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    Backup to new HD

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by nu_D, Jul 7, 2008.

  1. nu_D

    nu_D Notebook Deity

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    I just got my WD 320GB HD and I want to transfer everything over to it, including my OS/Programs and such. I have Vista Ultimate so I will be using the Backup feature that is built in. My question is, how should I go about to "installing" the backup to the new HD?

    I have never done this before so any help, especially detailed help, would be most appreciated.

    Thank you.
     
  2. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    You can clone the existing HDD onto the new one which you can then install and it will be ready to run. I presume you have an external USB enclosure.

    Pop round to Acronis and get the TrueImage trial. It is fully functioning for a limited period. You can set up the cloning from within Windows but I prefer to create and use the standalone rescue CD.

    John
     
  3. bubbatex

    bubbatex Notebook Deity

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    Another vote for Acronis TI 11 - I would even suggest you buy it as your primary BU tool (and as John suggested, run it from a bootable disk). I have completed 2 image "transfers" with TI 11 with no problems (with the newer drive in an external enclosure) and I use it weekly to backup my partitions. I have Vista Business that also has the full computer image backup but have not used it. I would guess that you could do a complete backup to an external drive, put the new drive in, then install Vista and then recover the original image.