98. I am looking for software that will allow me to do a disk-to-disk copy of my HDD. Disk2Disk came recommended but they don't support 98 to 2000. In fact they commented that it was impossible because of the differences between in how document settings and preferences are stored.

First of all is it possible? If yes, then can anyone recommend software that will accomplish this task easily?

Thanks
Trudye

 

[CitrixEngineer]

Well it's possible, but I'm not sure why you would want to copy the entire disk!

If the new laptop comes with Windows 2000 pre-installed, I would suggest that all you need do is copy your data files to new folders, and ensure that you install the relevant software.

Copying software folders will not work because the software depends on other system variables, such as system *.dlls, environment and registry settings, and user-specific locations. In this respect, Windows 9.x and NT (2000) are entirely incompatible.

I hope this helps CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk

 

[pirate252]

hi,

My freind had a problem just like this and what he did was use a USB network, it is really cheap you can just connect them and there are even freeware and shareware programs out there that will copy it that way, if you have USB on both systems, hope that helps.

Matt

 

[Trudye]

Then my only alternative is to reformat the new laptop and load WIN98. Then use Disk2Disk to copy the entire HDD from the old laptop.

And maybe at some future date overlay WIN98 with 2000. I happen to like WIN98, it is one of the few relatively stable softwares MS has produced.

I need to copy the entire HDD because it takes me days to get my system setup. I am a independant software developer, if I don't work I don't get paid. I have to load several softwares (ie Office 97, office 2000, VB, 2 Web publishing softwares), not to mention a host of other softwares and utilities (3 Norton softwares, snapshot, 2 Iomega softwares, and on and on). The options on all of them have to be set and customized.

If I could copy the HDD then I don't have to load the software or the data. I just check the customizations and I'm back working in approximately 2 -3 hours.

Am I being overly optimistic, or have I missed the boat completely?

 

[CitrixEngineer]

Hmm. You could image the old laptop using Norton's Ghost (or similar), and re-image the new one. You would probably find that you would have to start in Safe Mode, remove all drivers and re-install them, due to hardware differences between the two machines. You may even need to boot from a system floppy.

I don't know the Disk2Disk software, but I imagine it would operate similarly to Ghost - does it do partition to partition imaging?

If you can afford (in terms of time and sanity!) to completely blat the new hard disk, then this should work.

If you are unsure of any of the procedures, please come back for more assistance before commencing!

I hope this helps CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk

 

[Trudye]

Hi CitrixEngineer:

Thanx for your help so far. What I am trying to accomplish is drive mirroring. There are two softwares that claim to accomplish this. Disk2Disk and CompuApps.

What I hadn't considered was the difference in the drivers between the two laptops. Incapability of drivers would extend to the HDD too wouldn't it? Would I have to go into CMOS and reconfigure the HDD?

I have recently heard of Norton's Ghost, but I heard it was cumbersome and used DOS. I know DOS (although its been a while) but would prefer to use Windows (as would most people).

Your thoughts are most welcomed

Thanx again
Trudye

 

[IMRevbudgreen]

You're just begging for more problems no matter how you try to do this. You may have to take a while resetting up your software on the 2K system, but the time is a good investment. First off, Win98 IS NOT a reliable stable OS when you try to do a hardware change as radical as a new motherboard. If you insist on doing this and can get access to a desktop system and laptop~IDE connectors, use Drive Image Pro 5.0 to image the drives. Make sure you go to advanced options and uncheck 'hide destination partition'. Also resize destination partition to use all available space. This will make a perfect mirror of your drive. Now getting it to load the proper drivers for your new DELL is a different thing alltogether. The most difficult drivers to configure will be chipset( If going from Intel to VIA, nightmare city), PCMCIA controllers, ACPI, and programmable interrupt controllers. Take it from someone who regularly sees customers who tried to mickey mouse their OS. Bite the bullet, keep 2K, and reset everything up. Eat the labor time now, or suffer endless glitches in the near future. Not All Who Wander Are Lost

 

[Trudye]

OK, ok you convinced me. You scared (more like horrified) me into doing it the ole' fashion way.

Thanks for everything
Trudye

P.S. Don't buy TOSHIBA; tell a friend and everyone you care about.

 

[CitrixEngineer]

I've got two ancient Toshies (a 486 and a P90) that are still ticking away merrily - I don't think there's really a problem with them as a whole

I would agree with IMRevbudgreen; Although there are ways and means, the long way is the safest/sanest.

Good Luck!

CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk

 

[Trudye]

FYI, I just received this from CompuApps:
Yes, By using DriveWizard you can mirror your old HDD to new HDD. For doing this, you need to remove your new HDD and connect to the old system and do mirror from old system.
If the new system configuration is different from the old one, the first boot will configure the appropriate drivers for your new hard drive.
To try whether your requirement is met with DriveWizard, you can use the trial version of DriveWizard and then once you are satisfied, you can activate DriveWizard.
If you need further help, feel free to contact us.


There is not way that I am removing a hdd from a laptop. I am confident on a desktop but know nothing of the internal workings of a laptop.

Yes I am sure you have "OLD" Toshiba laptops that still work perfectly. I had two prior to this one, but Toshiba like a lot of other companies products have diminished in quality and especially in service in an effort to compete. Producing a bad product in and of itself is not a crime. Refusing to take responsibility for it and being inconsiderate of your customers is a crime. Bottom line any company can produce a lemon what they do about it shows their integrity and commitment to their customers.

Thanks again CitrixEngineer for all your help, and may all your future problems be microscopic in nature and in duration.

Trudye