HDD cloning software (free)

  • Thread starter Thread starter stupar
  • Start date Start date
S

stupar

Guest
So I have finally purchased a pair of SSD drives for my editing PC and the wifes laptop.
What is the best software out there for cloning that is free based upon user experience?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Windows disk imaging (in Windows backup) works well on 7. The size of the data & partition on the drive you are backing up needs to be smaller than the one you are going to though.
 
Hmmmm...
Wifes ssd is 64gb and her current hard drive is only using 25gb of the 250gb. ssd will be for apps only, her data goes to a seperate external hard drive.

My ssd drive is a 128gb and my current 160gb hard drive has approx 80gb free. Same set up again though with my ssd being for apps only and data written to external drives.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You will probably need to shrink the partitions. Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Computer Management

You may need to do a couple of passes of defragging to get everything in a small enough partition. It may go first time though.

On the other end, you just restore what you have imaged to a smaller partition than the whole disk and then grow it again using the disk management panel.
 
I think WD do a free one.
I use Paragon which has a free version to but tbh its worth the few quid for the full blown version to keep images of your disk and to change partion size etc etc
 
ImageX from Microsoft is what I use.
 
I always think its best to rebuild a fresh install, but I used this 'cause I'm lazy and life's too short.
It's not free but $19.00 shouldn't break the bank.
 
Last edited:
+1 for Macrium Reflect. Cloned a bunch of HDs here and never had an issue with the free one.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the advice guys!
All going well this weekend both hard drives will be done!
 
Well i downloaded macrium reflect and it is currently cloning the wifes hard drive. Hopefully it doesnt take too long to clone the 25gb partition.
So far as my machine, well that will be a clean install tonight.
 
I know its a bit late, but the free trial of carbon copy cloner is good
 
Thanks for the recommendation hugh. One to remember for future cloning
 
Laptop done quicker than i expected! HDD out SSD in.

Just timed it at 15 second boot from start of windows message to laptop being fully functional
 
stupar said:
Well i downloaded macrium reflect and it is currently cloning the wifes hard drive. Hopefully it doesnt take too long to clone the 25gb partition.
So far as my machine, well that will be a clean install tonight.
Click to expand...
Was going to recommend macruim, I've just cloned mine it worked really well
I cloned from a normal HDD onto a SSD and it worked a treat:)
 
Macrium Free is very good but Macrium Standard is even better.

Macrium Standard (I got it for £30.45) will restore an image to C: drive without having to reboot to a pre-made rescue CD - Macrium Free can't do that. See the "Recovery from Windows boot menu" line here: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

This means you can restore an image of C: drive just by restarting the PC and choosing Macrium at the boot menu. It's ridiculously easy and can save you days if your Windows or programme installation screws up (provided you've made an image beforehand).
 
Last edited:
Ozei said:
Macrium Free is very good but Macrium Standard is even better.

Macrium Standard (I got it for £30.45) will restore an image to C: drive without having to reboot to a pre-made rescue CD - Macrium Free can't do that. See the "Recovery from Windows boot menu" line here: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

This means you can restore an image of C: drive just by restarting the PC and choosing Macrium at the boot menu. It's ridiculously easy and can save you days if your Windows or programme installation screws up (provided you've made an image beforehand).
Click to expand...
Thanks:)
That sounds really useful will upgrade to standard :)
 
LCPete said:
Thanks:)
That sounds really useful will upgrade to standard :)
Click to expand...

Wise decision Pete.

Just remember to create an image every time you make a major (or even a minor) change to C: drive - e.g. installing a Windows update or a new programme.

Images must be stored on a different drive - not on C: drive itself.

To set up the boot menu - launch Macrium Standard, go to Other Tasks on left, click on Add a boot menu option. I've got mine set to a 3 second delay to avoid slowing down Windows startup too much. (i.e. the boot menu will wait 3 seconds for you to choose Macrium - if you don't do anything it'll boot to Windows instead).


7186-1408721351-857555b0219efcd8f28a4ee8ac3a4b76.jpg
 
That's brilliant thanks for the help Ozei:)
As you say it will save a lot a hassle if I do have hard drive problems
 
I am gobsmacked at the performance differentials between normal hard drives and ssds.
Who would have thought a lowly dual core laptop could be sooooo quick all of a sudden!
 
Well after a lot of faffing with my own PC I finally got the SSD working!
Windows performance shows 7.7 (0.2 from the max) and an overall 6.7. Not bad for an old Intel Core 2 quad Q6600 running at 3.2ghz with 8gb RAM

Windows index by Stuart Pardue, on Flickr
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top