Can I change the hard drive in my computer?

Question

I have a Lenovo PC running Windows Vista; it came with a 250GB hard drive. What I want to do is switch the HDD for a smaller one, say 40GB, just big enough to keep the system files and programs, then take the 250GB HDD and put it in an external box to be used exclusively for storing data....I will keep everything that's already in it, just in case.
My ?? is: Do I just copy everything (all the system files and programe) to the new HDD and then assign it as primary, or are ther additional steps that I should take.

Answer 1

You must use software to 'clone' the existing partition onto your new 40gb drive. Simply 'copying over' the files and folders will not be effective because of several factors: folder locations and the registry to be exact.

Norton Ghost 2003 is a good program to accomplish this task.

Answer 2

Watch out if you change too many pieces of hardware Vista will freak and you will be calling Microsoft for permission to reinstall Vista....

With that said if you have a full install disk you can install the small drive and then reinstall Vista on it. I think Vista will eat up about 15GB then you can reinstall whatever programs you would like.

You can then move your internal to a USB enclosure.

If you have not already purchased one you can find them here:

http://www.gamegiants.net/index.php?cPath=1_70&page=1&sort=3a

Answer 3

You could also get another 250gb hard drive to use for storage, mount it in the pc, and add it as a slave. Then just send everything you want to archive to that drive. Be about the same money, and lots easier......

Answer 4

Pretty much this is right but MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS COPIED.
If not it could mess up and you would have to install vista again with no data.

Answer 5

I don't know why you'd want to do it, but it sounds like that should do it.