Copying windows install to a new drive?

Ok so I got a new HD because I'd been using an old one temporarily after my previous main drive decided it didn't want to take a new windows install. What I want to do is migrate my exact windows install to the new drive without going through a fresh install, update, activation etc. I did a search and found this thread:

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=457665

but it's a little brief in its descriptions. Are the various programs mentioned there capable of doing what I want? If not what can anyone recommend to do this, and is it even a good idea or do I have to do a fresh install ? Thanks.

It looks like the easiest option is to use Seagate's Discwizard. It has an option to install 'As the boot drive removing the old drive from the system.' This is probably pretty simple stuff but I've never done it before and don't want to mess up So should I just use the Seagate utility?

^^^ that is on

basically you need to "ghost" the drive.

Norton Ghost
Acronis True Image
Or your drive software if included.

I would read up on the details of that seagate program.

CasperXP ( http://www.fssdev.com/products/casperxp/ ) will copy a drive exactly to a 2nd drive, even if they aren't the same size and the 2nd drive will boot and be identical to the first.

You can also use the new copied drive in a new computer, provided you have a new copy of WinXP and you follow the instructions listed here:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html#1