Cloning Win7 to new HDD with Windows Backup.

LostSoul · 26 Jul 2010 at 17:02

Hello again,

Just wondering if anyone has any experience in transferring a Win7 install lock stock and barrel to a new HDD, using Windows Backup?

I have 64 bit, if that makes a difference.

I have in the past used XXClone on my XP setup, with few problems (mainly authentication issues). But I dont think this supports Win7, 64 or 32, from my googling - which is where I first picked up on the possibility of being able to use Windows backup.

Its not urgent, I just have a scarcely used Velociraptor that used to have Vista on it in a dual boot type of setup, and wanted to put it to better use than as a data drive

Cheers

L

SiriusB · 26 Jul 2010 at 17:04

As long as the destination drive is at least the same size as the disk Windows is coming from, it should work without a hitch.

There are also plenty of other cloning tools you can use: Macrium Reflect, Clonezilla, DiskImage XML et al

LostSoul · 26 Jul 2010 at 17:12

Well the Raptor is a smaller drive than the current drive but obviously the contents of the whole Windows drive as it stands will fit into the 300gb capacity on the Raptor.

Will that be an issue?

LostSoul · 26 Jul 2010 at 21:20

Tried a few permutations with windows backup but seems like I'd need a third HD, as it wouldnt let me back up into a folder on my C: and it wanted to delete all partitions on the raptor at restore time. Now I think, maybe if I'd put the partition on c:...

Never mind, I found a newer version of Acronis on the WD website and that seems to have done it, and after a wobble Windows autentication passed and even steam agreed to work on the "new" drive.

SiriusB · 26 Jul 2010 at 22:42

The Windows Image backup is/was basically created with only one scenario in mind - recovering the OS to the exact same drive. I.e. your system is unbootable or corrupt. It was never really meant for cloning to another drive completely - as it clones the entire disk along with the partition tables etc.

Other image tools as you know let you backup whatever you like and restore wherever you like.