Forum Discussion

D_E_Bishop's avatar
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Dec 28, 2015

I'm confused, HHD backup [u]vs[/u] file image

My HDD appears to be on it's way out and I want to make a full copy of the HDD so I can swap them out if the old one stops working. I have a HDD like the one in use now, I want to copy the old directly to the new. I tried reading the replies to dryfly's post, HDD backup software and got completely lost. dryfly's post . Both of our daughters are pretty computer literate as are the DGKs all of them say the actions appear to them to be hardware related and not software, so just in case it is the HDD, I want a spare with everything it needs to be the HDD for the computer.

I had the computer checked out by the Geek Squad earlier and they cleaned up something and it was running great, but their full disk backup is using their program and I could never move it to my spare HDD. I have been using an external HDD for data backup and MS software, no I don't know the name, it came with Win7.

I hope you can understand what I'm saying. Basically I'm having problems and just want a spare HDD available if the problems are the HDD. That way I can make a seamless change out.

I'm kinda' old and slo, so make replies as simple as possible.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2015
    An image file takes the entire binary contents of the drive and copies it to one or more files. It produces an exact duplicate or clone of a drive, as everything, even empty space is copied. This is the lowest level form of a backup, it operates independently of the operating system or other software of the computer.

    An HD backup makes a compressed copy of all the files on a computer, as well as some non-file information like partition layout, Windows registry, etc. A backup typically allows you to pick and chose what gets restored. A backup is also dependent on the operating system, and has limitations depending on the features of the backup software.

    If you're replacing a hard drive, I recommend the image method. Your new drive will be a drop-in replacement for the old one. Most retail packaged (boxed) hard drives come with software that will duplicate your old drive onto the new one. Cheaper OEM / bare drives do not include this software, but sometimes you can download it from the manufacturer's website.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2015
    Why are there duplicate posts?
    Why are there duplicate posts?
  • Triker33's avatar
    Triker33
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2015
    Dick_B wrote:
    Why are there duplicate posts?
    Why are there duplicate posts?

    How does your answer Help Him?
    How does your answer Help Him?
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Dec 28, 2015
    If Windows 7, clone a disk image with Norton Ghost. There are other similar utilities.
  • YC_1's avatar
    YC_1
    Nomad
    Dec 28, 2015
    If it is a PC versus a laptop just buy a new hard drive from Office Depot or the like and check the box for built in utilities.

    Turn the PC off, plug the new hard drive into an empty cable, and let the software that comes with it do its thing.

    You do not have to mount the replacement to transfer things but you must be sure it is placed so that it cannot short out.

    Once the copy is done you can turn the PC off, move the new drive into the old position and reconnect the wires. Should fire right up.

    IF your hard drive is small then buy a solid state hard drive for some really big speed improvement.
  • STBRetired's avatar
    STBRetired
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2015
    You want backup software that will make an "image" copy as opposed to a "file backup" copy of your HDD. The new HDD you copy to should be the same size as the original. If you have a laptop, you will need to get a USB enclosure to put the new HDD in while you create the image. Like GordonThree said, most major brand HDD drives are shipped with utilities that will allow you to perform the "image" copy from your old drive. There are also quite a few free or inexpensive packages available on the internet. Just Google "image backup software".
    You might want to check out this review.
    http://www.backupreview.com/best-disk-imaging-software/

    If you are thinking about SSD instead of HDD, pay close attention to sustained read and write speeds. Not all SSD are created equal. Also look at the warrantee, as they can vary greatly. I purchased the Samsung Pro 850 SSDs for my computers as they have a 10 year warranty and are among the fastest drives for sustained reads and writes. They are priced higher than some of the other SSDs, but you get what you pay for, I guess.
  • 1492's avatar
    1492
    Moderator
    Dec 28, 2015
    It's not difficult to make an full system image backup, or to clone a new drive directly with today's backup software. Some of the best available for free. However, I would not delay if you have known hard drive issues, as it can degrade quickly without much notice.
  • bcsdguy's avatar
    bcsdguy
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2015
    Download Easeus disk clone program and install it on the old hd. Then, open it and follow the directions for disk clone. The program is free and works well. I have used it several times with no problems. YOu can take the new drive and drop it into the computer in place of the old one and keep on truckin'.
  • AsheGuy's avatar
    AsheGuy
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2015
    Oldme wrote:
    Click here

    Scroll down to Home Solutions.
    Free and easy. Complete.
    I agree that Macrium Reflect is a good solution for disk imaging, but I use the Free Edition and it seems to have the features needed for personal use.

    I use it to back up a system before upgrade (Windows 7/8 to 10). I've used it for my laptop and desktop that resulted in images files of 26GB and 52GB respectively on my external HD.

    And, of course, to save an image of the upgraded system after all setup is complete.

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