[SOLVED] Best way to make a clean install drive

[Raena92]

I do have a question, but want to leave a kudo first: I've posted to this forum before, and got help for my problem, ie: a question about wifi, and I was having problems with an almost new XPS 8930. Someone here said it sounded like the OS had been installed on the HDD, as opposed to the SSD. Sure enough; that was it. I sent the tower back to Dell; they admitted the OS had been incorrectly installed -- and when I got the tower back, there was an improvement. But, not a complete fix, in my opinion. Then again, who am I?

Recently, the computer just stopped working. Not a very good description, but that's all I can say. After loving Dell for years, I was so disgusted. But, since the computer was still under the Support Premium Plus plan, Dell sent a certified on-site technician. He replaced the SSD, the motherboard, and a couple other things. Then, he said, "Well, you basically have a brand new computer again."

That's good, and I want to keep it in good order, So here's my question: Can I move or install or copy my entire C Drive (which is now on the SSD) to a USB drive, and make that work for a clean install if necessary?

If so, how do I set the BIOS to boot from the USB.

I've done this with every computer I've had, and it has saved my butt a couple of times. Now, maybe because of the problems I've had with the XPS, I'm afraid to do much of anything without advice from those who know more than I do. Thanks so much.

 

[jay32267]

Use cloning software to create an image file of the drive on something external like a USB stick or external drive.
This way you can always go back to where you are now.

 

[Raena92]

Thank you so much, Jay! Now, I have another question: I've heard of cloning software, but don't now what it is. Could you tell me where to get such a thing? Hopefully, it can be downloaded from the internet.

Also, if I would need to use an image of the drive for a clean install, don't I have to set something in the BIOS, so the computer will boot from the USB? Thanks again.

 

[jay32267]

I use Aomei Backupper. It's free.
Many people use Macrium Reflect. It's also free.

Being you just got the PC repaired and I assume it's working correctly....now would be a great time to make the image.

If you make an image....and need to use it.....you would have to boot from something besides your OS drive.....and usually this would be a USB stick (in my world)......and you would set it to boot from the USB in the BIOS.

 

[Cheraena]

Thanks so much again, Jay. I'm making a note of the names you gave me, and I'll get started on the project.

 

[USAFRet]

Not a full clone, but rather an Image.
Macrium Reflect.

For all of my systems, I have a Day 1 and Day 2 image.
Day 1 = the bare OS with whatever updates are happening.
Day 2 = The same system with my basic load of applications.

And Image in Macrium lets you store multiple images on a single drive. And use the rest of the drive for whatever you wish.

Also in Macrium, you create a REscue USB.
If you ever need to recover that Image, you boot from the RescueUSB, and tell it what Image and which drive to apply it to.


After that, I also do a rolling series of Incremental or Differential images.

What is your backup situation at home?

What is your backup situation at home? And if you don't do that, why not? Every single day, I read multiple threads here of "How do I get my stuff back?" or "That drive had 5 years of photos of my kids!!" Be it a dead drive, dropped phone, virus, accidental deletion, formatting the wrong...

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