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12-03-2007, 01:00 PM

OK, I managed to do accomplish my goal! (w00t)

To the (supposed) Windows users: Some help the lot of you were!

So, here's how I did it if you're not looking to spend $70+ (USD) on Norton Ghost, a programme you might only use at least once.

*Important*
The thing about HDClone is that it copies a entire hard disk onto another, larger hard disk. That is, in my situation, my old HD is small so I needed to upgrade to a larger HD without reinstalling every single programme I have including the OS. So your new HD should be bigger. HDClone will take your big HD and partition it to the same exact size as your old HD, leaving the rest as free space. This can be fixed with Acronis BootDisc (coughMininovaCough)

1) HDClone 3.2 from Miray Software. Download the FREE Edition. Unzip the file, open the .exe file and create either a bootable floppy or a bootable CD, your choice. (I have the floppy disabled, personal reasons...)

2) The source HD will, of course, be the master drive, the target HD the slave, make sure they're both connected in hierarchy and right jumper settings. Format the target HD to the same file system the source HD is (compmgmt.msc)

3) Boot up to floppy/CD, instructions are very very simple: select the source HD, then the target HD, few other options, then you're set to go. Depending how big the source HD you're copying, it'll take some time. It copies 300mb/min, I'm never in a hurry. Walk away, watch a few of your favourite episodes of 24, then come back to your comp.

2) Turn off your computer, disconnect your source HD, switch to the target HD and set its jumper as a master drive. Boot up, things should be smooth since it's a clone.

4) Like I mentioned before, it partitions your new HD to the same exact size as your old HD, so the larger HD will have free space. With Acronis BootDisc it's easily fixable if you don't have Partition Magic, which would cost you another $70+ (USD). I actually have PM8.0 and it wouldn't combine the resize my new HD to its fullest capacity.

Thing are running great so far. But as expected, my Abode CS programmes are asking to re-activate which is typical for adobe.

Hope this helps anyone in the future. You'll save $200(USD) [assuming taxes and shipping]

Cheers. And thanks again, mced. I might re-install Ubuntu on my machine or the next machine I build after the New Year.

Que viva España!

12-03-2007, 01:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
Avis Phlox Posts: n/a	OK, I managed to do accomplish my goal! (w00t) To the (supposed) Windows users: Some help the lot of you were! So, here's how I did it if you're not looking to spend $70+ (USD) on Norton Ghost, a programme you might only use at least once. *Important* The thing about HDClone is that it copies a entire hard disk onto another, larger hard disk. That is, in my situation, my old HD is small so I needed to upgrade to a larger HD without reinstalling every single programme I have including the OS. So your new HD should be bigger. HDClone will take your big HD and partition it to the same exact size as your old HD, leaving the rest as free space. This can be fixed with Acronis BootDisc (coughMininovaCough) 1) HDClone 3.2 from Miray Software. Download the FREE Edition. Unzip the file, open the .exe file and create either a bootable floppy or a bootable CD, your choice. (I have the floppy disabled, personal reasons...) 2) The source HD will, of course, be the master drive, the target HD the slave, make sure they're both connected in hierarchy and right jumper settings. Format the target HD to the same file system the source HD is (compmgmt.msc) 3) Boot up to floppy/CD, instructions are very very simple: select the source HD, then the target HD, few other options, then you're set to go. Depending how big the source HD you're copying, it'll take some time. It copies 300mb/min, I'm never in a hurry. Walk away, watch a few of your favourite episodes of 24, then come back to your comp. 2) Turn off your computer, disconnect your source HD, switch to the target HD and set its jumper as a master drive. Boot up, things should be smooth since it's a clone. 4) Like I mentioned before, it partitions your new HD to the same exact size as your old HD, so the larger HD will have free space. With Acronis BootDisc it's easily fixable if you don't have Partition Magic, which would cost you another $70+ (USD). I actually have PM8.0 and it wouldn't combine the resize my new HD to its fullest capacity. Thing are running great so far. But as expected, my Abode CS programmes are asking to re-activate which is typical for adobe. Hope this helps anyone in the future. You'll save $200(USD) [assuming taxes and shipping] Cheers. And thanks again, mced. I might re-install Ubuntu on my machine or the next machine I build after the New Year. Que viva España! Last edited by Avis Phlox : 12-03-2007 at 01:04 PM.