Need advice re installing new HD - copy or start fresh?

[gpvillamil]

I have an IBM X22 which recently developed problems with the HD. Basically it will give me an error message on startup stating "Disk Read Error - press Ctrl-Allt-Del to restart", after which it would reboot and end up in the same place. Using Spinrite to restore the disk makes the machine usable for a couple of days, after which the same problem recurrs, and Spinrite detects a new defective sector.

So I think the HD is slowly dying and will replace it. Now, which is the best option?

1 - install the new HD and build the new config from scratch, ie install Win XP, programs, drivers, etc from zero.

2 - clone the existing HD onto the new one

My concern is that cloning the existing HD may simply copy across any errors that have crept into the OS, etc. Any suggestions?

[MichaelMeier]

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