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ColoradoAg97

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Replacing HDD on windows XP machine.

I'm trying to replace my current main HDD (partitioned - system (C:) = NTFS, logical D: = FAT32) with a new HDD (it's bigger, but so far not an issue).  The issue I'm coming up with is that due to what I believe to be a windows activation problem.
When I clone using Ghost 9.0 and set the cloned drive as master, it stops at the blue welcome screen, but shows a WindowsXP flag as opposed to welcome, and starting.  I have been told that the workaround would be to use sysprep.exe, but all of the instructions I have found are either 1) for a system administrator cloning for multiple machines or 2) so complicated, it's hard to follow.

I have seen warnings about sysprep and having to call windows as well as warnings about losing encrypted files (how do I know if I have any?).
FYI....I added a second HDD a while ago for music storage, which will stay there. (have to remove it for cloning).

What I'm looking for is a set of STEP-BY-STEP directions about how to swap out my old HDD with a new HDD on a Windows XP machine...probably using sysprep.   This is a non networked, stand alone PC for a home user.

Thanks.
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Adrian Dobrota
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If an outright drive replacement is what you seek... Try Powerquest Drive Copy.  The software copies the exact image from one hard drive to another hard drive of similar or larger size.

Hope that helps
Actually, what you are trying to do seems basic.
First, take the new drive and set up a partition slightly larger than the original "C".
I use Ghost 7 all the time and never have activation problems.
Image the "Partition to Partition" on the new drive.
I use Partition Magic to set the ACTIVATION (or bootable) partition, but you could use something else.
Once the new Drive "C" is imaged, disconnect the old drive and start the computer with only the new one.
Only start, do not open anything (like explorer, etc.).
If it starts with no errors (and it should) do a shutdown and repeat the procedure with the second partition.
That's it!
Kronos claims the points here.
Points to Kronos (he did the most work) and we don't know what the final results were!
indeed ... it was tremendous work typing all that stuff :)) :))
huntersvcs ... it's a paste from a M$ article that was saved in a text file on my "docs" folder