hdd data transfer

i have got a 500gb hdd i want to put in my netbook how do i transfer software, data, OS from old hdd to new hdd?

 

If it was me, I would first create a backup of my old hard drive (I use Acronis True Image Home 11) and store that backup image on an external hard drive. Then I would install the new hard drive into the netbook, and using the Recovery Boot Manager disc that you make using Acronis, I would restore that backup image to your new HDD.

Given the option, I would also ensure that I validated/verified both the backup image creation and the restore. Yes, it will add extra time to the backup and restore process, but it's well worth it in the event that an image was not properly backed up or restored.

Please note that you do not necessarily need to go with Acronis (the copy I use was released a couple years ago) and you can go with other alternatives. I'd encourage you to take a look at the following link to choose from other available backup utilities:

The Ever-Growing Free Windows Software List

Head down to the "Data Backup/Recovery" area for available software.

 

There is many ways to do this. You could get a usb 2.0 drive enclosure and use a disk copy utility to transfer contents of old HDD to new HDD and install your new HDD,put old HDD in Drive enclosure and now you have a backup drive. Free or Professional Partition Wizard 5.2 will do the disk copy.

Drive Enclosure:

Newegg.com - Rosewill RX81U-ES-25A 2.5" SATA to USB 2.0 External Enclosure

Partition Wizard 5.2:

Free partition magic alternative for Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. (Both 32 bit and 64 bit Windows.) Free for home users.

Cheers
3Fees

 

i only have a netbook that does not have a disk reader how do i get round that if i can?
i do have another laptop can i use that somehow?

 

Partition wizard can be loaded on thumb drive(build boot flash drive)then boot from it,,make necessary changes in bios(have installed when entering bios at boot up, then move it up to boot from it in boot area of bios, save changes, then reboot) then do disk copy from old hdd to new hdd,partition wizard will find your new drive as usb 2.0 drive in the enclosure,then do disk copy, then exchange new for old,,can partition new one,,extend it,,,ect. Partition wizard has videos to watch that will explain it all..Can email them for anything not covered...........

heres the link:

Partition Wizard Bootable Flash Drive - Boot from USB Flash disk directly.

Cheers
3Fees

 

Once done with the upgrade enter the bios again and move the new drive up to number 1 position to boot from it,,save changes,reboot,,your done upgraded your hdd, enjoy. If new drive is in number 1 position already,,,save changes and reboot,,,also take out usb flash drive after disk copy is done,,,can format it and use for portable storage or save it for a friend and show them how to upgrade......

Cheers
3Fees