Cloning
Does the cloning process format the target partition of the target disk prior to cloning.
A client recently noted that, in attempting to clone ssd to ssd, whether started within windows or from the bootcd, the computer appered to crash. He then noticed that the drive activity light was lit even thought he screen display was blacked out. Afte allowing the expected time for a clone process, the drive light went out, he swapped the drives, and boot right up. Clearly, one can successfully clone even if the display drivers don't work.
I want to clone or backup saved Software exe files from external HD to internal HD. I did a backup because clone destroys data on the target drive. But my backup lost dlls so those some software programs will not open. "Need to reinstall, missing dlls". What to do, which method, maybe Secure zone ?
If this is a windows system, programs have to be installed. This not only places exe files on the drivre but all the ancillary files and makes the hundreds of registry entries in all of the regiastry fiels. copying exe fiules and trying to run them as a program doesn't wortk in windows (except for very special DOS mode exe files that can run independent of other files.)
If you want to backup installed programs make a backup of the systerm partition or the entire HDD. Don't clome; make backups.
Thanks: that is what I did first try through Acronis 2014 to my PC Win 7 Pro was a backup programs from an internal HD to another internal HD. I have a 120G SSD with my OS on it and its 80 % full. Over time, I install software exe. to these two mechanical HDs to save space on the SSD. Trying to reduce these 5 HDs, I wanted to more all exe. files to one drive and, you're right, it looks like I need to install each individual programs. Also, Photoshop will install only to the "C" drive using my prescious space.
If you are installing programs onto a diff partition than tyhe system partition, then youy need to do a backup of both partitions--you need both to maintain the integrity of the program installations.. It gets unnecessarily complicated to have windows installed to other droves or partitions than the C: drive. It's usually easier to keep your dtat, docs, pics, musics, etx. on a separate drive. But you can't treat an installed program as a mere file or set of files; and program is much more complicated than that.
Scott, thanks for your reply to my situation. I now understand that programs need to be installed directly and not using "backup" method since dlls gets lost and programs don't open this way. Using my SSD 120G that is 85% full has my Win 7 Pro and Photoshop on it. I have installed two new 240G SSDs to use as editing/saving data as I am a photographer. I am trying to move images/programs to eliminate my five external and two internal five year old WD 750G mechanical HDS. In the past, when I download/install exe. files, I place them in the two internal HDs to save space on the 120G SSD OS drive. So, I guess I will just leave the HD that these programs, Sys Info, Users,dll app extensions, Recovery,Settings,etc. alone, pull it out of the CPU chasse and place it in an external enclosure, attach it to a 3.0 USB port and use it if needed, its not a primary concern, just might think there is something there I should keep. What's your thoughts now. Wish you were my neighbor here in Dallas !! Thanks for all.
If you want ot keep, backup, and be able tyo reastore your current set up, back up each hard disk that has the system and any programs. When you restore, restore all of those drives before restarting and using the programs.
Thanks for all, Scott.