can I install new HD, and copy files from old HD

I'm getting "verifying DMI pool". I had this problem about two weeks ago and finally it loaded but was slow after that.

No expert here, just a DYI. So, I bought a hard drive and put it in last night. It is now getting to the "verifying DMI pool" and then giving me "error loading os".

Question, could I disconnect old hard drive, load OS on new drive, then copy the files off the old drive?

If so, I've never had to load the OS to a blank drive, so how do I do that? Just put the disk in the cd drive and boot with the new HD installed?

Thanks.

 

Maybe I should have mentioned that it's a SATA drive.

 

You could use xxClone to copy one drive to the other. Just remember to use the "Cool Tools" feature to make the clone bootable. When finished,switch.