Restoring Data After New HD Installation

[Farrar]

I am preparing to replace my old 6.4 Gb HD with a new 30 Gb HD. I have a HP Rewriter which I use weekly to back up all my data on. I also have this computer which is receiving the new hard drive on a network with 2 other computers. My current HD is partitioned in 4 partitions with one of these being NTFS for the purpose of studying RIS installations for Windows 2000.

My question is this: What would be the easiest way to restore my data after the new drive is installed-across the network or from my Rewriter backups? Also, I have created a Diasater Recovery Set with the Adaptec software and was wondering if anyone knew if I could load this onto the new HD even though the new HD is much larger? I guess what I am trying to get around is reinstalling my software and repartitioning my new drive by just copying an "image" over to the new one. Lazy, huh?

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff Farrar

[BigBlue66]

Hey Jeff,

I think the new drive will at least have to be partitioned using fdisk or the Disk Management Software that will come with the new drive, and of course, formatted. (If no software is included, you can always go to the manufacturer's website and download a file that will make a bootable floppy and have all the necessary stuff on it to partition and format the drive)

Along with the above capabilities, the DM software should have an option to copy all contents from one drive to the other. Install the new drive as Slave on the primary IDE channel. (Make sure BIOS recognizes it as the slave, or D: usually, drive) Go about the usual partitioning and formatting of the drive. I recommend using the DM software to do this. Then, use the DM s/w to copy all contents, or whichever partitions you choose, to the new harddrive, or partitions thereof.

Then, hook up the new drive as Master on the primary IDE channel. Boot into Bios and make sure it detects the drive as Master, or C: usually, and then continue booting. Piece of cake.

I just did that whole thing with a new drive I recently purchased. It booted up same as the old drive. 'Course, be sure that the BIOS recognizes it as master instead of slave.

By going the above route, you won't have to re-install all your software. However, you will still have to partition and format the new drive. You can't get around that. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

The only big IF in my mind is whether the DM software will allow for the NTFS system, or if it is strictly limited to a FAT setup. Methinks it will, though.

I would also recommend just making a whole new Disaster Recovery Set.

If further questions, post back. Or, post back with your success story.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

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The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability that you'll get it wrong.

[Farrar]

Thanks for the help!

I guess my problem was the fact that I have a micro case and that the ribbon cable running from my current hard drive does not have an additional “plug” for me to add a second device. I have 3 0r 4 cables laying around that DO have the extra plug so I’ll swap that out so I can at least transfer the data between drives.

I would really like to have simply ADDED the new drive rather that replace the old one. But there is not another inch of room in the case nor do I have an additional plug to use coming from my power supply. I guess in order to transfer the data between the 2 drives I could do one of two things. I could put the new cable in so I will have the second plug and unplug the power supply from my CDRW to power the new HD temporarily. Or, I could simply connect the new HD to my cable/power connections my CDRW uses, transfer the data, reconnect the CDRW, and then replace the old drive with the new.

Thanks for your help!

Jeff

[BigBlue66]

Hey Jeff,

You got it! I have often had to 'borrow' a power supply from another component while installing a new harddrive.

Good luck.

Big Blue 66


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The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability that you'll get it wrong.