free HDD Cloning software?

Tpex

Tpex

Teh Cyber Ninja
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Hey, I need to increase the primary partition on my primary HDD for the system (windows, program files, users, etc.) What I thought I would do was clone both partitions onto the secondary HDD then reassign the partitions (making the system partition bigger) and copy them images back? what free software would you recommend please?

it needs to be able to boot from USB Flash (no blank CDs around)
 
I am also looking for this.
But my requirements are less strict.
I just want a clone.
 
mh348 when I copy the the system partition (which is now 20gb) tot he increased partition (lets say 40gb) will it full up that 40gb or be limited to the original 20gb?
 
Tpex said:
Hey, I need to increase the primary partition on my primary HDD for the system (windows, program files, users, etc.) What I thought I would do was clone both partitions onto the secondary HDD then reassign the partitions (making the system partition bigger) and copy them images back? what free software would you recommend please?

it needs to be able to boot from USB Flash (no blank CDs around)
Click to expand...

Do you just need to increase the OS partition size at the expense of the the other partition(s) on that drive?
 
Tpex said:
Yes, thats right
Click to expand...

You can download Easeus Partition Manager (there is a free Home edition on the site). I've used it frequently, it runs as an app within Windows and is really straightforward.

Just re-size the existing partitions as required, then apply your changes.

You'll have to restart your machine to complete the re-sizing process.
 
Last edited:
riscbroker said:
You can download Easeus Partition Manager (there is a free Home edition on the site). I've used it frequently, it runs as an app within Windows and is really straightforward.

Just re-size the existing partitions as required, then apply your changes.

You'll have to restart your machine to complete the re-sizing process.
Click to expand...

thanks I will try hat then :) no side effects? data on both partitions will be left intact? or does the 2nd partition have to be clean?
 
Tpex said:
thanks I will try hat then :) no side effects? data on both partitions will be left intact? or does the 2nd partition have to be clean?
Click to expand...

I've had good results with it, never lost any data. The only proviso is that there be free space available on the secondary partition so you can allocate that free space to your primary partition. And make sure your power source is stable, a power cut during the process will screw it up.....
 
Oh, a defrag before you start with the partition manager is a good idea
 
riscbroker said:
I've had good results with it, never lost any data. The only proviso is that there be free space available on the secondary partition so you can allocate that free space to your primary partition. And make sure your power source is stable, a power cut during the process will screw it up.....
Click to expand...

Thanks :) unfortunately my power source is never stable, its supplied by eksom :erm:
 
Linux will do that for you. dd is probably one of the most underrated utils out there. Clonezilla will do the job. To do images of faulty HDDs or partitions look at GNU ddrescue.
 
Easeus Partition Manager worked like a charm, thanks for all y'all help

thanks ponder for the info tho :)
 
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