Replace Hard Drive -best way restore programs and data

[dysfunction]

I am about to replace my failing hard drive (would also like to know for when I do the odd HD format and reinstall of everything...) and its quite a job to get all the programs together that I have installed on the old one and make a note of settings and accounts etc.

Is there a way to get all my programs installed with all my custom settings and things like Outlook the e-mail accounts etc.

Is there a way to have an install disk to do all this or Is it just as easy to install everything individually and setup everything manually like I always do?

Thanks!

 

[Jonty]

Hi dysfunction

Sorry, just a flying reply, try searching for software that will create a ghost image. An 'image' is an exact reproduction of everything on your hard drive. Once you have made your image (some software is free, others cost money), you can then transfer everything to a new hard drive with very little fuss and no reinstalling or lost settings.

Kind regards

 

[dysfunction]

Will it just do the application programs? Not sure I want to take an image of the OS as well as I'm sure there is a load of junk I dont need. Just wondering how it all works with the registry entries if i do that...

Think I may have to go about it the long way then take an image for restoring at a later date...

 

[Overdriven]

Will it just do the application programs? Not sure I want to take an image of the OS as well as I'm sure there is a load of junk I dont need. Just wondering how it all works with the registry entries if i do that...

Think I may have to go about it the long way then take an image for restoring at a later date...

Image will take EVERYTHING from the HDD and do a copy, so all files/applications/programs etc will be in the image. It's actually how most businesses (atleast, with new OSless computers) put in each set of programs etc.

Actually the best way to do it, if the HDD surivives long enough.