Can I transfer files and settings from one HD to another

[Guest]

I am running XP/SP2, Pentium 4-280GHz, 1GB RAM. Please let me know if more
info is needed to solve problem.

I have 2 HDs, 1-IDE 30G, and 1-SATA 200G in my computer
My bios has made the IDE my primary drive. I want to transfer my files and
settings to the SATA and remove the IDE.
My IDE has 15.6 GB used, and 12.9 free, the SATA has 3.7 used and 182 free.
they are both NTSF format.
Can I use Windows transfer wizzard to do this?

 

[DL]

If your IDE is boot device and you want to make the sata your boot device,
by transfering *all* its contents, then the IDE hd makers site will usually
have a utility to do this. However this is normally done with a second clean
drive, so if your sata only has data on it copy this to your IDE drive,
first.
I assume you dont have Partition Magic or similar available

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your answer.
Yes the IDE is the boot drive, and I don't have partition magic, etc.
The data on the sata, I think is XP OS, when I put together the computer the
sata was the new drive, and the IDE from the old computer, but with all of my
info.
If I understand, I should go to my IDE website and look for a transfer
utility?.
Ann

 

[Guest]

I fail to add that the IDE is a Maxtor and the SATA is a Western Digital.

 

[Guest]

Go to the maker of the drive you want to transfer data *TO* to get the free
software. [My experience]

 

[Guest]

Also, it sounds, now, like you're saying the IDE has the Boot files, and the
SATA has the system files?
Might check further into this kind of move.
Also, make sure you read and understand all instructions. I believe you'll
have to turn the computer OFF after the copy is made (Not straight Reboot).
Then remove the IDE, Change the jumper on the SATA to Master, and THEN turn
the computer back on/boot.
Also, there may be a checkbox or boxes, before copying, to make the new
drive "Active", and whether or not to rewrite the Boot sector.