Do I really need a drive image?

[Architect]

If I only need to transfer data from one hdd to another, can't I just hook it up and drag-and-drop? It sounds simple, but I read so much about norton ghost (which I had installed and never used...because, obviously I don't understand drive imaging). Are images only necessary when transferring software and profiles?

Here's the real rub....I'm about to install a third hdd to my system and I want to get the data off of the second hdd, then format it and install XP. The first hdd, which currently has 2000 and my other software would be used in a rig for my daughter. It'll get wiped clean too.

Is it as simple as installing the new drive (which is SATA while the other two are IDE) and transferring data, then configuring the BIOS to boot from CD to format the second hdd and install XP?

thanks.

 

[azwebs]

Cloning Disk

When I did this to my PC, I closed all open programs, and used the task manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL) to close any open program services. I then went into my computer, opened the drive which I wanted to clone (which was C:\), then I used CTRL+A to select everything, then holding CTRL, I clicked on the Windows folder. Press CTRL+C, open the new disk and press CTRL+V. It copies everything except Windows, because it is apparently "illegal" to copy such folders.

If it asks you to select hidden files and folders, open My computer, go to Tools at the top, select folder options, then view, and from the list, enable viewing of hidden files and folders, then repeat the first step again.