HDD on IdeaCentre A730 is bad. Can't clone it and I can't figure out how to restore to a new HDD

There is something wrong with the HDD, I'm assuming bad sectors. Every once in a while files won't read. I can still boot from the HDD, and all the files that are important seem to be fine. I bought a new HDD of the exact same specs to replace it, as I don't want to continue using it with the uncertainty that some file I save won't be there later.
I thought I could clone the drive, and I've tried a few different software packages, but they all fail when they can't read a certain section of the HDD. Making a recovery USB didn't work, as it seems to expect the original HDD in the machine (it needs a certain partition that's not there on the new HDD).
I'm willing to do a clean install but I don't see a way to do it? There aren't any windows 8 cd's, the recovery USB doesn't seem to work unless the original HDD is still there.
Any help would be great!!

Hi baj, welcome to the forums,
sorry to read about your situation, you're probably right about the drive failing. Hopefully you've backed up all your important files already; if you haven't I'd treat that as Nr. 1 priority. When cloning I have always reverse cloned; new drive mounted in the system with the original attached through USB or whatever. My preferred cloning software is Acronis.
Something that has worked for me when cloning a "suspect" drive with probable defective sectors is when cloning to select a sector for sector copy, (takes longer), but also select to ignore errors during the process. Results have been mixed and running checkdisk on the new drive has helped on occasions.
Another "trick" which can sometimes influence / improve the process is to cool the original drive using coolbag ice pacs laid on top of the original drive in a plastc bag, so the drive doesn't get wet from the condensation, during the process.
If the clone completes and the drive is only half way useable your USB recovery drive may work, (can't be sure on this; never been in the situation so if you get that far let me know please)
Also there is the option to call support and request a set of recovery discs, which they may charge for, but you would definitely be able to install the new drive with them.
Andy ______________________________________
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HDD on IdeaCentre A730 is bad. Can't clone it and I can't figure out how to restore to a new HDD

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