But you could have done the same thing by installing the new hard drive, installing Windows on it, then attaching the old drive via USB and copying.

I mean, there's nothing wrong with what you did, and is more along the lines of what I would do (and have done), but it's not exactly easy. Assuming that the old drive is failing and he hasn't already lost data, Ghost or Acronix True Image is far easier. No Windows reinstallation and driver installation required.

Then again, just ignore me. I've been kinda grumpy lately.