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Backing up secondary HDD

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  • SSD
  • Storage
  • Hard Drives
  • Windows 8
Last response: in Storage
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October 15, 2014 4:32:09 AM

I have a primary SSD with my Windows 8.1 installation on and a secondary 2TB HDD with the crux of my data/installs on it. However, I think its days are coming to an end because the transfer speeds have dropped like crazy. I plan on replacing it with another drive, but what's the best way to back it up?

My main worry is that if I back it up, I'll lose all my install paths etc, and have to reinstall things just to find them again. What's the most efficient way of backing up a secondary drive to keep things as close to what they are now?

Thanks in advance.

More about : backing secondary hdd

a b G Storage
a b * Windows 8
October 15, 2014 4:39:48 AM

Salari said:
I have a primary SSD with my Windows 8.1 installation on and a secondary 2TB HDD with the crux of my data/installs on it. However, I think its days are coming to an end because the transfer speeds have dropped like crazy. I plan on replacing it with another drive, but what's the best way to back it up?

My main worry is that if I back it up, I'll lose all my install paths etc, and have to reinstall things just to find them again. What's the most efficient way of backing up a secondary drive to keep things as close to what they are now?

Thanks in advance.


Clone it.. Once cloned..If you replace the old drive with the new clone.. everything will work exactly as before.
You can use a tool like Macrim reflect to do the clone (Free version will be fine)
HTH
Cheers
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October 15, 2014 4:40:52 AM

I see, what in your opinion is the best thing to use to clone it?
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a b G Storage
a b * Windows 8
October 15, 2014 4:50:50 AM

Hey there, Salari!

The best way to clone your secondary HDD is by using a cloning software.
I personally like Acronis True Image: http://www.acronis.com/en-eu/
It gives you the option to choose what gets backed up/cloned and what doesn't. So if there is any old and useless data, you won't be needing in the future, you can Unselect it and it won't get cloned to your new HDD.

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask more questions, if needed! :) 
SuperSoph_WD
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October 15, 2014 6:31:27 AM

SuperSoph_WD said:
Hey there, Salari!

The best way to clone your secondary HDD is by using a cloning software.
I personally like Acronis True Image: http://www.acronis.com/en-eu/
It gives you the option to choose what gets backed up/cloned and what doesn't. So if there is any old and useless data, you won't be needing in the future, you can Unselect it and it won't get cloned to your new HDD.

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask more questions, if needed! :) 
SuperSoph_WD


Does anyone know whether I'd need an external drive in order to do this, or do I just install the new HDD, clone it, then remove the old one?
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Best solution

a b G Storage
a b * Windows 8
October 15, 2014 6:36:33 AM

You can clone it straight away onto your new HDD, then remove your old one. You don't need an external drive for this.
For the external HDD, you can simply create an image of your data and put it on it. This way you will have a secure backup in several locations. I think the software gives you this option, so you can simply copy/paste the image on the external and you should be set!

Hope this helps. :) 
SuperSoph_WD
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October 15, 2014 6:41:40 AM

SuperSoph_WD said:
You can clone it straight away onto your new HDD, then remove your old one. You don't need an external drive for this.
For the external HDD, you can simply create an image of your data and put it on it. This way you will have a secure backup in several locations. I think the software gives you this option, so you can simply copy/paste the image on the external and you should be set!

Hope this helps. :) 
SuperSoph_WD


Thank you so much for your help. You just saved me some money!
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a b G Storage
a b * Windows 8
October 15, 2014 6:51:52 AM

Salari said:

Thank you so much for your help. You just saved me some money!


Glad I was able to help you! :bounce: 
Good luck and happy computing!

SuperSoph_WD
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