Windows XP backup help

[Lizz10403]

I've had my computer for over a year so I have some good programs on it. My problem is the hard drive is going (it was a used comp). Now I am in the process of moving so all my stuff is in storage including my much needed windows xp disk. I need to move my os to my new hardrive BUT only my os.

Is there anyway to move over my os without using a drive to drive data copy as I don't want any other programs or documents except what originally comes with the os? I have Windows XP Home Edition for my os. Also I don't want to spend too much money. I bought Windows XP Home Edition for 100$.

[Panama Red]

Just remove/disconnect the old drive, install the new one and do a fresh install of XP. Do all the updates at Windows Updates, add all your programs and get it working the way you would like. Then reconnect the old hard drive and copy the files you want to retain.

[Lizz10403]

I can't do a fresh install of windows xp. All my stuff is in storage including the xp cd. =/

[Panama Red]

No other way to do it without everything else coming with it. Cloning/Ghosting/Imaging all duplicate the existing drive. Best to install the new hdd now, create a couple of partitions and leave one blank for installing XP later. Then save all your critical files to another partition on the new hdd. At least if the old hdd crashes you'll have your data.

[Lizz10403]

That's a good idea. About how much room does xp take up if I were to partition it? Is there any way to copy all data files for the os over to my new hd and have it work?

[Panama Red]

No way to move the os or XP's files, only your My Doc, Favorites, that kinda stuff. I'd make a 20Gb partition for XP.

[Lizz10403]

So what exactly does a data to data copy do?

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by Lizz10403 So what exactly does a data to data copy do?

Not sure what you mean. What I'm referring to is a simple Copy/Paste of your existing files/folders from the existing locations to a new partition on the new hard drive.

[Lizz10403]

My new hardrive came with a disk that lets you copy from your old hd to the new. A whole data copy of c:/ to the new hd

[Panama Red]

Ok, that's Cloning software. It will copy EVERYTHING on the existing drive to the new drive. You could do that but you'll end up with all your old programs and everything else that's currently on the existing drive.

[Lizz10403]

Yeah I thought about doing that. So I've been trying to delete all the programs I had previously installed but it's hard to remember. Plus you always end up with leftover stuff.

[glc]

If you don't have your XP CD, cloning the whole drive is your only option. The hard drive manufacturer will offer free software to do this - it's what you refer to as a drive to drive copy. Why don't you just do this for now before the hard drive dies, then look at doing a clean install when you get your stuff out of storage?