All entries for Thursday 21 October 2004

How to clone a hard disk

You have a hard disk and you would like to clone it ( identical )on a new hard disk (for instance the size of the first hdd is not enough and you would like to have everything the same but on a bigger hdd , or you just want to backup everything including your windows and so on ) , what you need to do:

Maybe you think “so easy just install the second hdd as slave , then format it and then start some copy and pasts” , or maybe you prefer to use an image software.

Copy and paste will copy your data files and folders but can not make the second hdd bootable and windows wont start.

The image software also needs lots of space , but there is a different and easy way :

1-Install the second hdd as slave
2-Format it
3-Close all open programs , including anti viruses
4-Go to command mode (using “cmd” or “command “)
And run :
“ Xcopy C:\ X:\ /s /e /c /r /k /h /q “

(C: source , X: destination)
and wait for Dos prompt , ignore sharing error messages

now you can remove the first hdd , change the clone one to master and start your windows as nothing has happened.

p.s: adding /v can verify your copied files , but takes more time.

Reza

Reza Shahrjerdi : 21 Oct 2004 22:24 |  Tags: Technical |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem