Transferring Main HD with Windows XP to bigger HD???

[untouchableflowz]

I am experienced with adding and removing hard drives from my computer, but I have a 40gb internal HD that has Windows Xp on it (main drive C, as well as a 160gb internal and a couple of external drives, but I will soon receive another 200gb internal drive, and there is no room to just add the hard drive... I know I can just copy the files and re-install the programs or copy them to the 200gb, but how do I transfer the Windows XP operating system and the same settings to it? I thought about doing it this way, but I didn't know if it would work...

Partitioning the 200gb HD with a MBR, then replace the 40gb HD with the 200gb, and re-install Windows XP and all of the other progs and files I need... I thought about just copying all the files that I wanted from the 40gb HD to the 200gb, but would that work? Also, do I have to create a MBR before I do that, or what? Im confusing myself right now....

[jeex]

most harddrives come with a utility disk that will let you "clone" the harddrive to another one.. this can also be accomplished by powerquest partition magic, powerquest drive image, and norton ghost (i think).

[BJ_M]

ive used ghost before to do this ... and the others mentioned im sure work just fine also

[untouchableflowz]

It comes with some software called "MaxBlast", but I'm not sure if that can do it, I think it might just be a drivers disk... Will those allow me to pick what I want to transfer to the new hard drive?

[DVD_Ripper]

I second Ghost... it does an excellent job copying the OS.

I work for a F-1000 company and they use Ghosted images via a server to image the companies 5000 pc's (for this site anyhow)

edit----

btw.. Maxblast is there to format and partition the drive for you.... avoiding the use of FDisk / Format on the drive.

[MOVIEGEEK]

It comes with some software called "MaxBlast", but I'm not sure if that can do it, I think it might just be a drivers disk... Will those allow me to pick what I want to transfer to the new hard drive?

Yes Maxtor MaxBlast will allow you to copy,I recommend MaxBlast Plus 2 because v3 sucks: http://members.shaw.ca/rinocanada/hdutils.htm

[untouchableflowz]

Ok, thank you, and do any of these allow the user to choose want you want to copy to the other hard drive, or do you just have to copy everything???

[MOVIEGEEK]

MaxBlast copies all or partitions...not sure about Ghost,etc.

[Gritz]

The following works for me: Unplug your "Primary" cdrom (you can replug it back in later) and in it's place plug in your new drive 200 GB drive. I just lay my case on it's side and stick a piece of cardboard between the drive and the drive bays to keep from shorting it out. Boot back up and format and partition your new drive the way you want. Next install Norton (just the Ghost module if you don't want the rest) and "Clone" your current C: drive to your new drive (first partition if it's partitioned). Now .... just to make sure it all works .... connect it up with your Primary IDE ribbon cable and boot up ... it should be duplicated on your 200 GB drive. Depending on your computer you may have to "ID" the new drive in Setup, and possibly in some cases, make the first partition "Active" . Since you didn't change the "Master" jumper you wouldn't have to worry about that. I've done a half dozen this way so far with no problems. So far.