Is it possible to clone an external drive onto an internal one?

[elektriksheep]

Hi.

My question is: If I have an external IDE HDD (connected via USB), and an internal SATA HDD, can I clone from the IDE drive to the SATA drive? (I am aware that some cloning software is capable of doing the reverse)


Detailed info if needed:

I have a laptop and I am currently upgrading from an IDE HDD + IDE mobo, to a SATA HDD + SATA mobo.

I want to clone the existing Windows XP installation from my IDE HDD to my new SATA HDD.

I have at my disposal a 1TB USB/FIREWIRE external HDD, and a USB IDE HDD caddy.

Old IDE HDD is 160GB (will probably have only 20-30GB of used space, once I have moved non-system files to 1TB drive).
New SATA HDD is 500GB

I intend on doing the following (but I am not sure if it's possible, or what software to use)...

I can't do anything with my new SATA HDD until I install my new SATA mobo and connect the two. So I have to do that first.

I then intended on putting my old IDE HDD into the caddy, then connecting that to my laptop via USB.

I want to then clone the external HDD onto the new internal SATA drive.

I need to know...
1. If this is possible, or whether I need to rethink the whole thing.
2. If it is possible, what software is best (preferably freeware)
3. Any hints and tips that a cloning noob needs to know :O)

I am aware that some cloning software runs outside Windows, so it would be nice to not have to install a temporary installation of Windows onto the new SATA drive, but if it's the only way, it's the only way.

Many thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Pimpa]

The whole clonning process explained:
http://www.scscc.com/bkk/Clone to an External USB Drive _Acronis_.pdf

It explains cloning to both sides - internal <>external

 

[elektriksheep]

The whole clonning process explained:
*URL removed*

It explains cloning to both sides - internal <>external

Awesome. Nice1.

 

[tremmor]

if you already have the clone you can make a boot cd and then you need the drivers that will start the usb ports. they are usb drivers for dos. i found pansonic drivers years ago on the net for download. im sure you can find many freeware programs that will create a boot disk and also get the usb ports fired up for a dos session.

 

[elektriksheep]

Hey,

I just wanted to say, thank again for all the help with this. In the end I tried a few cloning programs and they all failed to clone the hard drive - something was corrupt I guess. Went through the rigmarole of a full reinstall in the end - total ballache, but everything's all good now :O)

Thanks again.