Need to backup a HDD - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

HaZe_X · 10-29-2010, 07:38 PM

I need to back up my work computers HDD, Windows XP home, computer is maybe 6-7 years old so I no longer have the install disks anymore.

Im drawing a blank on the best method on how to do this, would it be easiest to buy a secondary SATA HDD, say 500gb, and load the files onto their?

I need basic stuff, word documents, emails (outlook), programs, etc...

or

Make a clone of the entire hard drive?

RAdams · 10-29-2010, 07:55 PM

My preference: I never clone drives.

Your 2nd sentence describes what I do. I buy a new drive and install the operating system and all my programs on it. I use the "old" drive as a secondary and copy over only the old data that I really need. I will admit, though, that I obsessively keep all the program and driver discs so I never have to worry about that.

I *LOVE* how much that fresh OS & Software install speeds up the computer after all the errors and fluff have been purged! It's like getting a new computer.

Oh wait, now that I re-read your 2nd sentence -

HaZe_X · 10-29-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAdams

My preference: I never clone drives.

Your 2nd sentence describes what I do. I buy a new drive and install the operating system and all my programs on it. I use the "old" drive as a secondary and copy over only the old data that I really need. I will admit, though, that I obsessively keep all the program and driver discs so I never have to worry about that.

I *LOVE* how much that fresh OS & Software install speeds up the computer after all the errors and fluff have been purged! It's like getting a new computer.

Oh wait, now that I re-read your 2nd sentence -

I agree, a fresh install of a OS and a new HDD=so much faster! I just put a new 1TB Caviar blue into my iMac, what a difference in speed.

I no longer have my retail disks for my windows PC, so thats really my dilemma.

SlingShot · 10-29-2010, 08:08 PM

I would suggest using Ghost and dup the drive .... It's about the only way without having the install disk ...

CAMAR0 · 10-29-2010, 08:19 PM

Get acronis true image! Its amazing. You can also wipe drives with it and create backups. I love it. You boot your pc and hook up the other via usb or sata/ ide and an exact image is made. It can also transfer specific folders identically. Read the reviews on newegg.com if you want more feedback on it. Good luck!

10-29-2010, 07:38 PM	#1
HaZe_X Drives: Trailblazer SS & Camaro SS Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: North Jersey Posts: 758	Need to backup a HDD I need to back up my work computers HDD, Windows XP home, computer is maybe 6-7 years old so I no longer have the install disks anymore. Im drawing a blank on the best method on how to do this, would it be easiest to buy a secondary SATA HDD, say 500gb, and load the files onto their? I need basic stuff, word documents, emails (outlook), programs, etc... or Make a clone of the entire hard drive? __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS/LS3 -Black on Black - Kooks 1-7/8 Headers, Dyno Tuned, ADM Race CAI, QTP Cutouts, Hurst Short Throw, SJM Line Lock, Alpine PDX 1.1000, (2) Alpine Type R's, ...Soon to be cammed!

10-29-2010, 08:08 PM	#4
SlingShot Drives: 2012 ZL1 - #670 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seminole, Fl. Posts: 8,009	I would suggest using Ghost and dup the drive .... It's about the only way without having the install disk ... __________________

10-29-2010, 07:55 PM	#2
RAdams Car Guy Drives: '08 Mustang GT, '01 Isuzu VehiCROSS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 441	My preference: I never clone drives. Your 2nd sentence describes what I do. I buy a new drive and install the operating system and all my programs on it. I use the "old" drive as a secondary and copy over only the old data that I really need. I will admit, though, that I obsessively keep all the program and driver discs so I never have to worry about that. I LOVE how much that fresh OS & Software install speeds up the computer after all the errors and fluff have been purged! It's like getting a new computer. Oh wait, now that I re-read your 2nd sentence -

10-29-2010, 08:19 PM	#5
CAMAR0 Loose is Fast! Drives: Mikes Hard Lemons Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Brick House Posts: 645	Get acronis true image! Its amazing. You can also wipe drives with it and create backups. I love it. You boot your pc and hook up the other via usb or sata/ ide and an exact image is made. It can also transfer specific folders identically. Read the reviews on newegg.com if you want more feedback on it. Good luck!