How to transfer everything to new install on new HDD

GlasgowTitan · 27 Jan 2010 at 12:11

Hey I've got a new hard drive that Im going to install XP onto and Im gonna bin my old hard drive. How can I set up and install windows on the new one and then transfer all my music/documents etc from my old hard drive? Is it just a case of changing the boot device to my new hard drive first then installing windows then once its all done just drag and drop my stuff??

Cheers

paradisiac · 27 Jan 2010 at 12:14

GlasgowTitan said:
Is it just a case of changing the boot device to my new hard drive first then installing windows then once its all done just drag and drop my stuff??

Cheers

thats the easiest way yeah, install windows then connect up the old hdd as a secondary drive and copy/paste over what you want.
or buy an external enclosure and keep the old hdd as a backup/storage drive.

GlasgowTitan · 27 Jan 2010 at 12:15

Ok thanks was just wondering how it would work with both drives having XP installed if it would cause conflict, it just boots up from the first one I tell it to and its all hunky dorey?

paradisiac · 27 Jan 2010 at 12:18

GlasgowTitan said:
Ok thanks was just wondering how it would work with both drives having XP installed if it would cause conflict, it just boots up from the first one I tell it to and its all hunky dorey?

i always remove/disconnect the other hdds when installing windows as a matter of precaution, that way when it writes the boot record it wont try and do any dual booting or anything.

R088ieS86 · 27 Jan 2010 at 12:26

If they are IDE drives then windows will only boot from the master drive.
If you set the 2nd one to slave you won't have any problems.

samurl · 27 Jan 2010 at 12:27

Yeah, as above.

Best bet is to remove any other HDD's, well just make sure they're disconnected, whether it will make a difference or not, more of a precaution.

Install XP, piggy back the old HDD on to the machine, transfer everything and your done!

I'd personally keep the HDD though format it, put it in an external caddy and use is as possible a secondary backup.

Dingle · 27 Jan 2010 at 12:38

I found the tips on this page useful :
http://www.labnol.org/software/rebuild-computer-and-reinstall-windows/6130/

I've just reinstalled things I nearly forgot included the passwords stored in my browser and my message history from skype.

Keeping your old drive is very good advice but make sure it doesn't end up in a drawer forgotten about. Plug it in on your new machine and copy across all your pics, docs etc etc.

Regards Dave