Cloning Software

[jgigz]

Im lookign for some freeware to transfer the contents of my hdd to another one without having to reformt. All other feasable suggestions are welcom

 

[Drakkon]

goto command prompt with both drives installed and type in:

xcopy c:\ d:\ /e /c /h

where c:\ is the source drive, d:\ is the new drive

 

[WildHorse]

You don't need special software.
That capability is already built into Windows.
Use the xcopy command

e.g.;
xcopy a: b: /v /q /s /e /t /k /h /r /o /x /y

 

[jgigz]

Will it also copy OS files so i dont have to reinstall windows?

 

[Drakkon]

so long as you use a DOS bootdisk ( http://bootdisk.com ) with xcopy on it you'll be able to.
dont boot into windows and have it copy the files, remove the original drive.
chances are windows will bitch about you changing hardware however and possibly not even startup if the drives are too different (i.e. stat instead of IDE). its better to just reinstall windows on the new drive and install the old drive as a backup and copy files over as need be.

 

[jgigz]

Its just so i can go from my 80gb (which is making wierd noises and sounds like its dying) to my 250gb. I dont wanna reformat and lose all my music etc.

And obviously i use xp but which version of the bootdisk do i use?

Thanks

 

[corkyg]

The XCopy function will not result in a bootable HDD. You need a drive imaging program in order to get all of the stuff in the right place for booting. The best is True Image's clone function when done with the bootable CD it creates for you. As for freeware, use the downloadable drive copy utility at your drive's OEM site. Example, MaxBlast for Maxtors.

 

[Pirotech]

Yep, True Image is basically the best for me. Its cloning option is sold as an independent tool called Migrate Easy that is cheaper. Or if you want a free cloning utility, you may try your HDD manufacturer one.

 

[AmphibSailor]

Acronis for free!

Not sure if the offer is still good, but this version still works. I used it a couple of weeks ago to clone a laptop hdd during an upgrade.