Disk Imaging Software Question

[Eagleshadow]

Looking to used disk imaging software to backup a marginal hard drive in preparation for replacement. I know cloning requires that I hold on to the old drive long enough to perform the clone. Disk image backup seems easier as I can do that ahead of time. Do the imaging programs install a boot loader so I don't have to an OS install before recovering the image. What about putting the image on a USB stick or on Onedrive. I experimented with Ease US Todo trying use a recordable CD and it hung up. I had to restart the computer to eject the CD. Suggestions or strategies appreciated.

 

[i7Baby]

Cloning software that works is costly. The free stuff is crap.

You can do a robocopy. But the new drive will only work if it's the same letter.

 

[aldan]

how do you figure free cloning software is crap.anything other than an opinion??ive used both macrium reflect free and acronis for wd for years and they are anything but crap.to the op,it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.if you are trying to backup an existing hdd then cloning is a viable answer.if you are trying to transfer an os to another hdd for use in another computer you are out of luck.post back with what,exactly you are trying to accomplish here.sorry,reread your post.both cloning and imaging require that the hdd that the image or clone is taken from is healthy.if the drive is presently working then whatever you do should be now,not later.

 

[i7Baby]

We get heaps of failed cloning/migration software reported here. In the end, I recommend keeping away from 3rd party software where you can

 

[aldan]

guess ive just been lucky.lol

 

[Eagleshadow]

Are you recommending Mcrium Reflect Free and Acronis? That's all I need to know.

 

[aldan]

if you have a western digital hdd then acronis is your program as they have a free one for wd hdds.if not then macrium reflect.