better to copy HD or reinstall everything?

[JatZilla]

So I'm putting together a computer for the first time and just wanted to get some tips. Would it be better to clone my existing HD onto the new one using Ghost, or should I format the new HD and then reinstall all my programs and data files? The latter will be a pain in the butt but I'll do it if that's teh way to go. My existing PC is quite old but the HD in it is fairly new.

Secondly, should I partition my new 250gb drive? Is there anything to gain in doing so, besides keeping the system files and data files separate? I plan to back up the drive onto my other 160gb drive on a weekly basis.....

TIA

 

[Bobthelost]

I like having seperate data and OS partitions, but there's minimal performance change from it. It's up to you really.

It's better to start afresh, you could have some conflicts and or problems with just cloning the HD, although it wouldn't hurt to try.

 

[acole1]

fresh! you will be amazed at how much better a fresh load runs than a ghost copy

 

[Lasthitlarry]

I say fresh, you can backup the important stuff on cds/dvds and then reformat.

Also, as mentioned above, you can bypass this in the future by creating seperate partitions.

My favorite is 10/10/etc : 10GBs for Windows ONLY, 10GBs for apps, program files, etc, and the rest for your games, storage and such.

So when you reformat, you just have to reformat the Windows partition, and none of your data is lost.

 

[JatZilla]

yeah that makes sense. I'll start afresh and partition the drive......thanks

 

[Jiggz]

Well, you have a new hdd so go ahead do a fresh install of the OS and then slave the old hdd and transfer all the data you need to the new hdd. Don't format or erase the old hdd until you are satisfied you have all the data you need to the new hdd.