Format secondary disk with system files

[Shade]

I have obtained a new external hard disk to use now as backup and later
to replace my current hard disk. I intend to simply copy my current
files accross to this secondary disk but need to format it first with
system files and make it bootable.

How can I accomplish this since there doesn't seem to be a sys command
anymore in windows XP and neither a /s parameter for format?

 

[Richard in AZ]

I have obtained a new external hard disk to use now as backup and later
to replace my current hard disk. I intend to simply copy my current
files accross to this secondary disk but need to format it first with
system files and make it bootable.

How can I accomplish this since there doesn't seem to be a sys command
anymore in windows XP and neither a /s parameter for format?

Simple copy transfer of files will not do it.
You need to mirror the original drive to the new drive.
There are many 3rd party programs that do that, but almost all hard drive manufacturers have
software to do this task on their web sites. Go to the new hard drive manufacturers web site and
look at the utilities software. You should find software to transfer all the files and programs as
well as setup the new hard drive as a system drive.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have obtained a new external hard disk to use now as backup and later
to replace my current hard disk. I intend to simply copy my current
files accross to this secondary disk but need to format it first with
system files and make it bootable.

How can I accomplish this since there doesn't seem to be a sys command
anymore in windows XP and neither a /s parameter for format?

Use an imaging program, like Acronis True Image (they have a downloadable
full-function free trial) to set up the new drive as a spare. The image
will be identical in setup and function to the current state of the old
drive, with adjustments for partition size.

HTH
-pk