Best Method for cloning Vista Install

[Phos187]

I'm surprised I couldn't find many threads regarding this in search, maybe I was just picking the wrong keywords.

Anyways...

I picked up a WD Raptor 150, currently have Vista installed on a 250 standard WD. Would like to clone my C: drive partition to the raptor and then wipe out the 250 after I'm satisfied the raptor is good.

Is there a better method then using the WD datalifeguard tools?

I'm looking at 80gigs of data currently.

 

[Cutthroat]

I did it with Acronis True Image Home, worked like a charm.

 

[Deathonastick]

Originally posted by: Cutthroat
I did it with Acronis True Image Home, worked like a charm.

You'll probably get an error on reboot with that. Just insert the vista disk and let it repair once and you'll be good to go.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Deathonastick
You'll probably get an error on reboot with that. Just insert the vista disk and let it repair once and you'll be good to go.

Not with TI version 11. That error is fixed.

 

[daveybrat]

Originally posted by: Deathonastick

Originally posted by: Cutthroat
I did it with Acronis True Image Home, worked like a charm.

You'll probably get an error on reboot with that. Just insert the vista disk and let it repair once and you'll be good to go.

I take it you missed the part that said "worked like a charm"

 

[Phos187]

Let me ask you this regarding the true image, do I need to format the drive in any particular way? Can I just set it up as a new drive and let Vista format it then initiate the partition cloning? I gave WD tools a shot over night, let it run and it stopped at 99%. I'm going to give the TI a try before just doing a fresh install.

 

[Laputa]

Let us know how it turns out. Was there any non-NTFS partition on the 250? Just wondering if that can cause any issues with TI or not.

 

[corkyg]

TI-11 works fine with Vista. The best way to clone is to install TI-11, then create the bootable Rescue CD. Then connect the new drive to your system as a secondary, slave, or external and boot with the Rescue CD.

Then select TI Home on the menu, and it will load. Then do a CLONE DISK function, and choose MANUAL. You will then select your source drive and target drive. A brand new drive will not need any formatting. Select KEEP DATA on the source drive. That is your backup later on. Then select PROPORTIONAL for the clone and that takes care of the size difference. Then get to PROCEED and let it do it.

When it is finished, remove the bootable CD, and power down. Replace the old drive with the new drive and boot up. It should be all there - no restoration needed.

This works much better with the bootable CD than through Windows. It is a better GUI and less likely to have errors.