Disk Imaging Help required

[nitin]

Hi all,
I am first time writing to this forum for the help. The problem is that i have upgraded my laptop hard disk drive and i have to copy the image to the new HDD. I don't want to go through the process of installing OS, and other software. There are many software to do so. But what i want is the step by step method to achieve this. My previous HDD is of 80Gb and I want to move all the content to 320Gb HDD. Also i have to create partitions in my new HDD.

So please help me to do so. If possible using the ACRONIS software along with steps image. Any other software will also work. I f there is already a similar type of post available then request to moderators, to move this to proper post.

Thanks in advance.

regards
Nitin

[Swarup]

If you interested in freeware I suggest you to use Macrium Reflect Free Edition
Here is a tutorial how to create disk Image using Macrium Reflect Free Edition

[nitin]

If you interested in freeware I suggest you to use Macrium Reflect Free Edition
Here is a tutorial how to create disk Image using Macrium Reflect Free Edition

Thanks for your reply. But i am interested in paid version.

[hellnoire]

Shouldn't this be the same for the paid and free versions?

[ha14]

Try this Keriver 1-Click Restore Pr it is on sale for now
http://www.keriver.com/

if you have a western digital hard drive then there is a free version of acronis for WD.

or
XXClone

can create a self-bootable clone of a Windows drive as well as full backups of non-system volumes. Basically, it can make a hard drive image. When it comes to the interface, we will say it is basic and clear. When started, the tool scans for available volumes and you can then choose a source and target volume from these. A direct link is provided through the "diskmgmt" button. Under the Tool Cools tab you can make use of options such as making the target volume self-bootable. You also can manage restore points or create a batch file to save current settings for future re-use.http://www.xxclone.com/
•In the available free version, you are able to choose the source as well as the target volumes, but only have single option for cloning. The remaining options are for the Pro version, but they are not required.
Procedure:

1.Initially, you have to click on the Start button in order to begin copying.

2.You are also able to configure some setting on the available Advanced Settings tab.

3.In this you are bale to choose an alternative wallpaper for the target desktop.

4.You can also use HyperSync for faster and quicker backups.

5.Then shutdown the computer after backup.

6.Or you are also able to create a log/debug file.


7Below Cool Tools menu, there are some essential options, such as making the target volume bootable, duplicating the Volume ID from source to target, testing the target, making a quick boot disk, etc.

8The option make Bootable option makes you able to set the target volume in a self-bootable mode. Also that if the source drive fails to do so, then the only way you can perform it is to have a quick boot disk, so always be sure to make change in one of those first.

[Pilgrim]

Have a read of THIS it's a brand new program but I have not heard of anyone having problems with it.
Also, at the moment you can get it free.

It works with both HDD and SSD and different disk sizes do not seem to be a problem.

[Boyfriend]

I will adopt the following procedure for moving from old/small HDD to new/large HDD. The method is tested and according to MS specifications for moving to new hdd/deploy universal image to new computers without damaging your data.

1. Attach new HDD in your system and make partitions according to your need.
2. Move all your data to new HDD in respective partitions except system partition.
3. This step will depend on your OS. If you are using Windows XP, then download 'WindowsServer2003-KB892778-SP1-DeployTools-x86' from Microsoft. If you are using Windows Vista/7, then there is no need of additional download.
a. You are using Windows XP. Extract contents of 'WindowsServer2003-KB892778-SP1-DeployTools-x86'. There will be a tool named 'sysprep'. All you need to do is run it, select generalized hardware, and reboot in options. It will delete existing installed drivers of your OS and reboot. At reboot, go in your BIOS and change boot order to CD/DVD and create system image with your favorite imaging software (Acronis, Paragon, ShadowProtect, etc.) on new HDD. This image will be universal for your computer. In future, changing any hardware will not need reinstallation of OS again. Restore backup image on new HDD system partition. Reboot now and change your system boot order to new HDD (you can remove old HDD). On startup, Windows will automatically reinstall all the drivers. You will need no additional driver/CD if you have installed all drivers previously, as drivers will be still there in Windows Driver Repository.
b. You are using Windows Vista/7. Go to 'C:\Windows\System32\sysprep' and execute 'sysprep'. Select Generalize and reboot options in sysprep. At reboot, go in your BIOS and change boot order to CD/DVD and create system image with your favorite imaging software on new HDD. This image will be universal for your computer. Restore backup image on new HDD system partition. Reboot now and change your system boot order to new HDD (you can remove old HDD or continue using it). On startup, Windows will automatically reinstall all the drivers and your OS will be working fine just like before. No reinstallation of any software is needed.

Need further help, please ask.

[johnshaw1917]

I have used Easeus Partition Master Home Edition free to do this same thing and have found it to be very user friendly. You can use the "copy" feature to copy all data from your old HDD to the new one and also create new partitions on the new HDD with it. It's very easy to understand and use.

http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm

[saturn]

Would any of the above programs work to make an image on the hidden partition on an Acer desktop?

[johnshaw1917]

Would any of the above programs work to make an image on the hidden partition on an Acer desktop?

I've never tried it, but I believe that Easeus Todo Backup would do that. When you specify where the image is to be stored, the program will inform you it is better to use non system HDD, but I have created an image on the same disk, but using a separate partition.