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    Cloning an HDD for free

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by fred2028, Nov 3, 2009.

  1. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    Here's the deal: I have 2 laptop 2.5" HDDs and I want to copy everything from 1 to another (settings, Windows, activation, etc.). THis is because 1 of the HDDs has minor damage on it. Can I do this with Windows 7 full PC backup and then restore it onto the 2nd HDD, given that it has the same version of Windows 7 installed?

    Is there a better way to move all my files and programs and settings to a 2nd HDD?
     
    fred2028, Nov 3, 2009
    #1
  2. modernape

    modernape Notebook Guru

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    modernape, Nov 3, 2009
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  3. apostglen46

    apostglen46 Newbie

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    CloneZilla
     
    apostglen46, Nov 4, 2009
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  4. vinumsv

    vinumsv MobileFreak™

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    I would say "DriveImage XML"

     
    vinumsv, Nov 4, 2009
    #4
  5. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    Acronis has a trial program
     
    kanehi, Nov 4, 2009
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  6. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Use the gparted LiveCD, and you can use dd to clone the disks, and then gparted to expand the partition. If the drives are the same size, it's even easier, you don't have to resize anything. It's what I use when I upgrade my hard drive in my laptop.

    It's not terribly clicky-wizard friendly, but if you don't mind reading a bit it works pretty well.
     
    Pitabred, Nov 4, 2009
    #6
  7. Hiker

    Hiker Notebook Deity

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    As long as 1 or the HDD is a Seagate. There's also a free program for Maxor
     
    Hiker, Nov 4, 2009
    #7
  8. othonda

    othonda Notebook Deity

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    othonda, Nov 4, 2009
    #8