Reinstall Question

[j2k4]

I need to do a reinstall.

I have some goofy problem I created by messing about where I shouldn't have (par for the course).

My question is this:

Can I take a clean formatted HDD, install it as my primary drive, load XP Pro, then install my normal main HDD (with the defective OS) as a slave, and pull all my goodies back onto the "new" primary drive without an OS conflict on re-boot?

I plan to re-format the slave after I'm finished (both drives are 80G WD Caviar).

Anyone see any problems here?

These types of things drive me crazy (although I must say, my luck has been fairly good), 'cuz I'm under the gun to get it done tomorrow.

[Virtualbody1234]

Should work without a problem. I have done the same thing on many machines to recover data.

Just be sure to set the jumper to slave on the older drive.

[tesco]

yes it will work fine. i recomend you make some partitions (if you havent already done that) so that you can format the windows parrtition if you have problems and not loose all of your programs and downloads.

[j2k4]

Man, what would I do without you guys?

I'll proceed tomorrow morning with an unfurrowed brow and a clear mind.

Thanks!!

[DWk]

I would recommend (for next time), to have a spare HDD in which you can backup the important stuff. I have about 3 or 4 HDD's to spare which I use in emergencies, and only use my 80gig WD, partitioned in 3.

[adamp2p]

Originally posted by DWk@15 May 2004 - 21:27
I would recommend (for next time), to have a spare HDD in which you can backup the important stuff. I have about 3 or 4 HDD's to spare which I use in emergencies, and only use my 80gig WD, partitioned in 3.

Where ya been, DwK, I miss our frequent arguments!!!

[atiVidia]

as VB said, yes it will work so long as u change the jumper settings on the old drive to slave .

if i am not mistaken, you cant boot an os off of a slave anyway...

[tesco]

Originally posted by atiVidia@16 May 2004 - 02:00
as VB said, yes it will work so long as u change the jumper settings on the old drive to slave .

if i am not mistaken, you cant boot an os off of a slave anyway...

but it has to be written into the master boot file which is on the primary drive...so you couldnt boot off it until you added the entry...

[j2k4]

Originally posted by DWk@15 May 2004 - 23:27
I would recommend (for next time), to have a spare HDD in which you can backup the important stuff. I have about 3 or 4 HDD's to spare which I use in emergencies, and only use my 80gig WD, partitioned in 3.

All good stuff to know, guys.

DWk-

That is my aim; I've got two 80g on-board with a 20G on the shelf (OS, AV, firewall, utilities, etc.) for just the backup you describe.

Anyway-thanks again; I'm off to do the dirty deed!

[peat moss]

I wonder if the file transfer wizard would be of any use in this case?
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertz.../november12.asp