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    Copy and install new hard drive

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by carlislegeorge, May 26, 2006.

  1. carlislegeorge

    carlislegeorge Notebook Consultant

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    Maybe this belongs in a different forum, and maybe its a newb question, but...

    I have a new 100GB replacement HD coming from newegg. Its an OEM version so it won't have any accompanying software or instructions. Although I have the reinstall CDs for my Dell e1705 operating system and drivers, I would prefer not to have to do a complete reinstall and copy all additional programs, data, etc. Is there a method or software that will let me simply copy ALL (including the hidden partition for MCE) the contents on the current HD drive to the new HD and simply plug the new one in and be good to go?
     
    carlislegeorge, May 26, 2006
    #1
  2. mach_zero

    mach_zero Casual Observer NBR Reviewer

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    You could get an cheap external hard drive enclosure to put your new 100GB drive in, then hook it up to your notebook and use something like Norton Ghost or TrueImage to duplicate your old disk to the new one. Then just swap them. Now not only will you have a mirror image of your old hard disk on a bigger drive, you'll also have a shiny new external backup drive. :)
     
    mach_zero, May 26, 2006
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  3. MarkMcK

    MarkMcK Notebook Evangelist

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    If you're talking about the MediaDirect application/files, then I have my doubts that it will be included during a Ghost.

    But you never know....

    Mark
     
    MarkMcK, May 26, 2006
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  4. carlislegeorge

    carlislegeorge Notebook Consultant

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    Well I don't need to make my life overly complicated. Maybe its not worth the time and effort to upgrade from 80GB 5400 RPM to 100 GB 7200 RPM after all...I have a couple of hours before newegg opens up so I can call and cancel before this ships...
     
    carlislegeorge, May 26, 2006
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  5. mach_zero

    mach_zero Casual Observer NBR Reviewer

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    That's an interesting consideration. I didn't even factor in that he was using a media direct capable Dell. Perhaps someone else knows the answer?

    Unless you really need that extra 20GB, I woud say it's not. Speed difference between the two would be negligible, IMO.
     
    mach_zero, May 26, 2006
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  6. carlislegeorge

    carlislegeorge Notebook Consultant

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    what the heck, if the general consensus is its not really all that much faster, and I'm not out of space...I went ahead and cancelled it...I can always get it later...save $179 for the time being
     
    carlislegeorge, May 26, 2006
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  7. carlislegeorge

    carlislegeorge Notebook Consultant

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    carlislegeorge, May 26, 2006
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