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how to use an image backup like a cloned HD

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I currently use acronis trueimage11. In the past I've cloned my HD's once I loaded all my programs and got my system running the way I like. Then if my PC gets a virus or something I just pop in the cloned HD and transfer over the backed up data. The cloning feature works great but is cumbersome (I need an extra HD per computer that I'm backing up. I would rather just do a sector by sector image backup that could then later be recovered on a new HD when necessary. How can I do this and STILL keep the original drive letter (in this case C:).

thanks,
Mike

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Don't get your point.

Assume the following:

1. you do a sector image of your current OS disc to a backup folder
2. your current OS disc fails or virus
3. you restore your OS via image to a NEW disc (or to the same disc if the old disc os still OK and can be overridden) from a second machine *
4. replace old failed disc with new one
-> voila runs again

*): If you have only one machine then you have to use the boot CD

INFO
System: WinXP
Hardware: HD, 150 Gb, + slave, 80GB, + External (boots same time as PC), 160 Gb
Software 2011 Home True Image, + latest download.
Also running Instant download (In E)
The 2011TI software allows me to generate (and store):
1- System download (extension tib)
2- A clone disk
3- Image disk
I'm waiting for a new HD (320Gb).
Question, what is more practical and comprehensive (if there is any difference) to store in E to restore all data presently existing in my HD?

Please, advise
Thank you
P.S.: I'll follow all steps listed in Before you download, will carry on a download simulation, and will perform a virus check of whatever I end up saving, using the AVG software I have, previous to copying the saved file in E (or whatever turns to be the letter).

If you make a backup instead of doing a clone, then you can store as many backups on the disk as will fit. With Cloning you get one image per disk. You can then restore any of hte backups to a disk or mount any of the images and slectiveily copy files out to wherever you wish.

My Sony laptop accidentally fell on the hardwood floor breaking only the monitor. I talked to a Sony tech who said I could send it in at no cost (I have a damage warranty) but he suggested I do a backup (of course) because in order to check the HD for any damage they may need to completely erase the data before sending it back to me. So...

I don't know whether I should do a clone or a disk backup considering I will be starting from scratch when the laptop is returned. I think I understand the difference but I've had to restore a computer from a simple backup before and it was terribly difficult and I wasn't able to install some of the applications I had on the backup because of registration numbers being lost.

Could someone walk me through this. I have spent 3 full days working on this and even bought a new external HD because the one I had would not be recognized and Acronis could not overwrite the software provided on the previous HD. So I want to do this right the first time and be assured my backup/clone will be recoverable. Thanks for any help.

Your best bet, imo, is to make a full disk mode backup. You could even make two if you wanted -- as many as you want so long as there is room on the target drive. IF you clone, you will use the entire drive for just the one image, which is certainly riskier; all your eggs in one basket.

The ATI user guide can walk you through doing a disk mode backup and a restore -- even a restore to different size drdive is that's what you will be doing.

http://www.acronis.com/support/documentation/

Try asking Sony if you can send the laptop in without the hard disk. Many service organizations will allow this - they test hard drive functions by using their own. And you get to keep your data safe at home. But take Scott's advice and make a backup anyway.

Thanks.

I have done a full backup to a 1 T external HD. My concern is that I will not be able to return my original (C drive) as ut was before, i.e. desktop looks the same, all files and apps are in the same location and no re-installation of preferences and application serial numbers, activation codes, etc. Will a full backup give me that flexibility?

I have had to do this before when I replaced my old laptop which was running on XP to a new one running Windows 7. I could retrieve the data but I had to put everything away. This time I'll be restoring to the same computer using the same OS.

If restoring to same machine and same hardware, jsut do a restore of full disk back-up--all the partitions, MBR will all be put on the target disk.

If restoring to a diff size disk, then check the user guide section re this topic -- you need to manually adjust the size of the C partitin to fit while not adjsut the size of the hidden partitions, if any.

Thank you. I'll try that. If it doesn't work the way I hope it will, at least I'll still have my data.

Thanks again.