Cloning C drive to external USB attached SATA drive
I am trying to clone the entire C drive to an external USB attached external SATA for the purpose of replacing the existing C drive. The external (new) drive is larger than the existing one.
However, unlike previous versions of Acronis, 2013 true image seems a little tricky. When going through steps: clone disk, select next -- automatic, the next screen seems to NOT allow me to properly select the source disk (which is highlighted at least) and then the on subsequent screen the target disk NOT highlighted or selectable. Therefore the cloning does not procede.
Acronis version: 16.0.5551 running on Windows 7 Ultimate sp 1.
Anyone seen this?
Wonder why the "clone disk" function does not work... I'll give this one a shot. Thanks...
I'm trying to do the same thing and have a different problem. My primary HD, C:, is a 1TB Seagate Barracuda that is failing. I have a brand new, basically identical, 1TB Seagate Barracuda connected to a USB port [via a SATA to USB connector]. I'm booting off of an Acronis 2013 Recovery disk. I go to "tools" and select "clone disk". I do manual and it asks me to pick the source disk and I see all of my disks listed. So I pick the one holding C:. Then it goes to the destination disk screen and it does *NOT* allow me to select the new disk. It shouldn't be too small: it is the same disk, both 1TB Seagates. but i don't know why it won't let me select it for the clone operation.
Still use the TI REcovery CD but reverse the positions of the disk so that the new disk is inside the computer. Also use the CD tools menu/add new disk option so the new disk will be initialized but will still show total unallocated before performing the clone.
The stated solution to this problem, which I have also encountered since recently purchasing Acrobis, is entirely unacceptable. There should be no reason for TI not to clone to an external disk. That's its primary clone-disk purpose. Previous versions did it.
To have to reboot the computer with the Recovery Disk, and then hope you select the correct unlabled option before it boots into windows, as well has having to write down the serial numbers of the HDDs in and out of the machine, as well as the fact that pressing Left shift/alt num lock will *not* unlock your mouse, is a waste of time and a complete nuisance. I would hope that Acronis is planning a fix or updated soon, or otherwise I've wasted my money on this program. Does administrator or the development team know about this?
Still use the TI REcovery CD but reverse the positions of the disk so that the new disk is inside the computer. Also use the CD tools menu/add new disk option so the new disk will be initialized but will still show total unallocated before performing the clone.
Well, if you're going to do that, it is easier just to connect the second disk directly to the MotherBoard. That's what I did and it worked perfectly. Windows never saw the second drive: I booted to the recovery disk and then removed the cloned drive before I restarted windows [actually, *DID* swap the drives: the old drive was making a lot of errors that SMART was catching so as soon as I finished cloning, just mounted the new drive and rebooted. Perfect!]
Bernard,
First, I am glad all is well with you.
When source and target are both connected directly to motherboard, you can get by with source still in boot position when cloning, but if both disks are not connected to motherboard, then it is best to have the target be inside the computer--especially if the source is a ThinkPad. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule but your best success was I believe due to both being on the same motherboard.
The thing is, I don't want to, nor should I have to open the box. I want Acronis to clone my primary active system file boot drive, C, to an *external* SATA II drive set up in a dock or with USB 2 connection and power source. Once I do that, I'll put the cloned copy away. Should my primary HDD ever fail, all I should have to do is replace the failed drive with the one I cloned. End of story.
The external SATA II HDD is initialized and formatted correctly. In fact Acronis recognizes it as a *source* disk even though it's empty. Acronis even write files from any of my three internal HDDs (all SATA II) to it as a *target* or destination disk. But it will not clone to it.
Does anyone have any idea as to why Acronis will not clone to this external disk and what can be done to remedy it without shifting things around inside the tower?
PS: There should be no need to use the recovery disk either. If I wanted to do that I could make a backup of the drive, not a clone.
The program should permit cloning from within Windows or from the CD.
If the cloning is of a data disk, there seems to be less issue but the cloining of a system disk to another connector on the motherboard will often succeed.
I have found that when adapter are used for the connection of the target, quite frequencly the problem is the adapter itself.
I have found that having the target disk inside an enclosure or a docking statiion such as the Thermaltake BlacX to not have the same issues as the adapter. Two different Sabrent adapters I could not use.
Note, if the source disk is a Thinkpad disk, then the target disk should either be connected to the motherboard either in the same place as the original or moved from other connectors on the MB after the cloning before first boot.
I do find that in order to make the blank disk visible, it helps to initialize the disk either using TrueImage Tools /add new disk option or to initialize under Windows
If the source disk has failed, then your most logical choice is to boot from the TI Recovery CD and to restore one of your many disk image backups.
Thank you. I think the adapter is the problem. A couple of my techie friends also mentioned that as well. I will probably go out and buy a docking station in the next day or so. Meanwhile, I do have the recovery disk and good backups of the entire system. Thanks for your help. Happy New Year.