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.
Moving WinXP from bad disk to NEW larger disk
Moderators: Icecube, StopSpazzing
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."
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.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
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.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
If not, you can try that key with your install CD.
Download Ultimate Boot CD v5.0: http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html
Use Parted Magic for handling all partitioning task: http://partedmagic.com/
Use Parted Magic for handling all partitioning task: http://partedmagic.com/