What is the most painless (simple) way to upgrade harddrive?

[manixc]

As the subject said, what is the most simple way to upgrade harddrive?

My TP is a T42 2378FUU, just a basic model with a 30GB HD. The OS is still Windows XPP and I have removed the IBM hidden partition. I want to get a larger HD with 5400rpm.

Here is the steps that I think I will take:
1. Make recovery discs.
2. Remove old HD and insert new HD
3. Boot with the new recovery discs
4. Done

So in theory, settings and data in Windows should not change, right? Because I don't want to customize Windows again.

Also, if I put the old HD in a external enclosure, I should be able to read the data.

Please advice.

Thanks,
Michael

[Kyocera]

I have done this more than several times. You are correct, however, if you have already removed the service partition from your original HD from IBM I am not sure you can still make the CD's. I think they use the data on the recovery partition to make the CD"s, please someone correct me if I am wrong here.

You can basically take a blank HD, I have done this with a 10g, start the recovery process with the CD's and let it do the rest (it is easier with a larger drive). If you can't make the recovery CDs any longer ghost your current drive and place the image on the new one.

[GomJabbar]

Here is the steps that I think I will take:
1. Make recovery discs.
2. Remove old HD and insert new HD
3. Boot with the new recovery discs
4. Done

So in theory, settings and data in Windows should not change, right? Because I don't want to customize Windows again.

If you use the Recovery Disk set to install Windows on your new hard drive (or any hard drive), the Recovery Disk set will repartition and reformat the hard drive, destroying any data left there. Then it will reinstall Windows and all software and drivers to the original 'Factory State'. This includes restoring the IBM hidden partition and Rescue and Recovery workspace.

I have a feeling that Kyocera is correct in believing that you need the service partition to create the Recovery Disk set - but I don't really know for sure. You can buy the Recovery Disk set from IBM/Lenovo for around $45 I've read.

Probably imaging your old hard drive to the new one (as Kyocera mentioned), is the most simple way to upgrade your hard drive and keep all the software and settings in place.

[manixc]

Kyocera/GomJabbar, you are right. I can't create Recovery Disk as I deleted the IBM partition. I do have the original recovery disks but I don't want to use it.

So what software do I need to create an image of my current HD? and what do I need to do copy that image to the new HD? I am not familiar with the process.

edit: I have Nero and it can create HD image. Would it take a lot of CDs to store the image?

Thanks,
Michael

[Kyocera]

From my experience doing this I used Norton Ghost and it took about 5 or six CD's if I recall, of course disc usage is directly proportional to the data on your hard drive now. Probalbly want to block out a few hours/beers to basically babysit the process.

[GomJabbar]

From what I have read on these forums, Acronis True Image seems to be the most favored imaging program. Click on the search button at the top of the screen and type in Acronis. I did just now and pulled up 137 matches. I personally have not tried it yet. I have been using StompSoft Backup MyPC for my backup and recovery needs. StompSoft just released a version 6 of Backup MyPC recently. I have been happy with this solution so far, but you do need have a Windows Install CD to do a disaster recovery.

I suspect you'll need more than 5 or 6 CD's if you have installed any amount of software above the 'Factory Install'.

[desdinova]

easiest way is probably to get a cheap USB enclosure and use partition magic or the like to dupe the drive from one to the other.

[manixc]

easiest way is probably to get a cheap USB enclosure and use partition magic or the like to dupe the drive from one to the other.

would that work?

so the steps would be:
1. Put new HD in USB enclosure
2. Use Partition Magic to cope content from current HD to new HD
3. Exchange HD
4. Would it boot up correctly?

[mysbca]

I don't think you can clone with Partition Magic. You can use either Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost to clone to new HD, then your steps are correct.