Hard drive imaging question

[unholy414]

I'm building a new computer and have tons of files that I don't want to go through the trouble of backing up, among other inconveniences. Is it possible to just ghost my main drive (Windows XP installed on it), and then unpack that image onto my new system build? I am leaning towards a fresh start (reformat), but I want to try this out first as an experiment, just to see if I can do it.

-thanks

 

[JackMDS]

It depends on which Mobo Chipset you have now, and what you are upgrading to (has to do with the chipset drivers).

Some times it works well other times it can be a pain in the neck, and some times it is a total bust.

The main problem occurs when the Chipset's hard drive drivers are so off the Windows would not boot.

However it is one of these things that worth while to try coz you can always reformat so there is noting to lose.

 

[loox]

There are some solutions out there that purport to make it easier, but it'll cost you.

check out Acronis True Image Echo 9.5 Workstation (40 dollars with coupon) with (and here is the catch) the ADDON Universal Restore, which is an extra 30 bucks, less with coupon. (60-70dollars total). It claims to either have most drivers you would need to install to a new system, or be able to get them during the backup/restore process, OR if it can't you are given time to grab the drivers for your new system and download them, point the program to them and it will then include them in the restore process. At that point, Vista (EDIT: or XP, sorry) will detect the new devices, and True Image Univ. Restore will have included the drivers in your %system% or appropriate folders... just as if you, for example, changed printers. I tried this and it worked for me, but I did not move to a new Mobo... the Mobo came with me... so I can't say for sure it works flawlessly. It did work for my new router, video card, etc... first time out.

OR.

2. I've heard rumblings of a program that costs as much as Acronis TI with Universal restore (about 70 bucks) called ShadowProtect Desktop Edition by StorageCraft. I've been researching it as it uses a VistaPE recovery environment which would work with much more hardware. Apparently it has a counterpart to Acronis' Universal Restore that seems to be winning accolades.

So there are two options, both priced relatively the same, that should, in theory, just maybe make this easier for you. I'd research them if you are serious.

If it works, you'd be saving tons of time.

Now, having said that... Murphy's law still applies. If there was ever a time to do a fresh install, its when you are completely changing systems. So the tidiest way to do it is with a fresh install. On the other hand, if you need a good imaging program, you can't do better than either of the above, and if worse comes to worst, you'll have an image that you can load as a virtual drive to copy your files/settings over to your new system. Not to mention a powerhouse backup system in place from here on out.

 

[unholy414]

Thanks a ton guys, and I'll give those apps a try, loox.