Check my strategy on cloning HD?

I've read the quick guide sticky, but still have questions.

My plan:

(1) Install driver for USB-to-IDE adapter onto laptop, then connect new HD to laptop via this adapter and verify the connection works.
* Can I leave the new HD connected, or should I disconnect it and re-connect it later? If so, when should I re-connect it?
* Although HD is "new, but opened", go ahead and format it now just in case, or wait and let True Image determine if it needs formatting later during the cloning process?

(2)Install trial version of True Image on laptop.
* Must I "save" and install or can I "run" and install or does it matter?

(3) Reboot laptop.

(4) Start True Image and select "clone".
* Should I select "manual " followed by "as-is" since I want the new HD to be exactly like my old one, except with a lot more empty space? My old HD has a single partition, which is okay for the new HD too.

NOTE- I didn't create a recovery CD because my laptop doesn't have a CD burner. I figure this will be ok because if the new HD doesn't work for some reason when I install it, I can always put the old HD back in because I will not be deleting the data on it.

(5) I assume the program will give me some indication that it is done and I should shut down the laptop and swap old HD for new HD.

(6) Turn on laptop with new HD and verify everything works, holding onto the old HD for a while just in case.

Does this all sound okay?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'll do the first three steps:

1.
* Doesn't matter, the point is that you make sure it's connected and working.
* Format it yourself. Right click on the disk in explorer and format.
2. Save and Install. reboot.

Do the cloning and after it's finished I don't think it will shut down the laptop by itself, you'll have to do it manually.

Anyway, it does sound OK.

 

* Should I select "manual " followed by "as-is" since I want the new HD to be exactly like my old one, except with a lot more empty space? My old HD has a single partition, which is okay for the new HD too.

If you have and need to clone the hidden recovery partition,yes you have to follow this method. This will clone exactly "as is" including the hidden partition.

 

Thanks ya'll!
I don't have a recovery partition, that I know of. I recently did a clean install of a retail version of XP on my laptop. That procedure should have wiped the HD completely, yes? I told it not to save any old data. Would the installation process have added a reccovery partion on it's own? When I do a defragmentation, I do see a green section of my C: drive that says it can't be altered, or something like that. Is that the recovery partition?

I really don't fully understand partitioning anyway.
If you completely format a HD, doesn't that make 1 large partition?