How would I go about transfering my files from one Hard Drive to another

[OmniShinzui]

Ok, im building a new PC. I currently am using a 160GB Seagate Hard Drive, and am buying a 300GB hard drive. I want to transfer my files (Music, Pictures, Movies, ect), over 120GB Worth, to the 300GB Hard Drive, then format my 160GB. Then, id make the 160GB my main drive with the OS, and the 300GB with all my Media Files (and a few games, possibly partitioning 30GB for Linux use). Problem, my current PC cant connect two hard drives at the same time. Its a very old computer (doesnt even have a AGP Slot on Mobo), and the ribbon cable connecting my hard drive only has one connector (its a prebuilt eMachines).

I was thinking building my new PC first, then make it so my 300GB Hard Drive is the master, leaving my 160GB in my old PC. Format the 300GB, then connect both computers via Ethernet Cable. After, transfer all my files I wanted. Then, id switch my 300GB to be a slave drive, and add my 160GB. Later, finally formatting the 160GB with Windows XP Professional.

Would this work? Another way?

An easier way would be to have both my 160GB and 300GB on my new rig, and just boot with my 160GB WinXP Home. Would it be fine to switch in a hard drive with all new specs and stuff with my hard drive filled with old configurations and settings? Id just transfer all my files to the 300GB I wanted, then just format my 160gb? Eliminating the use of my old rig to transfer?

How would I go about doing this? I have no external hard drive, and im not burning 40 some odd DVD-r Discs. Thanks in advance for the help

 

[CalvinHobbes]

For the old machine, just get a new IDE ribbon cable. They're like $2.
It's possible the old machine wouldn't recognize the 300GB drive but there are ways around that too.

You could put both drives in the new machine, I'm pretty sure there's a way to clean out the hardware config from the OS and then boot into a new machine and have the OS still work.

 

[Bobthelost]

The easiest way to do it would be to connect both the new drives to a mate's computer and then transfer all the files you want to save from the 160Gig to the 300Gig, then wipe the 160 and put it in as the boot disc. It's incredibly simple to do and would be the fastest way of transfering the files.

However if your 300Gig is a newer drive it's probably going to be faster than the 160Gig, if so the most elegant solution would be to use the 300Gig as the boot disc and the 160 as the second drive.

 

[GamerExpress]

Originally posted by: Bobthelost
The easiest way to do it would be to connect both the new drives to a mate's computer and then transfer all the files you want to save from the 160Gig to the 300Gig, then wipe the 160 and put it in as the boot disc. It's incredibly simple to do and would be the fastest way of transfering the files.

However if your 300Gig is a newer drive it's probably going to be faster than the 160Gig, if so the most elegant solution would be to use the 300Gig as the boot disc and the 160 as the second drive.

QFT

 

[Abhi]

Does your current PC have an optical drive?

If yes, then just plug in the 2nd hard disk there, after making appropriate jumper settings on the hdd.

 

[Abhi]

Just saw in ur sig you have a DVD burner.

Unplug that, plug in new HDD, Drag and drop.

Originally posted by: OmniShinzui
Would it be fine to switch in a hard drive with all new specs and stuff with my hard drive filled with old configurations and settings?

No, that wont work. You are best off with a fresh install on the new system.