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copy a hard drive

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by jarif93

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i want to copy a complete hard drive(master) to a second hard drive (slave)without loosing any data or o/s.this just to replace the master hard drive completly if there is any problem.
1 is it possible without any cost.
2 how do i do it?
3 will ibe able to copy everything from the first hard drive to the second hard drive while the first hard drive is running( copying to other drive)
this to save time if i am replaceing a hard drive.

9 replies

by 1stladytech

Yes, you can copy the drives.
Start by partitioning the new hdd in a system with an active primary partition.
It is easiest under win9x;
hang the new drive in the computer
Make sure that All files are showing (including hidden and system)
Choose everything on the hdd except the Windows directory, and paste it to the new hdd.
Make a new windows directory on the new hdd, copy everything from the old windows directory except the Temporary Internet Files folder and win386.swp.
Then remove the old hdd, install the new hdd in the boot position and you are off and running.

You can do similar copies under Win2k, and WinXP, but there are many more files that will not copy and you will have to overinstall the opsys when you are done.

Good luck

Vickie

by neal2002

Check the hard drive manufactures web site. Most offer free tools for cloning an old drive to a new one. Ghost is a great option also but it will cost around $50. Knowing how to use ghost is a valuable skill to have so it maybe worth the money.

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