PC help: Replacement hard disk

Q I am currently using a Hewlett Packard desktop computer with a 40GB hard disk, running Windows XP.

I recently bought a Sony DVD camcorder and am using the computer to edit and store the films. This takes a lot of space so I am considering getting a larger hard disk.

I am quite happy to transfer my documents and photos using Nero, but how would I go about transferring my copy of Windows to the new hard disk? I was supplied with a Windows recovery disc when l purchased the computer.
Wayne Butcher

A You don’t need to replace the existing hard disk with the new one: it’s usually possible to add the second hard disk as a 'slave’ disk, so that it shows up as a second hard disk in Windows, but your computer still runs Windows from the existing hard disk.

First ensure the PC has a spare internal hard disk bay and find out if your computer uses the newer serial ATA (Sata) connections or older IDE hard disk connections. Buy a hard disk to match these and then install it in the spare bay.

When the computer boots up afterwards, you should see the disk in Windows in addition to the existing one. You’ll then have to restart a second time. You will need to format it (open My Computer, right-click the disk icon, select Format and follow the instructions, but make sure you are working with the correct disk icon, as formatting the wrong one will erase all data on it). Then you can create folders on the new disk and store your movie clips there.

If you do want to replace the existing disk, you will need to use the restore disc you mention. Similar instructions as above apply, but once the new disk is installed, switch the computer on, insert the recovery CD and reboot again. The computer should then boot from the CD and give you instructions to restore the operating system.

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