How to Switch OS Between Two Hard Drives

When you are replacing a hard drive, upgrading your system or buying a new computer, you may need to switch your OS between two hard drives in order to retain your data. The easiest way to do this is to clone your hard drive. This can be done with free software.

Things You'll Need

• Windows
• Miray Software's HDClone

Instructions

Miray Software's HDClone

1. Visit the download site for HDClone. Follow the instructions to download the free version.

2. 

   Extract the contents of the zip file into a folder and run "hdclone.exe." Click "Start HD Clone" when prompted.

3. 

   Under "Copy Mode," click "Drive" for the source and "Drive" for the destination. Click "Next."

4. 

   Choose the source drive and click "Next."

5. 

   Click the destination drive and click "Next."

6. 

   Choose optional settings and click "Next." For more information on these options, click "?"

7. 

   Click "Start." Wait for the process to complete.

Tips & Warnings

• This is not the only one method to switch an OS between two hard drives. There are numerous other free programs that can also accomplish this task. DriveImage XML Backup Software is freeware, as is Bombich Software's Carbon Copy Cloner, which works for Apple computers.

• Before attempting to move your OS or clone a hard drive, always make sure you back up your important data to a reliable medium.

References

• Cloning Windows XP

Resources

• Miray Software - HDClone
• Carbon Copy Cloner
• DriveImage XML