Can someone help me with a Windows hard drive question?

Can someone help me with a Windows hard drive question?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

You could trade in the wife for a newer model :-) Yes, what you’re saying is not hard to do, at all. The key is to make sure that you have very good backups of C and of the <original> D. Install the new D and set up folders as you need to, and then copy from original D to new D. It may be easier to buy a hard disk enclosure (USB-based) and put <old> D into it, and do your copying from there. When you get ready to move your wife’s stuff from her C desktop, make a new d:\wife\desktop directory and just copy everything. Some of it will be extraneous, but at least you will have an exact 1:1 copy of what she had. Then clean out C:\ and especially make a subdirectory for her, and copy the relevant files (i.e. NOT ALL) from the d:\wife\desktop directory back to C: where you have set her up. An enclosure is $25 and a new 8 TB disk is $150. It’ll take you some time to do the copying (correctly) but there’s no reason to replace the PC when you can upgrade for about ⅓ the cost.
by

Related questions

How do I make this hard drive docking station work on Windows 10?

Description : How do I make this hard drive docking station work on Windows 10?

Last Answer : -I tried disabling/uninstalling and reinstalling/enabling the docking station through Device Manager but it ALWAYS freezes after I click to uninstall or disable it. My computer then gets weird. After I try ... Themaltake, they may have a solution, or if you need a replacement, can get that started.

Why is my external hard drive not recognized by Windows?

Description : Why is my external hard drive not recognized by Windows?

Last Answer : answer:Although unlikely, you may need a driver. What does device manager show? Also is your external formatted with the same partition type as your Win 7? IE NTFS? Did you get a pop up asking to run with administrative credentials. Win 7 will do that.

Does anybody know of a good external hard drive that is compatible with both Windows XP and Windows 7?

Description : Does anybody know of a good external hard drive that is compatible with both Windows XP and Windows 7?

Last Answer : Most of them. External drives work like giant flash drives, with respect to the interface.

How do I completely wipe and format a hard drive so as to rebuild it with Windows XP?

Description : How do I completely wipe and format a hard drive so as to rebuild it with Windows XP?

Last Answer : Start the computer and during the preboot, press the key that takes you to the BIOS settings. Now look for the boot sequence area, and have it boot from the CD/ROM drive. Put your original disk in the drive, restart the computer, and reinstall the OS.

Windows Vista Restore and reuseing a hard drive?

Description : Windows Vista Restore and reuseing a hard drive?

Last Answer : For a clean slate – Delete the partition, establish a new partition in its place, format the new partition (not a quick format) To use the hard drive: Make sure the master/slave switch is properly set, if your system requires that configuration.

Can I delete all the windows software and whatnot that came on my portable external hard drive?

Description : Can I delete all the windows software and whatnot that came on my portable external hard drive?

Last Answer : Yes. All that stuff is just proprietary junk. SOme of it is of okay intention, but if you know what you are doing with you computer, you don’t need any of it, especially with a mac machine.

Is there a program that shows you the distribution of space on your hard drive for mac like there is for windows?

Description : Is there a program that shows you the distribution of space on your hard drive for mac like there is for windows?

Last Answer : Grand Perspective seems to be what you’re looking for, and has worked fairly well for me.

PC question: What's wrong with my computer, the hard drive or the operating system?

Description : PC question: What's wrong with my computer, the hard drive or the operating system?

Last Answer : Have you tried any of the windows repair features by booting from the OS disk?

Picasa Question---How do you get rid of Picasa photos that were taken off your hard drive?

Description : Picasa Question---How do you get rid of Picasa photos that were taken off your hard drive?

Last Answer : answer:If it's not Picasa Web Albums, then I think it's just the Picasa desktop application. Meaning they are still on your machine and not public. If this is the case, when you right-click (Windows) or ... the photo is not on the web. If Online Actions is a choice, the photo is on the web.

Installed ubuntu on a portable hard drive, can you help me solve problems with hardware?

Description : Installed ubuntu on a portable hard drive, can you help me solve problems with hardware?

Last Answer : Why are you using the command line to instsll software? I think the command should be: $ sudo apt-get install VideoLan Client or something like that. I'd just use synaptic to install anyway, it's ... seems to ba a Broadcom wireless card. I recommend you join the forums - it's a good resource.

Can you help me set-up my external hard drive so that it functions as my iTunes? There is much more to this. See inside..

Description : Can you help me set-up my external hard drive so that it functions as my iTunes? There is much more to this. See inside..

Last Answer : Have you tried importing the folders to you iTunes library yet?

Widows XP install, hangs at Setup is Starting Windows. Is this a hard drive failure?

Description : Widows XP install, hangs at Setup is Starting Windows. Is this a hard drive failure?

Last Answer : It normally would indicate a failure if one was occurring. Cannot locate blah blah or something along those lines. Also the install disc doesn't have a limited number of uses, it should work as ... this mean you shut it off after a certain period? What exactly happens after it starts to hang?

How much space do I need to partition my Mac hard drive for Windows?

Description : How much space do I need to partition my Mac hard drive for Windows?

Last Answer : I’d recommend using at very least 8gb. 15, if you can spare it.

How can I reformat a Windows NT hard drive for Mac OSX?

Description : How can I reformat a Windows NT hard drive for Mac OSX?

Last Answer : Reformat the drive as FAT and not NTFS. OS X Can only read from NTFS but it will not write to it. But it can do both on FAT drives. You could try installing macfuse to see if that will let you read ... . Last time I tried it was a little clunky but that was a few years ago. It could be better now.

How do I make my hard drive read/write in Windows Vista?

Description : How do I make my hard drive read/write in Windows Vista?

Last Answer : answer:Hi there. I tried doing some research on this topic, but haven't found much relevant information. I'm not trying to post a stupid, obvious answer, but if you still can, I HIGHLY recommend ... up LOADS of system resources. I would recommend using Windows XP Pro SP2. Good luck with your search!

Why won't my 40GB Fat32 hard drive work in Windows XP?

Description : Why won't my 40GB Fat32 hard drive work in Windows XP?

Last Answer : answer:You're right, it cannot format larger than 32GB as FAT32, but it is supposed to be able to recognize and mount larger drives. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314463 why not format it as NTFS? If you ... was an option on the Mac that allows the drive to work properly on a Mac and not on a PC.

How do i install windows on a external hard drive using a MacBook?

Description : How do i install windows on a external hard drive using a MacBook?

Last Answer : answer:Unless there is some complication not listed up above, you ought to be able to make another partition on the HDD with Boot-camp. From here, you can install windows as you would normally. When ... at the apple screen. You should get a menu to get to another bootable volume. Hope this helps.

How do I reformat my hard drive in Windows XP

Description : How do I reformat my hard drive in Windows XP

Last Answer : Need Answer

how to wipe hard drive on windows xp

Description : how to wipe hard drive on windows xp

Last Answer : You'll hvae to reformat your hard drive in order to completely wipe it out. However, your operation system will be gone that way. Otherwise, you can always delete files and then purge them from the recycle bin. However, pros will have ways to recover them, if not all or them.

how do i install windows XP on a new hard drive

Description : how do i install windows XP on a new hard drive

Last Answer : Need Answer

How to install Ubuntu and Windows on the Same Hard Drive?

Description : How to install Ubuntu and Windows on the Same Hard Drive?

Last Answer : Windows has held the top spot in the operating system battle for quite some time. Ubuntu Linux is quickly gaining popularity among computer users due to the flexibility of the system. If you are ... disc. There are many free image burning software packages available online. You will then need to re

Does the hard drive come with installation software, or can I install it through Windows?

Description : Does the hard drive come with installation software, or can I install it through Windows?

Last Answer : This hardrive comes with a cd rom with the install software.

Urgent help needed regarding ejectable hard drive?

Description : Urgent help needed regarding ejectable hard drive?

Last Answer : DO NOT FORMAT. Formatting erases all the data on the drive. Have you tried re-booting your computer and tried a different USB port? What OS and version are you running? Windows XP, Vista, 7? Mac OS X (10.5?10.6?10.7?)

My external hard drive seems to be empty. I need help figuring out where all my pics are.

Description : My external hard drive seems to be empty. I need help figuring out where all my pics are.

Last Answer : Fat32 will work with both. It seems as though one or the other of the computers has “initialised” the drive. It will sometime suggest that immediately after connection. You will need to run a file recovery app. The one that comes with many SD cards will often do when used on an external drive,

Why won't my computer let me eject my external hard drive?

Description : Why won't my computer let me eject my external hard drive?

Last Answer : Are you getting a prompt asking you if you’ve finished transferring files, or if you have any more to transfer, before you try to eject the external drive?

Can anyone recommend me a reasonable capacity, fast SATA laptop hard drive?

Description : Can anyone recommend me a reasonable capacity, fast SATA laptop hard drive?

Last Answer : The faster a drive’s rpms, the louder it will be. That’s just mechanics. I recommend visiting www.tomshardware.com for information.

I use Avira AntiVir (Free Version) on Windows XP and it works fine, but I can't figure out how to tell it to only check drive C.

Description : I use Avira AntiVir (Free Version) on Windows XP and it works fine, but I can't figure out how to tell it to only check drive C.

Last Answer : Open the Avira window by double-clicking the icon in the sys-tray. Click the Local Protection link and then Scanner . This allows you to do some configurable scans. It's not fully ... can while scanning. And delete temporary internet files if you scan a Documents and Settings folder. Cheers.

How can I grab files off a Mac formatted 3.5" floppy (circa 1994) using a Windows '98 machine with a 3.5" drive, a Vista machine with no floppy drive and a MacBook with no floppy drive?

Description : How can I grab files off a Mac formatted 3.5" floppy (circa 1994) using a Windows '98 machine with a 3.5" drive, a Vista machine with no floppy drive and a MacBook with no floppy drive?

Last Answer : Sell one of those ridiculous computers and buy a USB floppy drive.

Is most software designed for Windows? Is it hard for Mac users to find what they need?

Description : Is most software designed for Windows? Is it hard for Mac users to find what they need?

Last Answer : answer:Not hard at all. I use Word, Excel, VLC, Firefox, and Cinema4D and tons of other software on my Mac. I have never missed a piece of Windows only software.

How can I safely transfer my files and switch from Windows 7 Ultimate RC2 to Ubuntu across 2 hard drives attached to the same motherboard efficiently?

Description : How can I safely transfer my files and switch from Windows 7 Ultimate RC2 to Ubuntu across 2 hard drives attached to the same motherboard efficiently?

Last Answer : Burn a DVD with the files. Then copy the DVD.

How can I read this old hard drive?

Description : How can I read this old hard drive?

Last Answer : You can easily hack old windows passwords using a linux live disk. I won’t post a link but Google will tell you how to do it.

Lost external hard drive files due to "partition"?

Description : Lost external hard drive files due to "partition"?

Last Answer : Well, I'm sure you know, that reformatting' is what did you in. Don't do ANYTHING to it right now, and get professional help recovering the lost data. It may not be as expensive as you think. ... or it may be relatively easy for some but I'm sure its a common occurrence they've dealt with before

How can I wipe a hard drive and reinstall a new OS?

Description : How can I wipe a hard drive and reinstall a new OS?

Last Answer : What OS are you trying to put on it? Easiest would probably be Linux. Make a bootable Linux installation CD (download disk image, write it to a CD) and then use a CD drive that those computers ... in good/better condition should be swapped in if someone's really going to try to use the old machine.

If a hard drive is not working, can I still get my movies and files out of it ?

Description : If a hard drive is not working, can I still get my movies and files out of it ?

Last Answer : answer:Because you plugged it into your TV, I am guessing this is an external drive that connects with a USB cable, is that correct? If so, you can take it apart and try the bare drive without the case ... . In that case, yes, there are places that could do the work and yes, it is very expensive.

How do I save emails through cable into a folder on my hard drive?

Description : How do I save emails through cable into a folder on my hard drive?

Last Answer : Do you normally use the web client for email or a standalone application like outlook or thunderbird?

If you purchased a new hard drive for your laptop, what is the best current way to transfer your old drive, OS, files, etc. to the new drive?

Description : If you purchased a new hard drive for your laptop, what is the best current way to transfer your old drive, OS, files, etc. to the new drive?

Last Answer : If you’re tech savvy then I would recommend Clonezilla http://clonezilla.org/

Why can my external hard drive open on my laptop and not my computer?

Description : Why can my external hard drive open on my laptop and not my computer?

Last Answer : Hard to answer when you don't mention which operating system you are using. If you're using Windows it's probably a network problem. Everything that is external to your computer needs to be ... settings in Control Panel. Click the diagnose problems link, it may be enough to solve your problem.

Can I get information off my hard drive without installing it in a new computer?

Description : Can I get information off my hard drive without installing it in a new computer?

Last Answer : answer:You can remove the hard drive from the old macbook and connect it to the new machine with an inexpensive USB hard drive adapter. Here's one at Amazon for illustration. It might be more ... drive was set up, so their may be security/permissions issues. But the physical connection is easy.

How do I format an external hard drive for resale?

Description : How do I format an external hard drive for resale?

Last Answer : Of course it’s true. I don’t re-sale my hard drives for that reason. I think I remember a member (Jerv) on here explaining how the software works on recovery of these things, there should be a program that also infinitely reformats the hard drive as well. It’s been a couple years.

Can I set external hard drive as default for music downloads?

Description : Can I set external hard drive as default for music downloads?

Last Answer : what browser do you use to download? How are you downloading? I’m pretty sure it’s possible, but I need to know that first

What's the best way to fix a mini-usb port on an external hard drive enclosure?

Description : What's the best way to fix a mini-usb port on an external hard drive enclosure?

Last Answer : I do have a spare WD hardrive enclosure that may be the same physical size, but I can’t figure out how to open it as it has no visible screws.

How do I erase password protection on an external hard drive?

Description : How do I erase password protection on an external hard drive?

Last Answer : I will have to double-check how Lacie does things, but I know that there are certain security things that Linux ignores, especially if you use a distro that is geared specifically for intrusion testing.

How full is your hard drive?

Description : How full is your hard drive?

Last Answer : Well, lets see: Do I keep forgetting things? Yes. Where has that information gone? No Idea but since it will pop up later today, I know it is still there so maybe I just need to defrag. Anyone got any ideas on how you do that with a brain?

Without its original hard drive, can your computer's info be viewed by its new owner?

Description : Without its original hard drive, can your computer's info be viewed by its new owner?

Last Answer : The computer’s “original” hard drive is unimportant. If there are any stored media: CDs, solid state hard drives, floppies (they’re still around, and they still work), tape drives or any other backup media (including USB sticks, aka thumb drives or jump drives), then that information can be viewed.

External hard drive is supposed to pick up connection to computer wirelessly. what am I doing wrong?

Description : External hard drive is supposed to pick up connection to computer wirelessly. what am I doing wrong?

Last Answer : answer:Huh? Why is the hard drive plugged into the modem? You might plug a HD into a router, but never into a modem. THe modem doesn’t have the disk management software. You need to be more informative here. WHAT hard drive, and what modem/router/computer do you have?

What's the best way to purge a hard drive of everything except the OS?

Description : What's the best way to purge a hard drive of everything except the OS?

Last Answer : Format and reinstall is the easiest, and indeed the only method that I know of. You could also put Ubuntu on it. And there are programs that will over-write the entire drive with noise.

Why is it better to render video data from my computer into an external hard drive?

Description : Why is it better to render video data from my computer into an external hard drive?

Last Answer : Do you mean if you rip a video from a dvd? The only reason I know of is to save space on your internal hard drive. I keep a separate external hd for movies because if you keep the quality of the video, they are huge files and take up too much space.

I have a new computer, and need to transfer my old hard drive to it - how do I do this?

Description : I have a new computer, and need to transfer my old hard drive to it - how do I do this?

Last Answer : You just move it over, then when you boot up, go to computer management, and disk management, and assign a letter to the drive. Since windows is istalled on both drives you might have trouble though, but if youg et in copy everything over, format the old one and copy back.

Is it possible to image a larger hard drive onto a smaller SSD drive?

Description : Is it possible to image a larger hard drive onto a smaller SSD drive?

Last Answer : As long as the HD doesn't have more on it as than the SSD can handle then you can clone the HD on to the other drive. But I wouldn't. When you install windows 7 it detects whether it's ... across then you'll have to change all the settings yourself. You're better off just to perform a clean install.

External hard drive advice?

Description : External hard drive advice?

Last Answer : answer:Hi @AuditoryHaven it's simple. Pick up any Seagate, and Mac has software built in you can use to reformat it to work on your Mac. Don't buy a drive that has the Mac compatible sticker on it ... , and they charge you a 100 dollar premium for it. Look at how extremely easy it is! Good luck.