Noob HDD Upgrade Q

[JapanimemanDO]

So I realize I need a bigger desktop HDD and I've found a good one for -$100.

I need help with how to do the following:
-copying data to new HDD, preferably just an exact clone of my current (smaller) HDD so it feels like nothing's changed

-wiping smaller C drive to become new D: drive and wiping current D to sell
-installing - do I need to install software before I can clone (step one)-does the new HDD have to be installed and inside before I can clone?

Here's my idea of the rundown of the process:
1. Install new HDD (mech and software) [but how if C,D already occupied?]
2.clone C to bigger HDD
3.wipe old C clean->new D
4.wipe old D->sell

and what's this whole slave/master thing?
how can I be sure whether I need a SATA or IDE w/o actually cracking open my comp? (I'm thinking it's SATA but not 100%)

Thanks.

 

[MSgherzi]

Use Drive Image XML to backup and restore data and use DBAN to wipe your old HDD clean (minimum of 7 passes).

 

[Methical]

I think by memory you can check thru the Device Manager to see what type of HDD you have. If not, I'm sure SIW will tell you.
I'm at course atm, and in a virtual workstation, so all it says for me is "VMWare Virtual IDE Hard Drive".

As far as cloning tools go, google it =) Theres heaps out there. Find the one that you like. People have there preferences. DriveXML?

The HardDrive doesn't necessarily have to be installed and inside your computer as you asked. You could have it in a USB casing if you wanted. Or have an IDE/SATA to USB adapter; depending on what type of HDD you have of course

Hope that is of some help..

 

[JapanimemanDO]

My D is pretty much empty anyways. If I were to put the C in the D slot and put the new HDD (new C) in the C slot, how do I make sure the new HDD is recognized as C and not have the old C still remain C (how do I make the old C be rec' as D)?

 

[reesk92]

DUDE i hope to god you got a 1tb drive for 100 because if you didnt then you got rippedn off

oh btw if your not in the uk then aim for around 800gb

 

[luckman212]

most drives will come with some sort of 'clone' software that you can usually use to migrate all your data 'in-place' without having to change any settings or reinstall anything. If you want, the above suggestion to use Drive Image XML is a good one, but make sure you don't get VSS errors when doing the image or your open/inuse files will not be migrated.

My suggestion is to get a free trial of Macrium Reflect (google for it). Create a boot-cd after installing it and boot your computer from that with both drives connected. It makes the transfer really simple and does a great job without having to worry about some file not being copied (e.g. registry, NTUSER.DAT etc) because it was in use.