dd should handle the task provided we're talking about only a Linux environment. If you start messing around with duel boot and more specifically the windows OS at all it won't boot correctly after the transfer.
You'd need to boot to a live version of Linux, mount a device for storing the file to, and issue a command similar to this:
# dd if=/dev/<device> of=/path/to/save/file.iso
You'll need to look over the options for dd and decide which options you require. There isn't really a cookie cutter answer to this.
Once you have the image made, you can load the replacement drive and then just use the dd command with the parameters swapped
# dd if=/path/to/save/file.iso of=/dev/<device>
As one of the commentators said you can end up with driver issues in some cases, but in this case it sounds like you're just trying to change out a hard drive, so drivers shouldn't be an issue as everything you need should already be in your current kernel.
This process CAN be done directly by installing both drives in the machine, then booting to a live USB version of linux and then simply writing from the old device to the new. Remember neither device should be mounted.
# dd if=/dev/<device> of=/dev/<device>
Again look up the options and use those that you need.
Some things to note:
- This process takes a lot of time. Depending on your drives this can take hours.
- The second drive must be as large or larger than the first, or at least large enough to fit all partitions of the first drive onto.
- If you're looking for more space in the end, once the transfer is done, you'll still need to enlarge the partition and file system.
- As stated already, this isn't going to work with windows.
- Finally, obviously, this is an attempt to save time, there is no guarantee it's going to work, so BACK YOUR DATA UP before you start.
Finally. If this is a situation where you're not upgrading drives for any reason other than to add more space, your computer has room to add a second drive, and you're install was done using LVM, I'd recommend looking at simply putting your drive in the computer and adding another physical volume to your already existing LVM setup. This will save you time and virtually guarantee success as with a little reading LVM's are actually very nice to work with.
Good luck.
