replacing hard drive question

[taterh8r]

I just bought a new HD to replace my older 80GB HD which is partitioned and holds the OS (Windows XP). I currently have a slave drive which has no programs installed on it. It only is used for storage of various things such as pictures, music, tv shows, etc. Can I remove the old HD and put the new one in its place and keep the 2nd HD without loosing the files. If so, how would I do it? Is it just a regular "plug n' play".

Thanks

 

[her209]

Yes, just make sure to set the new drive as a master. You will then need to reinstall Windows or make an image of your old drive onto the new one.

 

[taterh8r]

Thanks. So just by plugging in the new one, with the same jumper as my old drive and reinstalling windows XP. It will recognize my old slave (the one I'm not replacing) and it's partitions with the files?

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: taterh8r
Thanks. So just by plugging in the new one, with the same jumper as my old drive and reinstalling windows XP. It will recognize my old slave (the one I'm not replacing) and it's partitions with the files?

Yep. I would recommend disconnecting your slave drive while you reinstall Windows XP. Don't want to install on the wrong drive. 😉

 

[dunkster]

You can simply clone your older drive to the new drive, using the free utility offered by the maker of the new drive. Visit the drive maker's site for instructions (support section) and downloading the utility.

If the new drive is larger or same size, it will not only perfectly clone your old drive but also provide the option to automatically scale partition sizes for multi-partition boot drives.

No need for fresh Windows install.

Hope this helps!