Help. Changing hard drive on XpHome

[Wendy]

Greetings. Dell tells me that my hard drive needs to be replaced after
doing a diagnostics check. Codes 0F00: 0240, 0244,1A40, and 1A44. The Dell
Inspiron 5100 is still under warranty so there's no charge for the
component.

They also tell me that all data will be lost and I'll have to re-install
all software. That's a drag.

I'm backing up my C drive to an external drive using Retrospect Express.
Besides saving the files and folders I assume my program and sytem files
will be saved as well.

But the big question is ... when i change the drive I'll re-install the
software supplied by Dell when I bought the computer. I will also install
the Retrospect software. Will I be able to RESTORE the files from my
external hard drive to the new C drive and expect everything to work as
before?

Or, does someone have a better process for me. The drive will be here in a
few days.

Thanks. Wendy

 

[peter]

Not familiar with Retrospect as I use Acronis True Image....I will assume
they do the same thing.
I would "image"/Clone the HD that needs replacing to that external drive
and then when the "new" drive is installed restore the "Image" to the new
drive.............an Image is like taking a picture of the HD...everything
is there nothing is lost the exact same image is then put on the new
drive...and you are up and running.

 

[Wendy]

Thanks Peter:

How do I "image/clone"

Wendy

 

[Michael Stevens]

Thanks Peter:

How do I "image/clone"

Wendy

There are many imaging applications and most work about the same. The most
popular are listed below and all come with detailed instructions on the use
of the applicatio.
Acronis
http://www.acronis.com/
Symantec Ghost
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=br&pvid=ghost10
Image fof Windows from TeraByte
http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/imagew.html

For more do a Google search for imaging software.

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm