Replacing notebook hard drive - some preliminary questions...

iowagirl2006

17 years ago

I would like to replace a small hard drive in a notebook computer with a larger drive.

This computer did not come with a set of disks - but instead has a recovery partition on the hard drive (that takes up 11g of space - part of the problem!)

If I replace the drive with a larger one, can I make recovery disks from the old drive to place the exhisting XP Home on the new drive?

I am trying to research this a bit before I dive into the project.

Any input is appreciated.

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Comments (5)

bpgreen
17 years ago
I took a slightly different approach when I bought a larger drive. I got a drive imaging program, created an image and a boot CD with the image software on it and then just restored the image to the new drive (but told the image program to expand the partition size).

I used a program from Terabyte Unlimited called Drive image, but Acronis True image and Norton Ghost are probably better known.

Depending on where you buy the drive, sometimes they'll include a limited use version of a drive imaging program to simplify it for you.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
that is by far the way to do it use a drive image and just copy the entire drive to the new one operating system and all.
I have Acronis True Image it is a very good product and if you choose to purchase it you can get a good discount through this site.
Acronis

Another option is to take it to a local pc shop they usually all offer cloning services and drive install for a decent price. I am not talking about Geek squad or those places I mean an actual locally owned shop with people who own operate and repair.
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genes
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Yes the imaging products are the way to go. I bought external HDD case , inserted the new drive, plugged it into the USB connection, copied image off of old drive and transfered to new. Removed the new HDD from external case, removed old HDD from laptop, removed HDD from caddy and replaced it with the new HDD and put the new one in the laptop. I then, put the old HDD in the external case erased the drive contents and used it for storage. Those external HDD cases are really cheap.
owbist
17 years ago
I too have and use Acronis True Image.

However if you do not wish to buy it (just before a new version comes on the market Acronis has a habit of offering the previous version for $29, nice deal) you could or should be able to burn a set of recovery CDs. With HP products it is a one time deal only, never understood the mentality of that but it is worth bearing in mind.
iowagirl2006
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks - I appreciate your input!

I thought it was best to get my ducks in a row BEFORE I started this project :)

Ann

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Replacing notebook hard drive - some preliminary questions...

Comments (5)

bpgreen

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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Replacing notebook hard drive - some preliminary questions...

Comments (5)

bpgreen

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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owbist

iowagirl2006Original Author

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iowagirl2006
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