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Backing up a multi partion Laptop

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I have been using Acronis very successfully for many Years on my single partioned C drive desktop PC. Normally using a full computer backup. This method has got me and my friends out of Jail on more than one occasion.
Now having purchased a Laptop (Dell Windows 7) I find that the C drive has three (3) partions.
What is the preferred method of backing up this new system? I want as always to be able to restore the whole system
as is. I have started by backing up the 3 partions sector by sector.
Is this the preferred method or should I just back up the OS partion?

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Actially the best way is to back up the entrire drive which includes all three partitions and the MBR. One partition is the Dell diagnostics partition, the secind is the Window 7 boot partition and the third is the actual C: drive. Backup the entrie disk.

Hello Jerry and Jim!

Thank you for finding time to open the thread and many thanks to Jim for his assistance.

Jim is absolutely right: the best way here is to backup the entire drive. I just wanted to add that in case you need to recover to the new drive, make sure that on the first recovery attempt you don't restore MBR. Usually it is written automatically, and restoring the existing MBR to the new drive may cause booting problems.

Should you need anything else or have any further questions - feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience, we will be happy to help you!

Thank you!

Thank you all your observations are very much appreciated.
I will take it all on board
Best Regards Jerry

Thank you all your observations are very much appreciated.
I will take it all on board
Best Regards Jerry