I would like to clone my computer

[tallin]

Hi, I would like to clone my computer, do I simply buy an external hard drive (in my case 100GB) and transfer onto it, or is the exercise more complicated than that? I am running Windows XP/SPE.

[sp_100]

Start here:

http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoff...t10/index.html

http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/hom...0/manuals.html

http://www.google.com/search?as_q=pc...s=&safe=images

[Marmaduke]

End here:

http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/

I have used the free download trial to clone a 80Gig to a 300Gig. It worked perfectly. It formated, partitioned and transfered all the data with no problem. When you start it up, it will reboot into DOS and do its thing. That scared me at first, but DOS is the preferred method for cloning. Couldn't figure out Norton Ghost.

Your choice.

[tallin]

Thanks so much for the information and the website you gave. Is the cloning exercise that simply? I am not experienced and do not want to get in a mess. Thanks again. Could you reply if there is more to it than you gave in your first post. I have downloaded the software, but will wait until I hear more from you.

[Marmaduke]

If you are refering to me, yes, its that simple. If you are using SATA?PATA drives connect them as required for master/slave configuration, then start up True Image. Select the clone option and it will detect, format and transfer/cone the old hard drive onto the new one. When its finished, it will ask for a final re-boot to settle in. After its done, turn off your computer, remove the old drive and connect the new drive as master if PATA and your good to go. Acronis also has a manual for downloading thats kind of useful. (one tiny section on cloning/coping files to new hard drive.
I'm not that great with computers but I did figure this out when I had to upgrade my sons computer.