data migration can I do it?

My old puter's hard drive is failing, compaq self tests show surface errors and HDD535 errors. I bought a new one, but want to transfer my old settings onto it, and just can't bear to pay a bestbuy geek $250 to do it for me. Any help here?

Hi, Sorry to hear your hard drive is failing. It is very important that you do not boot up or use your computer again until you are totally ready to "migrate your data" The reason for this is once they start to fail they can die very quickly, within 3 or 4 boots so its essentail not to precipate failure by using the drive any more than is necessary. Try to work out in advance exactly what data is missing from your back up and where its located and how you are going to do it, so that the time taken when your disc is spinning is kept to a minimum. Once you have a firm idea of what needs to be copied/backed up you can use the Windows File & Transfer Settings wizard to deal with settings and a flash drive (USB) for your data, (if there's a lot of data, burn it to CD/DVD or use an extenal USB hard drive or if you have network back it up to another machine. If you have disc imaging software on your existing hard drive then use the "disc clone" facility as this will copy both Windows, with all your settings, and your data and in fact everything on your machine. If you do not have this software on your machine then Acronis True Image V7 is currently available for free download from their website and will do the job splendidly if your old hard drive will keep spinning for long enough! You could also fit your old hard drive as a slave drive (if IDE) to another machine and copy off the data that way you will need to connect the slave to the middle connector (not the end one) on the IDE cable and change the jumper to Slave or Cable Select. If you have bought a retail boxed new hard drive then examine the box and packaging carefully as often a drive migration utility is enclosed that will do the job for you. (if not request one from the hard drive retailer/distributor/manufacturer. It would be sensible to check that your back up of drivers is up to date, that you have all your CD installation discs, including Windows, your product key is recorded and has passed Windows validation. If you open your machine be sure you take all precautions for your personal safety, and appropriate anti-static prodedures are adopted. If you are unsure of any of this it might be wise to consult a local competent technician as whilst it's good to save money it's no good doing it at the expense of personal safety, or inadvertantly destroying your data. Good luck Regards paws