Imaging question

[[FnG]magnolia]

Is it worth imaging an relatively old install of a hard drive to use with a newer and bigger HD? I cba installing all my games and music etc unless I really have to but will if I will notice any genuine benefits of a fresh install.

Also, is Acronis True Image good for imaging? I believe it comes with the 500GB Seagate drive I'm just about to order.

Advice and tips welcome

 

[[FnG]magnolia]

Thanks for the input.

I now have two problems The drive was an OEM version so I didn't get Acronis TI with it. The bigger problem I have at the moment is that the new drive isn't recognised by Windows. It doesn't cause any problems or re-starts or crashes or anything like that, it just doesn't appear in Device Manager or My Computer or anywhere else.

My current set-up is 1 x 120GB IDE HD and 1 x 160GB SATA HD. The new Barrucada HD (500GB) SATA was to replace the 160GB drive so I unplugged the 160GB drive and connected the SATA data cable and the SATA power lead to the 500GB drive. The only difference between the 160GB SATA drive and the new 500GB SATA drive is that the 160GB drive used a 4 pin molex for power and the new drive uses a SATA connector. I've never used this connector before but can only assume that it works properly.

Is there a way of testing if (a) the drive is receiving power and, if so, (b) why Windows doesn't 'see' the new drive? Could it be BIOS?

Thanks for your help.

 

[[FnG]magnolia]

Touch it when you turn on the computer.

You have checked in Disk Management?

Right click 'My Computer' > Manage > Disk Management tab > Is it listed?

Have you left the jumper on the drive which forces 150MB/s transfer rate? If not, you might need to replace this as your SATA controller might be having difficulty negotiating.

Which part should I touch and what should I expect to feel?

I've removed the jumper so it's running at the full rate (or not in this case, heh) and I've checked in Disk management; it is not listed.

Any thoughts?