Free working cloning software

thor

I need some suggestions for cloning software. I want to be able to clone my boot drive so that I can just swap it in for the original when required.
I am running windows 7 in achi mode and my boot drive is an ssd. I want to clone it to a normal sata drive.
I have used Macrium's Reflect and it does clone everything but when I swap it in, it fails to boot giving a message saying that the drive is inaccessible despite the bios seeing it and also windows seeing it when it is connected as a normal non boot drive.
It is a shame because the cloning process is very quick but it does not work for me hence the need to try something else.

System

the only one i've had experience using was the one bundled with crucial ssds it's called something like EZ Gig cloning - never had any issues with it on a few machines
must be around for cheap/free if it's bundled...

jtk174

I assume its because its expecting and loading drivers for the SSD and not the SATA drive on booting.

Have a look at this link to see if it helps;

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/281577-14-cloned-boot

BigRonW

In your position, I'd reach for my trusty copy of Hiren's Boot CD, would connect up BOTH drives to my MoBo, would boot from the CD, and load up (from menu item 1) "Drive Copy Pro" (a program that I believe is nowadays owned by the same people as Norton AV) There ARE only a few ways of cloning your drive, and DriveCopy Pro allows you to pick (for example) if you want any extra space on the second drive formatted or ignored.

rubble2

I use EaseUS Todo backup free 5.0 to do exactly what you describe.

It seems to work well for me.

System

thor wrote: »

I have used Macrium's Reflect and it does clone everything but when I swap it in, it fails to boot giving a message saying that the drive is inaccessible despite the bios seeing it and also windows seeing it when it is connected as a normal non boot drive.

It's because the boot sector is still configured to look at a particular interface for a drive. As each SATA device connects to a different interface then it is looking in the wrong place.
If you want to clone it just to be able to re-image your existing SSD or a new SSD on the same connection as the old one then yor image will be fine for that.

John_Gray

You can't 'clone' an SSD to a SATA drive with Macrium Reflect Free - you need their Professional version to "restore images to new hardware using Macrium ReDeploy".

$59+VAT. Yes, it's a UK product!

thor

jtk174 wrote: »

I assume its because its expecting and loading drivers for the SSD and not the SATA drive on booting.

Do you mean you think it is the BIOS loading the drivers in anticipation of the ssd?

thor

!!!!!! wrote: »

It's because the boot sector is still configured to look at a particular interface for a drive. As each SATA device connects to a different interface then it is looking in the wrong place.
If you want to clone it just to be able to re-image your existing SSD or a new SSD on the same connection as the old one then yor image will be fine for that.

After cloning to the new sata drive I took out the original ssd and hooked up the clone to the sata port of the original. Is this what you mean? It still did not work though.

thor

John_Gray wrote: »

You can't 'clone' an SSD to a SATA drive with Macrium Reflect Free - you need their Professional version to "restore images to new hardware using Macrium ReDeploy".

$59+VAT. Yes, it's a UK product!

The free version does go through the process of cloning and then declare it has finished successfully at the end. When I check the clone it contains all the files of the original. Would it really go through all that only to fail at the clone boot stage in order to persuade users to shell out some more money for ReDeploy?

Brian12

Hi thor,

I personally use Macrium Reflect. You should read this review (Best Free Drive Imaging Program): www [dot] techsupportalert.com/best-free-drive-imaging-program.htm

I hope this helps you.

Brian