Backup & Restore

[drb46]

I tried to search the forums, but couldn't find the answer I need. I need some help to do the following:
1. Backup XP (drive c) to external hard drive
2. Install a new larger oem hard drive (drive c) (no cd)
3. Restore XP to new larger hard drive taking advantage of the extra space.

As a side note, I tried doing it with Acronis, but evidently I don't know how, because it restored to the new hard drive as one small partition 20 gb, thereby wasting the rest of the space on the new hard drive. I have XP backed up now using Acronis, and have tried reading their manual, but I still don't understand how to restore XP to a bigger partition 160 gb. I could really use some help on this! Does anyone know of an easier backup program to use? I know how to format and install the new hard drive, I just don't know how to transfer XP back and forth. Thanks ever so much.

[EzyStvy]

In the beginning part of Acronis you need to select MANUAL and then make C drive larger.

[drb46]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy In the beginning part of Acronis you need to select MANUAL and then make C drive larger.

I can't believe it's that simple! I'll give it a try. Thanks for the quick reply, you have no idea how much I appreciate it.

[drb46]

Well, I am trying to find a setting to use Acronis backup to restore XP to the bigger hard drive and I'm sorry to be such a dunce but I can't get it to restore anything but the 20 gb partition image, so I think that's all of the hard drive I'll be able to use. Somebody, please help me!

[EzyStvy]

I don't have Acronis in front of me...But you need to use the Advanced Image option to clone/make an image of your current drive.

You'll see an option for Auto, Manual or Propotional. Choose Manual...Then you can tell the software how large to make C...

[glc]

Instead of backing up and restoring, just use Acronis to *clone* the old drive to the new one. Do this by booting with the Acronis CD - or if it's the downloaded version, make the bootable media.