Microsoft KB Archive/937279

= Xbox 360: How to transfer data from an Xbox 360 20GB HDD to the Xbox 360 120GB HDD =

Article ID: 937279

Article Last Modified on 5/25/2007

-

APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
 * Microsoft Xbox

-



SUMMARY
This article describes how to transfer data from an Xbox 360 20GB Hard Drive (HDD) to the Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive (HDD).



MORE INFORMATION
To successfully migrate from the 20 GB HDD to the 120GB HDD, you must have the following:
 * Xbox 360 console
 * Xbox 360 20GB Hard Drive
 * Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive
 * The data transfer cable
 * The data transfer software

Important If you want to transfer saved games and other content from your existing hard drive to your new 120GB HDD, do not attach the 120GB HDD to your Xbox 360 console until you have transferred the contents of your 20GB HDD according to the instructions in this section. Any content that you store on the hard drive before the content transfer will be lost.

The Xbox 360 120GB HDD is for use exclusively with the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

Warning Before you use this product, read the manual and the Xbox 360 console manuals for important safety and health information. Keep all manuals for future reference. To obtain replacement manuals, use one of the following methods:  Visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/support

 Call Xbox Customer Support. For more information, see the &quot;If you want more help&quot; section.

The limited warranty that covers this product is contained in the Xbox 360 Warranty manual (Volume 2). Additionally, this warranty is available on the World Wide Web. To obtain the warranty online, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/support

Transfer content from an existing Xbox 360 hard drive
You have the option to perform a one-time transfer of all content from an existing Xbox 360 hard drive to your new 120GB HDD. Whether you decide to do this or not, understand that both drives are fully compatible with your console, and will be after the transfer also. However, content can only ever be moved from the smaller drive to the larger drive and only one time.

Note

If you intend to move content from your 20GB HDD, do not use the 120GB HDD before you perform this procedure or you will lose whatever content that you have put on it.

When the transfer is complete, your 120GB HDD will contain all transferable files from the 20GB HDD. This includes your saved games and Xbox Live downloads. Additionally, the 120GB HDD will contain its preloaded content. The contents of the 20GB HDD will be erased.

If you resume use of the smaller hard drive after the transfer, be aware that you will not have another opportunity to transfer content directly to your other hard drive. For an easy, portable way to move your saved games or Xbox Live membership between hard drives or to take them with you wherever you go, try the Xbox 360 Memory Unit. The Xbox 360 Memory Unit is sold separately.

Apart from this one-time option to transfer all content to your new hard drive, you cannot copy or move items directly from one hard drive to another, regardless of drive capacity. To copy or move items after the one-time transfer, use a memory unit. Except as detailed in the following procedure, only one hard drive may be connected to your console at a time. The transfer cable cannot be used to transfer data from more than one hard drive or to connect multiple hard drives to your console at the same time.

Note As with any data-transfer process, there is a risk that some or all data may become lost during the transfer process. If you continue with the data-transfer process, you do this at your own risk. Additionally, you agree that Microsoft is not liable for any loss of data that results from the transfer process.

Transfer content from your 20GB HDD to your 120GB HDD

 * 1) Turn off your console with your existing hard drive still attached.
 * 2) Disconnect all accessories from the console's controller ports.
 * 3) Turn on your console. Connect and turn on a controller. You will need a controller during content transfer.
 * 4) Connect one end of the transfer cable to your 120GB HDD.
 * 5) Connect the other end of the transfer cable to the console's rear USB port.

Important Make sure that you connect the transfer cable to the back port, not a port on the front of the console.
 * 1) Insert the included Hard Drive Transfer Disc. Instructions appear on the screen.

Important The transfer cable connects to the 120GB HDD in only one orientation. Do not force the connector on. Connect the cable in the orientation shown.

Notes
 * Depending on how much content is moved, the transfer process can take more than one hour.
 * The Xbox 360 120GB HDD transfer cable is not a personal computer accessory. It is intended only for connecting the Xbox 360 120GB HDD to an Xbox 360 console for data transfer. Damage to the computer or other USB device might occur if you connect the transfer cable to such devices. The cable functions only when you use it with the supplied transfer software.
 * The transfer cable is intended only for transferring data from your old hard drive to your new hard drive by using your console. It is not intended for long-term connection to your console, nor is it intended for use with any other USB host or device. Dispose of the cable according to the Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment guidelines in the manual.
 * The Xbox Guide is not available during content transfer.
 * If the transfer is interrupted for any reason, your content will remain on your existing 20GB HDD. You can restart the transfer process at any time before the process is complete.
 * To start using your 120GB HDD after the content transfer is complete, remove your 20GB HDD and attach your 120GB HDD as instructed in the “Attach and remove your hard drive” section.

Attach and remove your hard drive
If you are already using a 20GB Xbox 360 HDD, see the “Transfer content from an existing Xbox 360 hard drive” section before you attach your 120GB HDD. If you will not be transferring content from another hard drive, your 120GB HDD is ready to use immediately.

Attach your hard drive

 * 1) Turn off your console.
 * 2) Remove the hard drive bay cover from your console. xbox/937279c.jpg]
 * 3) Put the hard drive over the hard drive bay with the thin end pointed toward the front of the console and the thick end pointed toward the back of the console.
 * 4) Put the back of the hard drive against the back of the hard drive bay. Make sure that the ridge along the back of the hard drive rests underneath the lip on the back of the hard drive bay.
 * 5) Push the front end of the hard drive down until the tab clicks. xbox/937279d.jpg]

Remove your hard drive

 * 1) Turn off the console.
 * 2) Press the tab on the front of the hard drive, and then lift the unit from the console.xbox/937279e.jpg]

Important

Avoid touching hard drive bay contacts or hard drive connector contacts with your fingers or with metal objects.

Xbox 360 Elite Special considerations For more information about how to obtain the data migration kit for the Elite console, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

936860 Xbox 360: How to obtain and use the Xbox 360 Elite Data Migration Kit

Note When you move content from one console to another console, some premium content may behave differently. When you move content from one hard drive to another hard drive, this problem does not occur. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

911198 Xbox 360: You cannot see or play previously downloaded premium content when you are not signed in to Xbox Live

Video demonstration of the transfer process
To view a video demonstration of the transfer process, visit the following Web site:

http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/04/26/120-gb-hdd-and-elite-migration-how-to-video.aspx

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

If you want more help
Visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/support

Or call Xbox Customer Support.

Do not take your Xbox 360 console or its accessories to your retailer for repair or service unless instructed to do this by an Xbox Customer Support representative.

Do not try repairs
Do not try to take apart, service, or modify the Xbox 360 console, power supply, or its accessories in any way. Doing this could present the risk of serious injury or death from electric shock or fire, and it will void your warranty.

Additional query words: xb360 xbAccessory xbStorage Hard Drive HDD 120GB data transfer migration

Keywords: kbhowto kbxboxperipherals kbxbox360pacrimportal kbxbox360europeportal kbxbox360americasportal kbxbox360ext kbpubtypekc kbinfo KB937279

-

[mailto:TECHNET@MICROSOFT.COM Send feedback to Microsoft]

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.