Ultimate Boot CD

I am trying to move an entire copy of windows XP and all of the contents from a bad/failing 80GB hard drive to a NEW 500GB hard drive. I actually got it to boot once by just copying everything over using one of the utilities in the UBCD and then recovering/repairing the the boot record.

Things looked great until I tried to start-up and the screen would always freeze where it says Welcome to Windows. From there I deleted everything and tried partition copies and other (unkonwn).

I would like to pretend I am starting all over someone please tell me;

How can I move windows instillation and all files from one disk to another?


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PS I am doing this for someone I used to work with. I have been told that it is vital no data be lost as it represents several years worth of work etc etc.

Is my question making sense?

I would think this would be easy to do. I know after trying it:
a) it is not easy

and now I am wondering
b) Is it possible?

I was hoping to know by tomorrow so that I could take this back to the owner either working like planned or be able to say, "No I am sorry I can not do this."

You can try using a disk imaging program such as Easues Drive Copy or the many others, but if the drive is corrupt I would suggest a new install. After doing a new install and updating I would then create an image that can be stored on a portable hard disk or DVD so the system can easily be restored.

If I were to make a new install what is the easiest way. I have a HOME edition CD (which this is) but if I try to enter the matching WINXP reg code from the side of the case it will not work. I know I can take it to the computer shop and for $35 they will burn a CD that will work with that code I already have wasted so much time on this.

If you can still boot the Windows installed on the bad hard drive, you can use a tool to get the Windows key that was used on this install and you can see if this key matches with the key on the back of your case:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

If not, you can try that key with your install CD.

Thanks for the help The Piney, I gave Easues a try and it worked perfectly

Cool, Glad to be of assistance.