New Hard Drive OS/system transfer questions

I built a computer in march of 06. Originally I had trouble installing windows XP pro to install/run on a 160g WD Sata Harddrive, so I used an old 6g HD as the main (windows only) Hard Drive, and the SATA as my MISC disc.

In the year since building the system, the Hard Drive is nearly full (under 500m) with XP updates, and other small random "Tool" programs.

I decided to upgrade my computer with a new Asus Crossfire MB, 2g ram, and a 250g WD Sata HD. Is there a way to copy the complete image or whatever it's called of my entire 6.8g (Quantum Fireball) HD to the new 250g WD?

I used Data Lifeguard Tools that came with the new hard drive, and after it completely copied all the files (including the boot.ini and other system files), Lifeguard Tools proceeds to the "Creating Custom Installation Manual" where the programs gets an Unexpected C++ error to the ilk of 'program tried to terminate in an unexpected manor'.

When I reboot, enter bios and set the 250g HD to boot priority, and computer posts, it gives me a "Error Loading OS".

My only option there is to ctrl-alt-delete and re-enter bios to use the little HD to boot from.

Anyone mind helping me out?

Eric C ~SS~

 

Usually then I upgrate my system I use Universal Restore from Acronis to restore my system to a new hd. It is very handly utility, cos you can restore to different hardware.

 

This is not working.

I keep getting Error Loading Operating System

 

The reason you're getting the error is because Windows XP has a way of 'bonding' to your hardware. When you installed the new motherboard, and tried booting to your XP that was running with the old motherboard, Windows got all confused and is now crashing. Obviously. You'll need to perform a safe reload of your Windows 'over the top' of itself so that Windows can 'bond' with your new hardware/motherboard. When done correctly, a safe reload doesn't effect any data or programs or personal documents; when it's all done your desktop should load up and look just like it did with your old motherboard.

hd2k

 

XP noticed "major changes" and i installed all the new hardware drivers. XP is only crashing when i try to boot it off the new hard drive. Other than that, the upgrade went Freaking Excellent.

 

Figured it out.

Can someone sticky this, or post it on FAQ's.

Windows XP, generally speaking, doesn't install/boot well, under these circumstances:

1.) Installing from a (Flaky/Cheap/Old [pick one]) CD or DVD burner
2.) BIOS settings for bootable SATA Hard Drives when the Hard Drive "Access Mode" set to auto. This should be set to "Large"

It works fantastic now.

Someone please sticky/faq this. I would have done this a year ago had i known this was the easy fix for winxp installs on sata and the "Error Loading Operating System" error.