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This method makes an image copy of your existing hard drive on a spare hard drive, and works for almost any operating system provided that the PC also has a floppy drive.

An image is an exact memory copy of your PC rather than just a copy of its files. The PC can be run from the image hard drive should the original ever fail, or when a new hard drive is otherwise necessary. This means, provided all of the installation, passwords, and application settings have already been done prior to making the copy , they need not be done again when the image hard drive is used.

This method is independent of a drive's contents. It runs from files on a floppy disc made by the Clonemaxx download. In addition, because it transfers data without much processor involvement, (DMA transfer), the cloning is reasonably fast.

Steps :

1. Download the software PC Inspector Clonemaxx; it is a free download of only 750KB. Get your spare hard drive ready. Set the cross-connects on the new drive to slave for the copying process.
2. Do not run the file until the drives are both in place.
3. Prepare the PC. Make sure that the PC is how you want it, with all of the installation of software done, virus-checked and defragged, ready to go. Shut down the PC, and for safety, disconnect the power cord.
   
   

   
   

   Molex Drive Power Cable
   

   
   

   PATA or IDE Drive Data Cable
   
   These images show the typical cables needed to connect the new hard drive. See the comments below concerning borrowing them from the CD/DVD drive. Note that there are often extra power leads ready to use in the case.
4. Open the PC case to access the cables and hard drive. If you have spare data and power cables then use them to connect the new hard drive to the PC's motherboard, adjacent to the connector of the original. If you don't have spare cables or if there are no free connections on the motherboard, then just transfer the ones from the back of the CD/DVD drive to your new hard drive. If borrowing them, there is no need to remove the thin cable from the CD/DVD as this is for the sound card. Do not take cables from the floppy drive since it will be needed. (See Tips below on other cables).
5. Don't bother mounting the new drive, but just lay it flat on the desk or inside the PC. Ideally, use the packing that came with the drive to protect it. Otherwise, make sure that there is a soft insulating item, e.g., a magazine or plastic bag under the drive to keep it clear of the circuitry and the metal of the case.
6. Start up the PC after closing the case. At this stage it will become clear if any obvious errors have occurred. Do not expect the new drive to show up in the file lists at this stage. If there are obvious errors or strange messages, recheck the work until the PC can open normally. Remember to work in the case with the power off.
7. When the PC has opened normally, then run Clonemaxx.exe. The 'exe' file just makes a new boot floppy that will do all of the work.
8. Restart the PC with the newly-made floppy disk in place, and follow the various choices and instructions given by the program. After several minutes the program will advise that the copying is complete.
9. Reconnect the new hard drive when the copy is done, remembering to switch off first. Use the old drive's data cable, since this makes it the master drive. Make sure that the new drive's cross-connects are also set to master. Make sure the floppy is not still in the slot and start the PC.
10. Check that the PC runs normally. A configuration identical to the original should now exist on the new drive.
11. Consider installing the new drive permanently, especially if it is faster.

• Spare power cables, (Molex), are usually available within the case. Any of them can be used.
• IDE flat data cables are used to connect from drives to the motherboard, and these have a socket on each end. They are all the same and for this purpose, any of them will do.
• Some flat cables have another socket connector midway along their length so that they can connect to both the master drive and a slave drive using the same cable. Some IDE ATA-133 cables of this type are round instead of flat, and are said to allow better air circulation in the cabinet.
• SATA connectors differ from IDE and PATA types. Be sure to consider the cables carefully when you select the drive.
• PC cases often look big enough but on closer inspection cannot fit two hard drives. If this is your intention, study the matter carefully.
• Mounting screws are often missing from hard drives' packs. They are US style 6/32 screws, regardless of where in the world the drive is purchased, so get some while at the computer store.
• A smaller source drive transfers its data faster than a large one, so if possible, use a drive no bigger than is needed for your backup source.
• An old 10GB hard drive takes about twenty minutes for the data transfer. Plan for bigger drives appropriately.

• Take special care to switch off the power before working within the PC case. Additionally, to avoid error, remove the power cord.
• Data cable connectors are always tight, so try to avoid tugging the wiring when working them free. They need persistence, strong fingers, and occasionally the use of a thin blade.
• The drive size needs to be at least as big as the old one.
• Larger destination drives are OK but any extra capacity will not be recognised by your PC. Other commercial software products can allow use of the extra capacity.
• A faster drive makes your PC go quicker, but browsers may seem slower with very large drives. The ideal drive for browsing on the net is one that is very fast but no bigger than is needed.
• Protect the hard drive. When connecting the new drive, notice that one side has open wiring. Above all, make sure that this side is not damaged, and cannot contact the metal case or other circuitry. If possible, leave the drive in the box and foam packing that came with it, while it is cabled up. Otherwise, to insulate it, use a magazine, a paperback, or plastic bag between the drive and any flat surface.

• The free software download, PC Inspector Clonemaxx
• A hard drive, at least as big as the original.
• A spare data connection, or a branched cable, new or borrowed.
• Mounting screws for eventual use.
• A floppy disc, and a floppy drive on your PC to put it in.