Copying Data From HDD

securespark · 9 Jan 2010

Hi guys!

I am preparing an old computer of mine for my son.

It currently has two HDD's on it: one as C: carrying the OS and all current files and a HDD from a previous computer on D: with historic stuff.

I plan to buy this

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/160904/show_product_reviews

to use with a different PC. What I would like to do is transfer all data from C: and D: onto the external drive. I also want to use the external drive to store my music collection. The thought being that it will leave the HDD on the PC less cluttered.

Is it easy to transfer data between HDD's? Can you just plug in the external drive and drag & drop?

Thanks for your help.

jj4091 · 9 Jan 2010

It is easy but can take a long time if you use a usb connection.

dave.m · 9 Jan 2010

SS,

You could use Microsoft SyncToy:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...36-98e0-4ee9-a7c5-98d0592d8c52&displaylang=en

Set up the Folder Pairing between your C:\ Drive and the ext HD and using the 'Echo' pairing it will copy every file and folder from your C to the Ext HD.

Check that it has copied correctly and then delete all you want on the C drive.

It is handy for doing incremental backups as it will copy over anything that is not already on the Ext drive.

It takes about 5 to 10 minutes top tranfer from scratch

When you transfer data, make sure that it has been scanned so that you do not inadvertently introduce viruses to your external hard drive.

dave

securespark · 11 Jan 2010

The scanning is a bit of problem. I have an old version of AVG on this PC - it has Win ME and will not run AVG 8, thus the virus dbase is OOD.

Do you know a way of updating it? AVG don't support AVG 7 anymore...

dave.m · 12 Jan 2010

If AVG won't support Windows ME, find an antivirus program on here:
http://tinyurl.com/yjzxx6q

securespark · 14 Jun 2010

Thanks for all your help. I realise this is an old thread, but wanted to update you.

I have tried downloading various antivirus programs but they all pull up an error when installing that says

"Expects a newer version of Windows, please upgrade"

Don't know what to do now.

:SULK:

Synapse · 14 Jun 2010

Get rid of the worst operating system ever created?

If the system is a little on the old side why not try something like Debian or Ubuntu, they can be run on minimal hardware requirements and you wouldn't have to worry about common viruses.

http://www.debian.org
http://www.ubuntu.com

raisuddin · 15 Jun 2010

In this case I make a backup image with Norton Ghost then I restore when/where I need. I get everything very easy and unchanged. Acronis Image also works good. But I prefer to use Norton Ghost.

securespark · 15 Jun 2010

Synapse:

Yeah, well aware ME is on its last legs! Hate it, DOS-based flea-ridden rubbish!

I have seen Ubuntu and it's very good, but I have Win 7 to upgrade to with a brand new machine.

All I want to do at the moment is copy the info from the hard drives onto my new external 1TB drive.

rais: Can I use Ghost to copy from one HDD to another?

Thanks to both of you for your helpful suggestions.

Monkeh · 15 Jun 2010

Ghost makes a bit-perfect copy of your drive. OS included. It's not an appropriate tool for this job.

Your best bet would be using an external enclosure to access the drives from your new machine. The chance of the old machine containing a virus which will affect an up to date OS with AV installed is slim.

securespark · 16 Jun 2010

You mean something like this?

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/219615

Monkeh · 16 Jun 2010

That would work, but this is cheaper and more versatile: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Newl...nium-PATA-SATA-HDD-To-USB-20-ESATA-Enclousure

securespark · 16 Jun 2010

Thanks. I'll do a bit more investigating.

Copying Data From HDD

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