Cloning a hard drive for a new computer.

[Somnus]

I want to clone my current hard drive to a completely new system. Is this possible?

Is there a program that will clone the drive and remove the previously installed drivers so there will be little chance of Windows complaining about it? Or can I just pop the drive into the new system and Windows XP will just remove the old drivers and prompt me to install the new ones?

I don't really care the cost of the software, as I just don't want to re-install everything on the new drive.

[RadishTM Veteran]

You will need Acronis True Image Workstation with Universal Restore (this is the little program that removes previous hardware info/drivers).

It is an enterprise product so to speak, but works wonders (I've used it at work).

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products/ATICW/

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products...al-restore.html

The other option is to remove the chipset/drivers from your existing install > turn off the PC and remove the HD > install into your new PC > install new drivers for the hardware.

Radish?

[+BudMan MVC]

So you you just offered him a $1300 solution?? really??

To use universal restore ($300) you need a ent server lic ($1k)

Tell you what --- ship me your machine an the old hard drive an I get all your applications working for only $650, thats a 50% savings ;) hehehehe

If moving to NEW hardware -- your best option is a clean install..

If you do not feel like dicking with it -- then hire someone to do it for you, but I think a enterprise solution like that is a bit over the top -- dont you??

[koftheworld]

HAHAHAHA! Thank you Budman for taking care of that.

On a more serious note, I would suggest:

1) Removing your hard drive and installing it either as a second hard drive on your new system, or make it into an external drive with a USB enclosure - You can migrate your files over to the new hard drive before you do the next step ...

2) Complete a clean installation of Windows (hopefully with a full format) - Budman is right, it is the best option if you need to use that drive on your new system.

If those two options don't suit you, you can always:

1) Use the Files and Settings and Transfer Wizard within Windows XP or Windows Easy Transfer if going to Vista.

or

2) There are free tools that allow you to clone your hard drive. I recommend gParted (another guide here)

[RadishTM Veteran]

  BudMan said:

So you you just offered him a $1300 solution?? really??

To use universal restore ($300) you need a ent server lic ($1k)

You obviously didn't read the website I had in my post -

Acronis True Image Workstation = $79.99 for 1 licence

Acronis Universal Restore = $29.99 for 1 licence

Total = $109.98

Personally I think that is quite reasonable. And if you still don't believe me, I took a screenshot for you.

Oh and I offered another solution in my post as well, in-case you forgot to read.

Radish?

[SnowRanger13]

Acronis True Image rules. I owned Norton Ghost and used it because it was what I had, I tried Acronis True Image and it works much better, I swear it was 5 times faster.

[+BudMan MVC]

  Radish? said:

It is an enterprise product so to speak, but works wonders (I've used it at work).

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products/ATICW/

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products...al-restore.html

Radish?

  Radish? said:

You obviously didn't read the website I had in my post -

Total = $109.98

No I did -- obviously you did not check what you linke;)too ;)

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products/ATIESWin/universal-restore.html

Check your ;)nks ;)

[RadishTM Veteran]

My bad, I had a few links opened at the same time.

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products...al-restore.html

But, still usable with the Workstation version, so it's still a bargin -

Radish?

[+BudMan MVC]

I agree with you a $100 option is doable -- I was just poking fun at your link is all.

An you used the phrase "It is an enterprise product so to speak"

So you can see how depending on which linked they clicked you could end up with $1300 cost ;) heheheh