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    Best cloning software for this?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by cdrad57, May 31, 2009.

  1. cdrad57

    cdrad57 Notebook Consultant

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    I want to clone my current laptop’s Seagate Momentus ST9200420ASG using a ST9250421ASG. I want the target drive to have all the original 4 partitions my source drive has:

    [​IMG]

    The purpose is to have a backup drive I can swap immediately in the event of hdd crash. What is the best software to achieve exactly that?
     

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    cdrad57, May 31, 2009
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  2. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    I would say use Acronis True Image.
     
    atbnet, May 31, 2009
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  3. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    I think in this case Acronis TrueImage would be your best, and most efficient way to go! :D

    Link: http://download.cnet.com/Acronis-True-Image-Home/3000-2242_4-10168093.html
    15 day trial.



    Cin ;) :)
     
    Cin', May 31, 2009
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  4. cdrad57

    cdrad57 Notebook Consultant

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    Really? I thought Acronis TrueImage didn't have a cloning feature, but it was more about partition and folders back ups. So I can create an exact duplicate of my hdd that will boot up if swapped and have the exact same config and partitions etc?
     
    cdrad57, May 31, 2009
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  5. Zedmec

    Zedmec Notebook Enthusiast

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    Symantec Ghost might still be called Norton Ghost, it can make bit for bit copies

    nero back-it-up will as well I believe, but Ghost does a perfect job
     
    Zedmec, May 31, 2009
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  6. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    It will clone your system and partitions and then do incremental backups so that if you hard drive fails you can restore it totally.
     
    atbnet, May 31, 2009
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  7. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    My vote also goes to Acronis True Image. I've been using its cloning feature for the past year on dozens of hard drives; each time has worked flawlessly.
     
    David, May 31, 2009
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  8. cdrad57

    cdrad57 Notebook Consultant

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    I don't like any Symantec/Norton products anymore but thanks.
     
    cdrad57, May 31, 2009
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  9. cdrad57

    cdrad57 Notebook Consultant

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    Ok I will give it a try, although I'm not talking about restoring, but cloning for swapping purposes.
     
    cdrad57, May 31, 2009
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  10. DELL_boy

    DELL_boy Notebook Consultant

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    Acronis True Image is the best for cloning hard drives.
     
    DELL_boy, May 31, 2009
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  11. cdrad57

    cdrad57 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks. Looks like Acronis is in the lead. Has anybody used Acronis for the exact purpose I stated in the original post, with full success?
     
    cdrad57, May 31, 2009
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  12. cdrad57

    cdrad57 Notebook Consultant

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    Well looks like you guys were right. I downloaded and tried using Acronis home 2009 and created a full clone of my 200 Gb hdd in a 250 one, was able to manually adjust all the partition sizes, move them around, do the cloning and then implement an incremental backup into the main partition for documents, email, pics and videos. Loving it so far.

    Thanks for the input.
     
    cdrad57, Jun 5, 2009
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  13. poison7fl

    poison7fl Notebook Consultant

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    Acronis True Image or Paragon Drive Copy Personal 9 (too bad, It was free yesterday)
     
    poison7fl, Jun 5, 2009
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  14. Devildave

    Devildave Newbie

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    DD for linux will do it as well.
     
    Devildave, Jun 5, 2009
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  15. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Thought it would work well! Glad all is a go for you! ;)
    It's a great app'


    Cin ;) :)
     
    Cin', Jun 5, 2009
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