Can you transfer a copy of windows to another had drive?

I have a copy of Windows XP Pro on one hard drive (80 GB IDE) and I would like to transfer it to another hard drive that is faster (500 GB SATA). Is it just as simple as moving all the files (including hidden system files) to this other hard drive? I know how to change primary boot device so I can get it to search that disc first to boot (using GParted LiveCD).

Can you transfer a copy of windows to another had drive?windows 98

No, you can't just copy over BUT.... you can clone onto a larger drive... Olde ~Worlde way is to use Norton Ghost but there's lost of software out there to do it! This is only "easy" if it's only the drive you are changing as the XP boot may fail due to hardware changes - BTW, we clone drives all the time at a corporate level (using hardware copiers) to get round the long winded setup process.

Can you transfer a copy of windows to another had drive?microsoft support internet explorer

To do this you must "image" your old drive onto your new drive. To do this you will need an imaging program such as Norton Ghost.

You can not simply copy the data from one drive to another if either of these drives is under Windows control, ie, if it's running. the OS.

An imaging program runs the drives outside of Windows and can simply transfer all data from one drive to another.
You will most likely run into problems with this method for a bunch of reasons. The drivers for the Hard Drive would be different, and System Files won;t get copied over if the disk is "busy". What you can do is either borrow a Win XP disk from someone and use your license key. This is legal since you are only using the Operating System Once. You can also call your Computer Manufacturer and request the CDs that came with the computer - Dell for example, will send them to you for free and it already has the Operating System and all the Drivers. You could even call Microsoft for the CD - they are actually very helpful in situations like this.

So the short answer is - you are ALWAYS better off doing a fresh install of Windows Operating System. In fact, its a smart idea to do on computers every few years anyway - a lot of garbage ends up on the computer after a while which effects everything. Hope this helps.

-Matt
Dear friend use the 'Acronics true image' to transfer all your files and settings to your new hard disk . It's a good software. It makes a image of your previous hard drive and copy it as it is to new drive.without any hassels you can transfer all files and settings even hidden and each and every thing on new drive.

download it from:

http://www.acronis.com/

for more details on any problem related to any topic pls contact:

http://www.jjnavsofs.we.bs

http://jjnavsofs.110mb.com

http://jjnavsofs.x10hosting.com

jaisingh1006@gmail.com