Transfering Data from one HDD to another

Since I'm kinda broke ATM and I want to get a np8662 for as cheap as possible from xoticpc so I want to get everything base specs and upgrade the parts later on when i get the money. I was wondering how I would transfer all my data from the base 250gb 5400 rpm HDD to a newer one when i buy it.

I don't have a large external drive and i would prefer not to have to buy one just for this.

(Sorry if not in the right section, feel free to move it)

 

You'll need a 2.5 sata enclosure like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-2-0-2-5-SAT...trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:2127|293:1|294:50

A disk cloner utility (This works in Vista and Win7 also):

http://hdclone-free-edition.en.softonic.com/

and of course, laptop HD.

 

Acronis True Image is a very nice program and always clones disks perfectly when I have used it, it's not free though.

 

Okay, thanks but I'm kinda newb at this so what exactly would i do with the Sata HDD case enclosure? =x

 

It will enable you to turn an internal hard drive(the upgrade HD you will eventually purchase) into an external one- you can then:

1 - Connect that external hard drive into the laptop, either through USB or eSata (you can also get an eSata[much faster] based external enclosure- search eBay).

2 - Proceed to clone the hard drive with your OS, Apps and stuff into the new HD.

3 - Swap the drives, and keep the old one for backup or troubleshooting purposes(I keep around at least three, for backup and testing purposes).

Once you get the pieces, it will all make sense.

Here's a sample tutorial on cloning:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_cloning

I'm sure there are better ones out there. Google is your friend.

 

Thanks, that was really helpful. +rep