Sony Vaio Laptop. Hard disc 640GB (Raid o 2x320GB/Go.This machine was recently updated.
A message displays at boot up advising to back up files. It appears the hard disc is dying.
As this is still a useful laptop I would like to replace the hard drive and keep all existing files..
How can contents of the hard drive be transferred to a new hard drive that would be fitted?
In the past I've had messages about hard disks dying but they keep chugging on.
However, if you don't want to take any chances:-
1. Buy a portable hard drive, say, I Tb
2. Back up all your data that is of value via the usual USB connection
3. Consider having the laptop fitted with SSD instead of conventional drives (it'll run a lot faster)
4. Load laptop with Windows and programs
5. Transfer valued data from portable drive to laptop
In a desktop computer you could leave the old C: drive in place and install the new drive by switching boot drive priority in the BIOS but with a laptop you'll need a portable drive as an intermediary.
Thank you Rayl for your posting and advice.
This laptop is a Sony Vaio having Vista Ultimate. When new three recovery DVD had to be made.
No system disc supplied. As these discs were out-of-date it was, with help, brought up-to-date.
The intention was to make another recovery set of DVD and install these on a new drive.
There are 2 x 320GB Toshiba HDD drives. Configuration is Raid with a total of 126 GB on C:\ drive
What I had thought might be done is not possible.
Give THIS a try Les, I've had success with it before.
I've recently replaced my 'vista' SonyVaio with an i7 Win 7 model.
I restored to factory condition and produced new recovery discs. I'm sure the Viao recovery utility had and option to create recovery discs with all data as well. Have you not tried to use the Vaio recovery tools? They're very good.