Copy old compaq to a new disk

My sister has a old compaq that has run out of disk space, i have Ghost but
haven't figured out how to copy both C & D to a new hard drive, I use win98se
and I'm not that fimiliar with the XP operating system utilities
and wondered if i could just format a new hard drive on her USB drive,
format the new drive as a system drive, Xcopy the C: drive files over then
partition the new drive with a new partition D: and Xcopy the D: file information
over to the new drive disconnect the old drive and replace it with the new hard
drive. That seems just a little to simple ? Or how would you create a new
replacement hard drive .

Thanks much

Michael

 

Can you install the new HDD as a Slave unit?
You will need to install Windows 98SE to the drive. Then you should be able transfer from Master to Slave the Data you want to use/save. Neil.

Someone with more knowledge on the subject, will check in and advise whether this procedure is correct or not. Neil.

 

thanks

Thanks retiredlearner,
I meant i'm not fimiliar with XP and didn't mean to imply i wanted to
use win98 to create a copy. No i opened up her tower and it doesent have
a slot for an additional hard drive and even with a longer ribbon cable, i didn't see an additional power cable connector, i could look for a splitter power cable, but just thought that since i can get to a usb drive that it could be done with the
existing software and hookups.

Thanks
Michael

 

There are probably 2 ribbon cables in there now. Most ribbon cables have 2 connectors on them. You could use a vacant connector and set up the new HD as a Slave and do what you want to do and then remove the old small HD and put the new one in its place. Be sure if you do this, change the new HD back to Master. Probably has a CD drive that you could borrow the Power Connector from till you are done.

 

copy old drive

Thanks MrBill,
No this appears to have been a real cheap compaq, the disk ribbon cable
only had i connector and yes can use the CD power cable. Went this morning
and picked up a newe cable with 2 connectors so we'el give it a try.
But we were ok with the way we are going to make a copy of the hard drive ?


disconnect old drive
hookup new drive (jumper as master)
floppy boot

FORMAT/S
FDISK (partition new drive)

shutdown
replace old cable
connect old drive on new cable(s/b first connector on cable)
jumper new drive as slave
connect new drive
boot system ( make sure E & F drive is there)
shutdown

boot from floppy
xcopy C: to E:
xcopy D: to F:
shutdown
jumper new drive as master ( save old drive LOL)
repower CD
boot and keep fingers crossed


The above will work without any problems ?

Thanks
Mona & Michael

 

Sorry Michael, I mis-read your Post about familiarity. PeteC has answered your question.
I now understand that the OS in use on your sisters comp was XP and you are not familiar with XP.
I also made the mistake that your HD's were PATA (IDE) as MrBill stated, those cables will have 2 (two) connectors which enable a Master & Slave to be used.
SATA cables will only work direct from m/b to HD. (no extra connector in cable)
Cheers Neil.

 

Sigh..knew it couldn't be that easy..lol

Thanks PeteC

Ok well, guess we'el try your way, also thanks retiredlearner,
PeteC, by having both drives hooked up means we can still have the new drive using the USB connection for the clone process ? Without having to use a dual connection ribbon cable for c/d and e drive. Good that makes it easier. hey again thanks!

Mona & Michael

 

I know this is 5 days old, but, using XXClone (free) is one of the easiest ways to go. Format and partition the new drive then jumper it to Slave. Install and use XXClone on the original drive to copy over everything to the new drive. Be sure to check Make Bootable. Once you've got it all transferred, jumper the new drive to Master and you're set.

XXClone