Clean Install and essential programs Image?

seankor

Distinguished
Oct 9, 2012
85
2
18,645
Hi,
First of all I hope I haven't completely missed the thread.

I bought 2 SSD disks and created a clean install with all of the programs I need for my work. Now what I would really like to do is an image of this!
The purpose would be, that next time if I would need to reinstall the system, I could just copy the exact image of the drive and would end up with clean install, without having to manually install windows and than all of the programs. Is that possible? Is there a good free program that does this?

I have some programs where you need to set up sql databases and registration and same users and passwords so it all works together and where it saves backups etc. Or those language addons and settings in office. So if I could just put image on of this exact state and had all this already set up it would be sooo great!
 
Solution
The easy way would be to buy an extra set of ssd's and clone your current system to them. That is what I do.
If you buy a Samsung or intel ssd, they offer free clone utilities that will clone a drive to one of their ssd's. I have used both without issue. It would be best to stick with the same brand so you can go both ways.
The nice thing about this approach is that for recovery, all you have to do is replace the ssd and boot to it.
You could use windows backup to put an image on a external hard drive. But... I would be hesitant to validate the recovery procedure and overlay a working drive.
The easy way would be to buy an extra set of ssd's and clone your current system to them. That is what I do.
If you buy a Samsung or intel ssd, they offer free clone utilities that will clone a drive to one of their ssd's. I have used both without issue. It would be best to stick with the same brand so you can go both ways.
The nice thing about this approach is that for recovery, all you have to do is replace the ssd and boot to it.
You could use windows backup to put an image on a external hard drive. But... I would be hesitant to validate the recovery procedure and overlay a working drive.
 
Solution