[Janis]

In searching for software that would be easy to use and reputable,  I keep coming up with two different name,  disk cloning and disk imaging.   I want to make an exact duplicate of a hard drive for back up. Which type, if not the same thing, should I search for and what software product is recomended? Thanks for any advice

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Hi you would be OK using either method ( they are not dissimilar in application)

 

Here's the information you need:

http://www.pcworld.c...vs-imaging.html

 

Macrrium Reflect free will do what you want to achieve, as will most of the other disc imaging utilities that have to be paid for

eg Acronis, Paragon, Symantec Norton, etc

 

Its a fine thing to have a good disc image made of an up to date smooth running system free from virus or malicious elements, with all junk files removed...... keep several copies with at least one safe offsite on removable media and then you can make further disc images from time to time...daily weelky monthly or at some other interval.....

 

Using an "incremental" approach to disc imaging can help keep the file storage size under control.

 

Make sure you validate your images....they MUST be reliable and work correctly as often you will only call on them in times of crisis..... also be sure you have a CD or other device that you can use to boot your system and access yourdisc image in the event that Windows will not load....

[paws]

Hi you would be OK using either method ( they are not dissimilar in application)

 

Here's the information you need:

http://www.pcworld.c...vs-imaging.html

 

Macrrium Reflect free will do what you want to achieve, as will most of the other disc imaging utilities that have to be paid for

eg Acronis, Paragon, Symantec Norton, etc

 

Its a fine thing to have a good disc image made of an up to date smooth running system free from virus or malicious elements, with all junk files removed...... keep several copies with at least one safe offsite on removable media and then you can make further disc images from time to time...daily weelky monthly or at some other interval.....

 

Using an "incremental" approach to disc imaging can help keep the file storage size under control.

 

Make sure you validate your images....they MUST be reliable and work correctly as often you will only call on them in times of crisis..... also be sure you have a CD or other device that you can use to boot your system and access yourdisc image in the event that Windows will not load....

[Janis]

If I am reading correctly,  disk imaging would allow me to "add on"  but cloning makes an exact copy of  my new had drive. Do I have that right?   Will Maccrium clone or make images?  Is it easy to use?

[paws]

Hi, dont get too hung up on cloning or imaging..... if you want to be able to get up and running again using a disc image then Macrium Reflect free will do just fine and yes its easy to use.

The disc image is like an electronic photo of your drive, everything thats on there including Windows, your settings passwords, emails Internet music, documents photos etc is faithfully reproduced as a compressed image..... if you hit trouble that cant be fixed in a timely manner by the usual ways then just reimage and your machine will be placed back to the exact state it was in when you made the image

If you have a good disc image preferably a number of them.... then that's all you need.

Regards

paws

[Janis]

thanks for the help.   

[paws]

You are most welcome