(Not a Sims Question) Need Advise on my Failing Hard Drive

[Gamblor]

I have three drives in my tower. My C: drive is my operating system my D: drive is for mp3's and documents and my large E: drive is for all my games like Sims and stuff. My C: drive is the oldest and its showing signs of failing so before it goes I want to replace it. My question is with out having to re-install all my software back in it the new drive and also re-install all my games back into my E: drive and waste a whole day doing this I want to do it the smart way and just create an image of my C: drive onto the new one. What's the best way of doing this? Do I need a program to do this can it be done with no problems and save me a ton of time re-installing two drives again which I so hate doing. Any advise would be great.

[Hook]

Before you give up on your drive, have a look at SpinRite, at http://www.grc.com

I used to have to use this regularly back in the days when drives weren't nearly as reliable as they are now, and it saved me from a lot of problems.

For those who aren't familiar with it, SpinRite will scan your hard drive for errors and correct them, saving the data in another location if necessary.  It used to be able to do a low level format, with all data left in place and unharmed.  I'm sure it will still do this if necessary.  It's a little pricey ($90), and doesn't have a free trail period any more, but worth it if you need to save valuable data.

Hook

[Gamblor]

Thxs Hook I will give spinrite a chance but I have systems mechanics 7 and it couldn't fix my problem with the drive. It's way over 5 years old and I know that's usually the life expectancy I have been told for a hard drive. I would like to get a newer drive It will probable run better and faster then my old one so if you still know away to create an image onto a new drive that would help or if it can be done.

[ZiggyDoodle]

An excellent disk imaging product is Acronis True Image 10 Home.  Also does a very comprehensive backup.

[witch]

I use Ghost or Power Quest Drive Image.

[Gamblor]

Thxs for replying back so soo., I will look into thos programs when I get my new hard drive.