Although i do not want to reinstall all my apps, etc. Can i plug my new drive into my computer (via external usb hd interface), cut and paste all the data over to the new drive. Then pull out my old one and replace it with the drive i just copied all my data onto? I have a feeling this won't work.
Anyone, Anyone?
2006-10-24 08:48:30 · 5 answers · asked by n_maritz 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I alrrady have 2 additional HD's, totalling 370 gig, but my OS is on a 40 gb drive and i have a 120 i want to replace it with cause the 40 gig is 32 gb full, of program install data. Let me reiterate i donnot want to "backup the data" i want to replace the drive my OS is on, without reinstalling EVERYTHING.. again
2006-10-24 08:56:41 · update #1
Norton Ghost can do it
2006-10-24 08:51:22 · answer #1 · answered by Padma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you described will not work. Once you install Windows on the new drive you will need to re-install all the applications you have on the old disk, because all applications write files into the registry and maybe into the Windows folder. These files will have to be placed there via the installer and not by just dragging files into location.
What I suggest is you add a large drive with a USB connection, move your data to the new drive if you have data on the old drive and leave the old drive for OS and applications only. I am not sure if you use Outlook for email which tends to store the email on the system drive which is your old drive in this case, so moving the mail folders to the new drive will free up a significant space.
2006-10-24 11:08:18 · answer #2 · answered by marcos 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you need to do is load your operating system (probably Windows XP) onto the new drive. First you will need to place the new drive into your machine as the primary drive by making sure the jumper is in the correct configuration. Next, hook up the old drive as a slave (change jumper to get this). Most computers have capacity for two drives. After you install the operating system on the new drive, you can access all of the files on the old drive and copy them over or just leave the old drive in place to act as additional storage. I have one computer that I have set up this way, and it works just fine.
2006-10-24 09:00:37 · answer #3 · answered by Doug R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That generally does not work. A lot of programs install needed files in the windows directory and into your registry. You will need to re-install most if not all of your programs.
2006-10-24 08:51:25 · answer #4 · answered by chuck g 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you dont have to - you can add a drive right along with it - like i got 3 harddrives in mine
2006-10-24 08:52:16 · answer #5 · answered by Jimmy H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋