Cloning a Drive

Pandaz3 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-02-2008

I am Using Vista Ultimate 64. I would like to tranfer my entire drive incuding all files and the Operating system From my current IDE HDD to a new SATA Drive of the sames size (500 Gig) I need the IDE Drive for an older computer ( The 40 Gig IBM Deathstar still functions great, but all programs seem more bloated these Days)

Anyway I went to Administrative Tools and Formated the New Drive NFTS with no Drive Letter. But I cannot get it recognized as a transfer device when I go to system backup. Can I use 'C' on the second and soon to be only drive? If I have to use E or F for now can I change it back later. would that affect the file system?

I intend to Low level Format the IDE and try cloning the old machine's XP Drive (32 bit) to it in the second place.

kemical · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008

Hi Pandaz3, don't worry you can change the drive letter pretty much to what you want (within reason).
Quote'
I would like to tranfer my entire drive incuding all files and the Operating system From my current IDE HDD to a new SATA Drive of the sames size
Quote'

You won't be able to transfer your os over I'm afraid. You'll need to install it as you would normally do..

Pandaz3 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008

In another Forum they suggested that I first shrink My IDE Drive and then make a second partition for a "Backup" Then transfer the backup to the new drive. A little more Complicated than that, but you get the gist of it. For some reason I cannot shrink it enough.

Other suggestions were to use Norton's "Ghost" or Acronis "Easy Migrate" or "True Image" I might have a copy of "Ghost" I'd have to buy "True Image"

No hurry, I''l get it sorted. Thanks for your help

And I could just re-install, nut then there are all the updates, not just for Vista, but Office 2007, MS Flight Sim X and add-on's. COD4, the list goes on.

Just lazy mostly.

Thanks Again.