Copying a disk partition to another disk. Features and rules for completely cloning hard drive data from HDD to SSD
Initial conditions: Your system has more than one hard drive. One of them already has an operating system installed, and on the second you installed Windows 7. There is a need to remove from the system a hard drive on which Windows 7 is not installed. But it turned out that without this disk your system does not want to boot.
This happened because one of the three conditions for a successful download was no longer met:
- the partition from which the boot is performed must be active;
- The partition's boot sector must be compatible with bootmgr;
- The active partition must contain operating system boot files. For Windows 7 this is the file bootmgr and boot configuration data store ( BCD), located in the hidden and system folder Boot.
Let's consider the solution to the problem using the example of the configuration shown in the figure.
The screenshot of Disk Management shows that the C: drive on which Windows 7 is installed is not active. The active drive is D:. Windows 7 download files (they are hidden and system files) will also not be found on drive C:. Task: transfer the bootloader from drive D: to drive C:, that is, ensure compliance with the above conditions.
Using a Windows 7 installation or recovery disc
With these disks, transferring boot files is easy. Physically disconnect the “unnecessary” hard drive, boot from the disk, setting the CD-DVD drive as the first boot device in the BIOS, and enter the recovery environment. After scanning and searching for installed operating systems is completed, perform Startup Repair. The recovery program will prepare the hard drive as needed and copy the necessary files to it. After a reboot, downloading will be restored.
If you do not have either an installation disk or a recovery disk, you can use the method described below.
Transferring boot files using the bcdboot.exe utility
Conventionally, we can divide the upcoming operation into three stages, corresponding to the three necessary conditions for successful loading.
First: go to the "Disk Management" snap-in (Win + R, in the "Run" line type diskmgmt.msc and click OK) and see what letter is assigned to the first disk partition on the left that you plan to keep. We will make this partition bootable and active: right-click on the selected partition and select the context menu item “Make partition active”. Please note that this section must have a "primary" attribute.
Second: Run Command Prompt with Administrator rights. All commands discussed below will be executed sequentially without exiting the command line.
DISKPART list disk sel disk X list partition sel part 1 active exit
where X is the number of the disk that is supposed to be left in the list of disks (command list disk).
To do this you will need a utility bootsect.exe, which, in the absence of an installation disk, can be obtained here. Download and unpack it in advance, for example, into the root directory of the C: partition.
C:\bootsect /nt60 All /force
note: experience shows that if there are 2 or more HDD keys in the configuration /force necessary.
Bcdboot %Windir% /l ru-Ru /s C:
Key /l- selecting language settings for the download manager. If your system is not Russian-language, use other values for this key, for example, for English - en-Us, for German - de-DE, etc.
Key /s- specifies the volume letter assigned to the target system partition to which boot environment files are copied. This is the section that we have made active. Since the command firmware defaults to the current system partition (before removing the hard drive, this is the D: partition), applying this key with the letter of the intended boot partition is Necessarily!
- Let's make the disk active. There are two ways to make the desired section active.
- We rewrite the boot sector (make it compatible with bootmgr):
- We transfer the BCD and the bootmgr file to the new active partition:
Checking and editing BCD
Run the command
Bcdedit /store C:\boot\bcd
Enlarge picture
Based on the results of the command, check the parameters (underlined in the screenshot):
- in the "Windows Boot Manager" section the option device must be equal to the letter of the new active partition, in our case - and osdevice must be equal to the letter of the partition on which the Windows directories are currently located. In our case, this is also WITH:.
- in case of discrepancy, make the necessary changes using the commands:
Usually there is no need to run commands, but it doesn't hurt to check. Instead of an identifier (current), it can be (default), or even alphanumeric. Then in commands you need to use the one that is used for loading.
So, moving download files to another drive is not such a difficult task.
Instead of a conclusion, or "Russian-language multiboot menu"
Due to the fact that the startup recovery program running from the recovery environment uses the default parameters, the boot manager language becomes English. If there is one bootable system, this is not noticeable, but if there is a multiboot menu, it is noticeable. If you are not satisfied with this, run on the command line:
Bcdboot %Windir% /l ru-Ru
You need to run it after transferring the download files to the new partition.
The main problem when changing a hard drive is the need to install and configure the operating system and programs from scratch. It takes a lot of time and effort.
The solution to the problem is automatic disk cloning (HDD, SSD) using special software.
Cloning is the process of sector-by-sector transfer of the operating system, software and personal files of the user from one disk to another. Unlike backing up or creating a disk image (ISO), cloning creates a 100% copy of the original media: the main partitions, structure and software are preserved.
The new cloned disk turns out almost identical to the old one. This means you don't have to re-configure your work environment, activate the system, or restore software licenses. The difference between it and the original media is that the operating system is removed from the binding to the computer hardware, but it also becomes impossible to roll back the system to its original settings while preserving user data and reinstall it in update mode.
Preparing for cloning
Before you start cloning, make sure that nothing will interfere with the process:
- If you are using a laptop, charge the battery;
- Troubleshoot problems that cause your computer to reboot or shut down (if any).
It is also advisable to make backup copies of important data.
Connect the receiver disk via any available interface. The process will go faster if both media are connected to SATA 6 Gb or faster connectors, but if this is not possible, use, for example, USB (USB-SATA adapters are sold in computer stores).
Hard drive cloning time depends on the following factors:
- Program capabilities.
- Disk capacity. The larger it is, the longer the utility takes to transfer files, partitions and structure.
- Speed and type of source and destination drive: When working with SSD (solid state media), the process is faster than with HDD (magnetic hard drives).
Cloning utilities
We present to your attention the best, in our opinion, utilities for cloning hard drives.
Renee Becca
Macrium Reflect
The main advantage of Macrium Reflect is its simple and user-friendly interface. The program is also free for home use.
While the utility is running, disable heavy applications, as the program is demanding on computer resources.
To make a clone of a storage medium, you need:
Handy Backup
Handy Backup is an easy-to-use program for creating physical and logical copies of disks. The utility creates an exact copy of the HDD while completely preserving its structure.
Cloning is performed automatically: you do not need to manually clean up garbage, transfer files, or fix registry errors.
To use this software permanently, you must purchase a license. A 30-day trial is available for free. It is sufficient to perform basic functions. The interface has been translated into Russian.
How to use Handy Backup:
HDClone
HDClone is another universal hard drive cloning tool that allows you to work with drives with a capacity of 137 GB or more.
Acronis True Image
A special feature of Acronis True Image is that the copies created in it can be stored not only on your computer, but also in the Acronis Cloud cloud storage. When storing data in the cloud, a copy of the disk can be accessed from any device connected to the Internet. To protect data, the program uses AES-256 encryption.
To use all the features of the utility, you need to buy a subscription. The cost of the standard version is 1,700 rubles. There is a trial version for 30 days.
A fairly simple question and at the same time quite complex. If a disk partition or an entire disk has a small volume or if there is not much information on it, then you can use the usual copying of all files from one disk to another. You can use synchronization. This method is more reliable and will not give you a chance of files and folders disappearing. Synchronization can be performed using one of the popular and reliable programs, for example the program GoodSync or FreeFileSync . You can read about both in detail by clicking on the links.
But it is better to copy large-volume hard drives using specialized utilities. This will reduce the occurrence of errors to zero, and the disk to which you copy the information will be an exact copy of its predecessor. Synchronization utilities or Windows capabilities cannot achieve such accuracy.
Such utilities include Acronis Disk Director , AOMEI Partition Assistant , and others.
These utilities can not only copy information from one disk to another, but also transfer the operating system. For example, you bought a fast SSD drive and want the operating system to be on it, and the old hard drive will be used for data. In addition, programs of this class will apply the necessary parameters so that the SSD drive is configured correctly and its service life is not reduced.
It is the latter option that we will use. Why exactly ?
It all depends not only on preferences. It’s just that the previous two didn’t want to work on my laptop. AOMEI Partition Assistant simply froze at the start of operation, and Acronis Disk Director offered to perform the operation after rebooting the system. Accordingly, I agreed and after rebooting the application did not start.
Therefore, I settled on Paragon Hard Disk Manager version 16.
To get started, go to the menu section " Drive Copy"Next, click on the disk partition that you want to copy. A menu will open from which you need to select “ Copy this Volume" The program will “think” a little and open the following window.
In the next step, you need to specify the disk partition to which all information will be copied. The program will warn you that all information on the disk will be erased. If you are confident in your actions, then check the box next to “ I know that the data on the target drive will be overwritten" Otherwise, make sure once again that the disk to which the partition will be copied does not have any important data.
At the next stage, you can specify the letter of the future disk, size, occupied space before and after the partition. If you are not sure, leave everything as it is at this stage, everything will work without intervention. Next, click several more times on “ Next", and then " Finish».
Please note that nothing will work yet at this stage. You have entered instructions for further execution. To start the operation, you need to click on the “ Apply" in the upper left corner of the program window. This procedure is performed so that the operation can be canceled at the last moment, since programs of this class, if used incorrectly, can lead to disastrous results, such as completely erasing the disk with data loss.
After pressing " Apply» The copying process will start. It can take more than one hour, it all depends on the volume of the disk. So be patient. You can go do other work, keep yourself busy with something. For example, I went fishing, and when I returned the program finished its work :).
To migrate the operating system, use the option “ Migrate OS from this Volume" instead of " Copy this Volume " and follow the same instructions as above. You can accurately transfer Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 in this way.
When storing information on computers, there is always a risk of data loss. There can be many reasons. Starting from basic deletion of necessary data and ending with operational failures
In order to ensure the safety of important information and not spend too much time installing programs in the event of a failure, cloning is necessary.
This means that in a few simple steps you can regain what you have lost.
This article is intended to help experienced and novice users choose the most convenient program for cloning a hard drive.
comparison table
Read also:How to split a disk into two: Instructions for all operating systems
| Names | Advantages | Flaws |
|---|---|---|
|
Acronis True Image | A large number of options; Russian language; simple interface; selection of operating mode; the presence of a “cloud”. | Paid license |
EASEUS Disk Copy | Multifunctionality; clear interface; completely free; high accuracy when cloning. | Lack of Russian language |
Macrium Reflect | Accessible interface; high speed and compression ratio; choosing a storage location for the image; recording data on optical media; built-in backup scheduler; Free download. | Lack of Russian language |
Paragon Drive Backup | Multifunctionality; tips from the “masters”; support for any Microsoft OS; choosing a storage location; full or partial cloning. | Paid license |
FarStone DriveClone | Free program; work in real time without rebooting the PC; cloning in whole or in part; reliability. | Does not support Windows OS versions higher than 8.1 |
Seagate Disk Wizard | Completely free; Russian-language and accessible interface; OS support Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP 32|64-bit; Two operating modes. | Only for PCs using Seagate and Maxtor hard drives |
AOMEI Backupper | Creating copies without interrupting work; Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP; Disk cloning; Full and partial copying; Encryption of copies. | The need to install a localizer. |
Clonezilla | Supports all OS; Free access; Works with most file systems; Possibility of image compression; Record an image remotely and locally. | Lack of Russian language; Run from disk to create images; Backing up individual files and directories is not possible; Only a full backup of a disk or partition. |
| Support for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP; High clone accuracy; Supports IDE/ATA/SATA hard drives; Cloning and creation of virtual images. | Multifunctionality and high speed of operation only in armored versions |
Renee Becca | Copying, cloning and restoration; support for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, 2003. | Difficulties in downloading for Windows 10 users; |
#1 Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image 2019 for Windows
Version: 2020
Developer: Acronis
License: trialware
Download 500 Mb
Read also:Transferring the system to an SSD: Transferring data and operating system
Acronis True Image is one of the most popular backup programs. The program has wide functionality that will help solve many problems with .
More precisely, Acronis True Image is a whole package of various programs. On the official website you can read the instructions and get acquainted with the new products.
Developers are constantly expanding the capabilities and adapting it to the most ordinary user. The presence of the Russian language and a simple interface make the work very easy even for a beginner.
Main functions of the program:
- Protecting your home data. This means that you can not only track all existing devices (that use one account), but also control them.
- Possibility of data synchronization. This means that a user can have the same data on all computers. In addition, all synchronized data and their versions are stored in Acronis Cloud.
- Disk cloning. A few simple manipulations and the program will create a copy of the disk.
- Ability to backup folders and files. This means you can copy images, videos, audio recordings and other files selectively. That is, there is no need to copy all the partitions that contain these files.
- Possibility of backing up the entire disk. That is, you can make a copy of all the data on the disk.
- Data archiving function. This means that files that are rarely used or large files can be transferred to a removable storage device (external hard drive, USB drive, NAS device) or to the Acronis cloud.
- Ability to create bootable media. That is, you can run the program even on a faulty computer.
- Availability of various tools for connection and protection, security and privacy utilities, management and disk cloning utilities.
Probably the only drawback for the average user will be the presence of a paid license.
Although for such a wide range of functions the fee is 1,700 rubles. not that big.
DownloadVIDEO: An easy way to clone a hard drive or SSD using Acronis True Image
An easy way to clone a hard drive or SSD using Acronis True Image
№2 EASEUS Disk Copy
Read also:TOP 15 Programs for Windows disk defragmentation: choosing the best utility
EASEUS Disk Copy is another fairly “strong” disk cloning program, or rather a set of programs.
The program runs as a boot disk. It is free and has a wide range of features.
- The program is in English.
VIDEO: Cloning Windows from Hard Drive to SSD
How to: Clone Windows 10 Hard Drive to SSD -- EaseUS Disk Copy 3.0
№3 Macrium Reflect
Read also:5 Tips for Configuring the Windows Page File (7/8/10)
Macrium Reflect is another hard drive program.
Main options:
- Does not require a Windows restart (creates a system image on the fly).
- You can choose where to store the created image (optical media, local hard drive, or network drive).
- You can copy data either partially or create a complete disk image.
- High speed.
- High compression ratio.
- Availability of a built-in scheduler for data backup.
- Possibility of recording to CD/DVD.
The utility has a simple and accessible interface, but in English.
Download#4 Paragon Drive Backup
Read also:The computer does not see the hard drive - what to do?
Paragon Drive Backup is another multifunctional tool that allows you to clone data.
The developers tried to “invest” as many possibilities as possible into the program. Paragon Drive Backup was created to forget about the possibility of losing data.
Main features:
- Availability of a user interface controlled by “masters”. This means that you don’t have to waste time studying instructions, since all actions are accompanied by hints.
- If the system fails, you just need to restore the backup (which will take a few minutes) and you can continue working.
- A context-sensitive help system is provided for all program options.
- Compatible with Microsoft operating systems.
- Compatible with any computer equipment.
- Ability to select data storage location.
- Possibility of cloning both the entire disk and its individual sections.
- Possibility of backup without interrupting Windows operation.
- Ability to interrupt copying without losing data.
- The ability to recover data from a partition, hard drive, or any combination of disks and partitions from a single archive.
- Ability to create a boot disk on removable media.
The program has many other advantages. But there is also a significant drawback - the price of the license.
Download#5 FarStone DriveClone
Read also:TOP 15 programs for checking hard disk sectors
FarStone DriveClone is a free utility that is simple and reliable. The main function of the program is hard drive cloning.
Main options:
- Backing up absolutely all data (including system settings and partition information) with subsequent saving.
- The ability to clone both individual segments and the entire disk.
- Work in real time, without rebooting the system.
- All data can be transferred to any removable media or to another PC hard drive in the form of a compressed archive.
- Ability to clone large disks.
FarStone DriveClone does not have multifunctionality, but it performs the main task. But there is a significant drawback: the program does not support Windows older than version 8.1
.It is also worth mentioning the FarStone RestoreIT Pro version of the program.
It combines not only the ability to clone a hard drive, but also the ability to copy data to backup.
Download#6 Seagate Disk Wizard
Seagate Disk Wizard is free software from the developers of Acronis True Image. To be more precise, this is its free version.
Main features:
The program is very simple and easy to understand. But there is one limitation: it is only suitable for PCs that use Seagate and Maxtor hard drives.
Download#7 AOMEI Backupper
AOMEI Backupper is a free application designed for data backup, system and disk recovery.
Main functions of the program:
- Create backups without interrupting work on your PC.
- Ability to clone disks and partitions.
- Backup encryption (password protection).
- Full and partial copying of data.
- Ability to create bootable media.
- Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP.
The program is multifunctional and accessible to a wide range of users. Probably the only drawback is the need for additional installation of a localization tool.
Download#8 Clonezilla
After purchasing a new HDD or SSD, the first question that arises is what to do with the operating system currently used. Not many users have the need to install a clean OS, but on the contrary, they want to clone an existing system from an old disk to a new one.
So that the user who decides to update the hard drive does not have to reinstall the operating system, it is possible to transfer it. In this case, the current user profile is saved, and in the future you can use Windows in the same way as before performing the procedure.
Usually those who want to divide the OS itself and user files into two physical drives are interested in transferring. After the move, the operating system will appear on the new hard drive and will remain on the old one. In the future, it can be removed from the old hard drive by formatting, or left as a second system.
First, the user needs to connect the new drive to the system unit and make sure that the PC has detected it (this is done through the BIOS or Explorer).
Method 1: AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition
Unlike the previous two programs, in Macrium Reflect you cannot pre-allocate a free partition on the drive where the OS will be transferred. This means that user files on disk 2 will be deleted. Therefore, it is best to use a clean HDD.
- Click on the link "Clone this disk..." in the main program window.
- The Transfer Wizard will open. At the top, select the HDD from which you want to clone. By default, all drives may be selected, so uncheck the drives you don't want to use.
- Click on the link at the bottom of the window "Select a disk to clone to..." and select the hard drive to which you want to clone.
- Once you select disk 2, you can use a link with cloning parameters.
- Here you can configure the space that will be occupied by the system. By default, a partition will be created with no free space. We recommend adding at least 20-30 GB (or more) to the system partition for correct subsequent updates and Windows needs. This can be done using controls or by entering numbers.
- If you wish, you can select the drive letter yourself.
- It is not necessary to change the remaining parameters.
- In the next window you can configure the cloning schedule, but we don’t need this, so just click "Next".
- A list of actions that will be performed on the drive will be displayed, click "Finish".
- In the window asking you to make restore points, agree or reject the offer.
- The OS cloning will begin and you will be notified when completed "Clone completed", indicating that the transfer was successful.
- Now you can boot from the new drive, having first made it the main one for booting in the BIOS. How to do this, see Method 1.
We talked about three ways to transfer an OS from one drive to another. As you can see, this is a very simple process and you usually won't encounter any errors. After cloning Windows, you can check the disk's functionality by booting your computer from it. If no problems are observed, you can remove the old HDD from the system unit or leave it as a spare.