Copying a bootable hard drive

SlyReaper

SlyReaper

SlyReaper

Soldato
Joined
26 Apr 2008
Posts
6,653
Location
Bristol, Old Blighty
Okay, I'm thinking about getting a new hard drive (velociraptors - yummy) but my copy of Windows is tied to a different motherboard so I wouldn't be able to reactivate. Is it possible to copy bit-for-bit my existing hard drive onto the new one, then just have it run as normal off the new one?
 
Short answer, yes.

Long answer, you need some software that will 'clone' the old drive on to the new one. Acronis backup will do it, as will Norton Ghost, have a look at this thread

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17701152

for other freeware options.

When you say: "my copy of Windows is tied to a different motherboard " does that mean you are no longer using that motherboard? Normally manufacturer loads of windows are tied to the bios, so if you change motherboard then it won't load, period. If you had an OEM version of Windows and have re-activated using the new motherboard you should be OK to activate with the same motherboard again. But that's Off Topic really.
 
It was an OEM copy of windows. I replaced the motherboard and reinstalled Windows which activated without a hitch. I since learned that that wasn't supposed to happen and I just got lucky for whatever reason. I don't think it would activate if I reinstalled again.
 
I understand Vista is more choosy about when and if it will re-activate, but I've heard of many people re-activating XP without any problems. I can understand why you are nervous about it though.
 
Oh I forgot to mention: the drive I want to copy to is 10GB smaller than the drive I'm copying from. The data CAN fit onto the new drive because the disk isn't full, but will that be a problem for cloning the disk?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom