Windows Changing HD on Windows 7

Discussion in 'Software' started by sp4nky, 15 Jan 2010.

  1. sp4nky

    sp4nky BF3: Aardfrith WoT: McGubbins

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    I'm considering getting an F3 1TB to replace my current 250GB hard drive, which is too small for my steam/music/"pictures". Am I likely to run into any problems - will I be able to just do a straight copy of all the files from my current HD to the new one, then disconnect the old one and reboot?
     
  2. Cupboard

    Cupboard I'm not a modder.

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    Simply answer is no. You could make a disk image then put that onto the new disk but my preference would be to re-install Windows and copy everything else across.
     
  3. jazzzyj

    jazzzyj Minimodder

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    Surely you could use something like GParted Live CD to copy the entire Hard disc over to the new disc without being in windows. That should work!
    At least that is what I am planning when I next get a new disc!
    -J
     
  4. bestseany

    bestseany What's a Dremel?

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    When I upgraded my disk, I did a clean install. It's more hassle in the short term, but it's my preferred method.

    However, I don't see why imaging the old disk to the new disk wouldn't work. I use it all the time in work without any issues, but I haven't tried it with Windows 7.

    Depending on the version of Windows 7 you have, then you may be able to do a full backup using Windows backup to an external hard disk and restore it to the new one. Not sure how well that will work though.
     
  5. Pookeyhead

    Pookeyhead It's big, and it's clever.

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    Norton Ghost and Acronis True Image will both allow you to do this. In fact, nearly all true back up programs will do this without much hassle. Just make a whole disk back up, and then restore it onto your new drive once installed.

    Remember to make a boot CD from whichever back up software you use though, or you'll not be able to restore.
     
  6. Teelzebub

    Teelzebub Up yours GOD,Whats best served cold

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    For cloning I use seagate disk tools which is Acronis actually and is free works better than Norton .

    I just noticed that to use the above software there has to be at least 1 seagate or maxtor device connected to the rig
     
    Last edited: 24 Jan 2010
  7. pimonserry

    pimonserry sounds like a party.

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    A clone would be your best bet, unless you're certain that your Windows key will re-activate with no trouble.

    Try CloneZilla.
     
  8. knuck

    knuck Hate your face

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    I was about to post the same thing. CloneZilla works great and is really easy to use since all you have to do is follow the on screen instructions
     

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