1. Backup is suggested because so much can go wrong. I can't believe that
Windows Backup isn't already installed on your machine, but perhaps the OEM
replaced it with something else?
2. While I'm sure more complicated (and free) procedures can be followed,
and they may succeed, the best way to do what you want is to "clone" the HD
using a proper cloning program.
3. Acronis True Image does both backup and cloning, and does them very well
indeed. Yes, you'll have to spend $50, but then you'll have a decent backup
program, much better than most out there.
--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com
"pgarcia" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:735D1E75-AB34-4474-A784-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I installed a new hard drive as a slave to my original C:\ drive but that
> drive has been unreliable and crashed twice. I'd like to move my operating
> system to the new drive but Microsoft instructions I have found start with
> running Windows backup. My computer came with preinstalled Windows and my
> recovery disk doesn't include the back up utility. I've also searched
> Microsoft on the web for a download of the backup utility but have not
> found
> that.
>