Re: Copy to new HD

From: Ron Patterson (a.baba_at_mindspring.com)
Date: 02/26/04 

Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 19:56:50 GMT

Thanks Doug.
You wrote:
"use FDISK or some other disk utility to make that partition Active. Some
imaging and cloning programs omit this step. If the partition is not marked
active, it won't boot."

I think this was my problem. I have tried to copy the disk to disk several
times using various software and everything looks good but it will not boot.
I don't however understand FDISK and making a partition active. I am not
partitioning the new drive - just trying the simplest thing of formatting
and copying? Is this something I do after I copy to activate the partition
(which is the whole drive) ? I can already see all the files, doesn't that
mean it is 'active'?. Perhaps you could walk me thru this as if you were
holding the hand of the idiot which I am rapidly thinking I am.

Regards,
Ron

"Doug Knox MS-MVP" <dknox@mvps.org> wrote in message
news:uDZ49k$%23DHA.2216@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
Your best bet is to use "imaging" software to do a complete byte by byte
copy of the existing drive to the new drive. Most hard drive manufacturer's
include, or have available for download, this type of software. There are
also 3rd party utilities like BootIt Next Generation and Partition Magic
that will do the same.

The thing to remember, when you make the new drive the "primary master", you
need to use FDISK or some other disk utility to make that partition Active.
Some imaging and cloning programs omit this step. If the partition is not
marked active, it won't boot. 

-- 
In memory of Robert McGregor (aka Koldbear)
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/winhelp.htm
--------------------------------
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows XP/ Windows Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
--------------------------------
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http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
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"Ron Patterson" <a.baba@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:N69%b.9455$aT1.6201@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>I have the original HD as a Master on the Primary cable.  (The CD will be
> temporarily disconnected.)
> I have a new HD that I will install as a Master on the Secondary cable.
The
> jumpers are correct.  After I format it via the manufacturer's CD, what is
> the easiest most trouble free way to make this new HD an exact BOOTABLE
copy
> of the original.
>
> I have tried lots of stuff and had lots of problems and the new HD copies
> never will boot.  Not even when installed as the only HD in the computer
as
> Master on Primary cable.
>
> While of very limited computer capability, I DO understand in the BIOS how
> to find the devices and jumpers and cables and boot priority etc.  That is
> not the problem.  Just want a fool proof way to make the copy.  Dual boot
is
> NOT a problem.  After it is made it will be removed to an external USB HD
> "carrier".
>
> Ron Patterson
>
>
>
>

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