can XP copy all files of another installation

  • Thread starter Thread starter R.P.
  • Start date Start date
R

R.P.

At present I have two installations of WinXP on separate disks but can run
either (via bios)
My problem is that I did not reserve enough space for the MFT so it cannot
defrag.
What I want to do is freshly format (now set to reserve more space) another
partition and copy XP pro there.
Then, to keep things as they were, reformat it's original partition and move
it back.

To do this I can use different copy of XP (home) but don't know if can copy
all files.

Any help ?

Don't know if there are any utilities that will expand the reserved space

- R.P.
 
You cannot simply copy your operating system and program
files to another disk and expect them to function
correctly. It won't work. Many files have to be in
certain locations on the disk and XCopy or any other
simple copy commands won't accomplish that. What would
work is to use disk imaging software that will put the
data back exactly like it was before you reformat.
Norton Ghost is an example but there are many others out
there. Another and certainly easier and quicker solution
would be to use a program like Partition Magic that will
allow you to adjust the partition size.

Good Luck
 
Thanks
I thought that was probably the case.
The problem is that the files cannot go back where they were otherwise
cannot expand the reserved area.
I think my best course will be to put up with defrag complaining until I get
around to installing again.
Maybe next time I install I will be better able to choose right settings - I
don't really remember if it asked.
Of course I will keep looking for a utility to do the job - there must be an
opening for one.
- R.P.
 
Back
Top