Copy hard disk to another hard disk

[paulinnorway]

I have two identical computers using Windows XP Professional.

Usually, if I get a problem I can't fix, I do a clean install by pressing Alt+F10 and going through the process of reinstalling Windows XP.
The hard disk is partitioned into C: and D: (I'm assuming the Windows XP image is hidden in the D:??).
Well, anyway, when I do a clean install on one of the computers it's still really slow and buggy. Maybe it's a hardware problem, or maybe the problem is with the original Windows XP image on D:?

So, my question is:
Can I make an EXACT copy of one computer and put it ontothe other one? Hopefully this would overwrite any errors?

Is that possible?

Thanks

[GX44]

I don't think thats possible. EDIT: For some reason, prog's like Norton Ghost etc completly slipped my mind. So much for my comment heh... it is indeed possible.

When the hard drive is partitioned, like yours, into C: and D: there is no "image" on drive D... It's just free space on D (If formatted and not a raw partition... and assuming that C: is the partition you have your OS on)

When you do a clean install, are you formatting the C: partition?
sometimes it's just best to format to get a "fresh start"

[paulinnorway]

Thanks for the reply.
When I do a clean install, D: remains unchanged, therefore I just assumed the OS image was located there. C: is reverted back to it's original state.
I think the computer was set up so that a special program would perform the formatting, etc for me. Not sure about the exact details though.

EDIT: When I mention the OS image I'm talking about the image that was put on my computer instead of having Windows XP on CD. I guess it's like a recovery CD?

[honvetops]

I believe this software should do what your looking for....

  http://www.amazon.com/Acronis-True-Image-Backup-8-0/dp/B000AA87P0/ref=sr_1_4/105-6709672-5078853?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1183032750&sr=1-4

[ale52]

Ditto honvetops.   I use Acronis True Image all the time and it does exactly what you need.  Quick, simple and to the point.  STAY AWAY from Norton Ghost. 

Alan <><