Replacing Hard Drive

[Static EMP]

I have two 80 gig hard drives right now. I just got a 300 gig, and I want to replace one of my hard drives, but keep all the data that's currently on it. I don't know how, though, because these are my options:

1. Replace my first hard drive, which has all my system files on it, but then I wouldn't even be able to boot into my computer to copy the hard drive over.

2. Replace my second hard drive, but I don't know how I would be able to copy all the data from the hard drive over after it's been disconnected (since my first hard drive has all the windows, etc. files.

I know there's away around this, but I can't seem to find it on the internet. If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank!

 

[montag451]

ACRONIS true image, or Symantec GHOST )yuk), or the hdd manufacturer may provide you with a yoot to CLONE your old drive onto your new one.
Look on their website.

 

[Slowlearner]

The HD utilities from the HD manufacturers are the best, if you bought a bare drive it may not have come with this, its usually included in the retail kits. Download one anyway, and follow instructions. You need to run it first, then open up the case and attach the new drive as a slave - restart pc, allow the software to format/clone the new drive - shut down, switch jumpers and restart.

 

[orion23]

Why aren't you able to connect all 3 drives at the same time?
are they all IDE drives? If so, why not just disconnect 1 of your CD / DVD drives and install the new 300GB drive there and then just copy the files from your 2nd drive to it.
Once you are done, you can remove the 2nd drive and replace it with your new 300GB and plug the CD / DVD drive back.

If you want to do an image of your 1st drive, use the included utility for ghosting (or use norton ghost). Make an image of your boot drive. Remove the 2nd drive. Connect the new 300GB and start the ghosting process.

What brand did you buy anyway? Maxtor uses a very simple and helpful utility for this!

 

[Pirotech]

Originally posted by: montag451
ACRONIS true image, or Symantec GHOST )yuk), or the hdd manufacturer may provide you with a yoot to CLONE your old drive onto your new one.
Look on their website.

Or rather Acronis Migrate Easy. It's cheaper and is directly intended to transfer data.

 

[montag451]

didn't know about Migrate Easy.
Thanks for the tip. Is it good to use?
I like Acronis. mmmmmmm

 

[Pirotech]

Acronis Migrate Easy. It's a simple version of true image as a matter of fact. It might be very useful if you need to clone hard drive. It has some more features of true image except backup options. Nevertheless personaly I prefer true image - the whole set of functions...