Backup to Larger Drive
I had my 150GB Vraptor backed up.... I upgraded to a 300GB Vraptor... when I restored to it, it created 2 partitions of 150GB each, which I do not want... I want one partition of 300GB and for it to restore using the allocated space, not separate partitions....
How do you handle this process in order to do this? I do need the whole system backed up, not just files, because of all my programs and setups, etc.....
Hello J Lee,
I understand the question and will do everything possible from my side to give you a clear explanation.
The easiest way to transfer the system to a new drive is to use Clone Disk option within the program. While cloning the disk you can choose proportional mode in order to avoid unallocated space after restore.
I may recommend you the following scenario:
1) Create Acronis bootable disc, boot from it and use "Clone Disk" option to clone your source drive to a new drive. Read Acronis True Image Home 2010 user guide chapter "Creating bootable media" for more information about Acronis True Image Home 2010 bootable CD creation
2) Use Manual Mode for cloning -> Choose Delete partitions on the destination hard drive if it contains any partitions (note that all data on destination drive will be erased in any case, so if you have some critical information we recommend you to copy it first) or Do not delete partitions on the destination drive (in that case you should choose another hard drive).
3) On Old Hard Disk Usage window choose Keep Data, it will not wipe your source hard drive after the cloning. It will stay intact and you will be able to use it later.
4) On Moving Method window choose Proportional method as you have a bigger drive. I do not recommend you to choose As Is method because it will result in unallocated space on the destination drive.
5) Follow wizard instructions to complete the process.
After the cloning is complete make sure you disconnect the original hard drive while performing the first boot from the target one. The thing is that if the original hard drive is not removed from the computer before the first boot from the target drive Windows gets somehow "confused" while trying to mount the letter for the system partition because it is already associated with the original hard drive. As a result the whole system will be unbootable.
Let me know if you need further assistance.
Thank you.
Hi, thank you... but what if I dont have the original HD anymore? I had to send the bad one back to WD... and these are Vraptors.. the original was 150GB and the one I have now is 300GB... isnt there a way to clone it to the external and then restore to my new 300GB the way it is now? Thanks again.
Hello J Lee,
Yes, it's possible to back this drive up again and then restore it without your second partition.
But there's an easier way to achieve this task: you can simply delete your second partition or merge it with your current one.
Simple partition deletion can be performed via Disk Management snap-in (Start->Run->diskmgmt.msc). If you want to merge the partitions, please take a look at Acronis Disk Director Suite 10.0, this product will help you to merge them without any data loss. The detailed information about merging partitions is available in 4.1.6 Chapter of this User's Guide.
Additionally to this, you are welcome to ask me any other questions concerning Acronis, and I will assist you further.
Thank you.
Hi thanks.... well the partition is already "deleted" but that still holds a 150GB place for the partition.. that doesnt automatically merge that with the primary 150GB partition. I am backing up every day, so I am asking, isnt there any way to restore the contents of my one partition to one full 300GB partition? I am willing to back it up in any way available on Acronis and then restore in any way as well, as long as my data/programs are all intact. I dont think buying a whole new program to simply merge partitions is something anyone would want to do.