Swapping HDs in Computer that Have the Same Windows Partition Setups

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From: Sam (scams_at_msn.com)
Date: 12/03/04 

Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2004 12:04:43 -0600

I have only one computer and so am rather restricted in trying different
software programs, especially data and image backup programs. I have a Dell
Dimension 8200 computer with windows XP Pro (SP2). What I would like to do
if possible, is to remove the current HD (C: Drive) and install a new HD to
be used as C: drive. Rather, than install all of the software programs from
scratch on this new HD, I would try to accomplish a C: drive partition
restore with my image backup program (PowerQuest (now Symantec) V2i
Protector Desktop Edition). By trying this, I will be able to tell if the
image backup program works as it should, and secondly, I would have this
second HD to use for testing any new software that is of interest. If I
like the new software and it works without any difficulty, I could then
install it on the first HD. If the new software causes some major damage to
this second HD setup, I could then easily accomplish a partition image
restore to correct the problem, knowing that I still have the original HD
for my normal important computer activity.

Would the above work with having two HDs with the same windows XP Pro and
applicable software? Would the computer BIOS be confused by seeing the
change of two different HDs that have almost the same system programs? Any
thoughts, suggestions, and help would be very much appreciated, Sam.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: BSOD
    ... Then it is time to restore your backup if you are using an image backup program like Acronis. ... Otherwise you need to go into the BIOS, make sure the cd is ahead of the hdd in the boot order, and run either a repair install of Windows or a clean install. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Can I transfer the available 10GB on my D drive...
    ... but you will be giving up any chance you ever have to restore ... your pc should it ever crash! ... The proper way to backup/restore a system is with an image backup program. ... That way your habds are not tied by restore points or recovery disks. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.file_management)