Can i transfer a hard drive contents?

[Chris Wool]

you will need the original SB disk or down load. there may be other ways.

before you do anything go and get a external hard drive and copy your work files of that machine before it packs up.

[LucyDrake]

I have back it up, i only sell basic stickers and signs (mod-edit) can anyone recommend any easy to work software, preferably a dongle i can use on other computers or a program that has it all no add ons just easy like signblazer..

[Michael Winfield]

try this.

I’ve used it before for moving things from smaller hard drives to bigger ones and it works.

loads of video’s on youtube which show you how it works.

[Martin Pearson]

You can transfer all your saved files without a problem but as Chris says any software like signblazer will need to be installed from the original disk or download.

Another thing to consider is the operating system, what are you running now as a new laptop will no doubt only come with windows 7 on it. You may then find you have problems setting up printers and plotters depending on what you have.

As for software have a look at the new vinylmaster series, if it’s just basic stuff you are doing then the lite version would probably be all you need. There is a free downloadable demo so you can have a play around and see how you get on with it.

[Andrew Martin]

If your looking to transfer the complete disk with all software including the operating system then you need a good disk cloning software like Norton ghost.
I’m not sure if the disk to be transferred to has to be the same size including the heads and sectors.

[David-Foster-]

Acronis True Image, it’s like Norton Ghost which Andy said. Does a complete clone of your hard disk, including the sectors with your software license information, so you may not have to install your software again. Your new laptop will have Windows 7 on it. You could overwrite it with your cloned old laptop then update the drivers. You will have to authorise your Windows XP again but could transfer your license off your old laptop. Ring Microsoft and they will swap the license over. This is just so you can run the old SignBlazer software.

I would really consider having a fresh system though, with new cutting software. You can take your hard drive out of your old laptop and buy a USB enclosure for it so just plug it in your new laptop.

[Martin Pearson]

David, reason I didn’t suggest something like that is because you don’t know for sure if the drivers for the old laptop are available under windows 7.