I have about 20 gigs of space used up on a 40 gig hard drive, i just want to copy the stuff onto a drive and then have the computer re formatted. I think this may be the fastest way, but give me your thoughts.
2007-03-20 14:34:04 · 5 answers · asked by larapdab 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
If you format the drive, you will need to reinstall the OS again.
2007-03-20 14:37:25 · answer #1 · answered by Cupcake 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do it all the time. You will need a clone disc. You simple clone the information to that device.
Let me warn you about this, if you have 20 gig free, defrag it, and the need to format is gone. When you Defrag it puts everything back together, Just as if you just loaded the computer.
I'll tell you what I have done, I think its smart. I have a small 6 gig hard drive. It has a complete loaded OS, Office, all the updates, and it is ready.
What I do, I take out my hard drive, put in the original, and I clone it to the larger on. I can totally reload the entire computer, no disc, in 1 hour. If you have ever loaded a computer, just to put the OS in it takes 2 hours.
If you want things new, the put stuff on an external drive. But you will not be able to move installed programs to it. Those you will have to reinstall, unless you clone.
2007-03-20 22:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by SFC V 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, a hard drive does not need an Operating System. You can do exactly what you want by adding another hard drive in your computer, move the files, format the "c:" drive re-install your OS on the "C:" and be able to use your other hard drive probably named "D:"
2007-03-20 21:39:29 · answer #3 · answered by atuor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it needs files to operate.there is a few megs used to setup harddrive.
you need a operating system to run your computer.
the 20gigs u r using will still be used up doing what you say.you can take a chance with programs that delete little used programs or go to
the C: drive then windows and look at the programs you have installed.and delete the stuff you don't need.
with half the drive left you have plenty of room left.if its running slow look at buying more memory
2007-03-20 21:49:34 · answer #4 · answered by pkrp5 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based on your knowledge level I would be very careful before doing anything this drastic.
2007-03-20 21:38:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋