Hi, folks

I want to upgrade the HDD on my Compaq 6710b laptop to 500 gig which I assume it will run OK but am slightly PUZZLED when I look at the description of the new HDD which says  " Advanced Format, industry standard 4K sector size".

I want to "clone" my existing HDD to copy over W7 and my  files to the new HDD and wonder if this comment makes a difference to what I can do or need to do as I ADMIT I don't know what it means.

If that's a problem presumably simply installing everything from fresh on the new drive would be straightforward?

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks.
Simple answer.
One time 512 bytes was the industry standard for sector size.  As drives became larger, it made sense to go to a larger size.
In Windows the 'cluster size' is often 4096 bytes, making it easy to use the new larger size with no problems.
Look at this:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/314878
Unless you have a rather small drive, the cluster size is 4096.
Hi.

Thanks for the reply.

The existing HDD is 120 gig and I'm want to clone it to a 500 gig using W7.

 The LINK article refers to XP but in any event I regret it means nothing to me whatsoever.

Simple question is if the cluster size is different does that matter and if so can I do anything about it?

Cheers.

The article means XP and most every thing else.
Good disk clone programs will RESOLVE any issue with cluster size.
You should not have any problem.
The following is good information about free drive clone tools
Five free and reliable cloning tools
(I Like Macrium Reflect Free Edition.)
Hope that answers your concerns.  Hi.

Thanks for your trouble in responding and your advice.  Will see how I get on!!!

Cheers.