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    If I upgrade hard drive do I have to reinstall my OS?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by alittlemonkish, Nov 24, 2008.

  1. alittlemonkish

    alittlemonkish Notebook Consultant

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    I currently have a 40GB HD in a 2.8Ghz, 1GB Ram, P4. Its running pretty well but I am having to sacrifice a bit because the HD is so small. I will be getting a new laptop in June and I'm wondering if it is even worth it?
     
    alittlemonkish, Nov 24, 2008
    #1
  2. mullenbooger

    mullenbooger Former New York Giant

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    If the interefaces are the same get a new drive and transfer it to the new laptop when you get it. Unfortunately, your old computer probably isn't SATA-II but it might be.
     
    mullenbooger, Nov 24, 2008
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  3. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    If you upgrade your HDD, you will need to reinstall your OS. You can try to get around it with tricks like disk imaging, but in the end you do need to somehow get an OS onto your new drive.

    Whether it's worth it is really up to you. Maybe you'd just want to pick up a cheap external to tide you over 'til June?
     
    Commander Wolf, Nov 24, 2008
    #3
  4. Alex

    Alex Super Moderator

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    I'm with Commander
    Get an external drive or usb flash storage
    Then reduce the load on your 40gb to 75% or less
    That way it will defrag properly
     
    Alex, Nov 24, 2008
    #4
  5. mystery905

    mystery905 Notebook Deity

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    No, you do not have to re-install your OS.

    Do the following:

    1. Get an external USB hard drive enclosure. Ensure you get the correct type depending on the type of hard drive your notebook uses (IDE or SATA). If your hard drive is pretty old, chances are, it's IDE/PATA.

    2. Put your new hard drive in the new enclosure and connect to your notebook.

    3. Create a disk image from your notebook to your drive in the enclosure. I used Acronis True Image. Your new hard drive may have a free disk imaging software on the manufacturer's web-site.

    4. Swap the new drive in the enclosure with your old drive in the notebook.

    5. Boot your new notebook to confirm success.

    6. Install the old hard drive in the new enclosure to enjoy a new backup drive, and format as necessary.
     
    mystery905, Nov 25, 2008
    #5