Newbie Q: cloning disk image from PC 1 to PC 2 with not quite identical hardware
As the subject would suggest - I am completely new to True Image.
I want to essentially clone a disk image from laptop 1 to laptop 2 where they are same manufacturer and similar model, but not identical. From what I am reading this is not possible / recommended.
If cloning is not possible in this scenario - what would be the recommended procedure? I have read about "Universal Restore" in the "Plus Pack". If this is the case - I have many more questions:
1. Which backup option would I use for PC1? (There seem to be many, many options for performing a 'backup')
2. Can I use an intermediate / USB drive as the backup / restore medium? I would assume 'yes' here.
3. During "Universal Restore" - where / how would I make all of the drivers for PC2 available? Can they also be on the USB drive, or on a USB key, or?
4. When the "Universal Restore" is completed, will this be an effective 'clone' or 'near clone' of the original? I.e.; software installation, domain registration, registry...
Thank you very much for any and all input here. I hope to use the 'tribal knowledge' here before I go experimenting...
I'm game for doing some trial and error to make this work (I did an image backup of PC2 already for insurance). I'm actually kind of thinking of trying the 'clone' just to see what happens....
Thanks!
JP
Bump.
Really - nothing?
You know what such attitude gets you in many forums? Ignored.
It's been only one day since you posted. Most posts here are answered by volunteers, and we don't always get to every post immediately.
Forum search found me two relevant articles for Universal Restore:
http://kb.acronis.com/content/2149
http://kb.acronis.com/content/34283
To perform a Universal Restore you'd need the optional Plus Pack. You would NOT clone, you would do a full disk backup followed by a restore to the new hardware. You'd need to assemble drivers for the new hardware, although most can wait until you boot to Windows but you would need the chipset driver during the restore.
Yes, an external USB hard drive is the perfect backup target.
Check out the many user guides and tutorials in the left margin of this forum, particularly Getting Started and Grover's True Image Guides which are illustrated with step-by-step screenshots.
29618: Grover's new backup and restore guides http://forum.acronis.com/forum/29618
Go jump in a lake. Your attitude, frankly, sucks. I did search several very similar articles, yes, before posting. When I bought this product I had hoped to use it, not spend a week *learning how* to use it.
The articles I searched were similar, but different from my situation. Pardon me for hoping that someone who had expertise might share their help or encouragement - instead of a pissy attitude. Thanks for nothing. Acronis is going into the bin. $15 wasted.
Just as an FYI: I did go off and spend my entire day yesterday *trying* to get the non-functional 'clone' feature working (and yes, I updated to the current version).
1 - when running from win7 and attempting to clone, when instructed to reboot to continue - system just reboots to windows long on screen. Log in - nothing happens. (Rinse, repeat, same result).
2 - Booted from Acronis disk. Attempt clone feature. Acronis allows selection of either disc: built-in serial ATA (my source) or USB (my target). I choose my source. On target screen - neither disc can be selected. If I reverse them, Acronis will allow me to clone my target to my source.
0 for 2....
Go jump in a lake. Your attitude, frankly, sucks.
Sorry, you showed the attitude with your reminder post. I simply advised that such behaviour is unwelcome in most forums. I also provided you with information, which you appear to have ignored in your wish to criticize me.
I did search several very similar articles, yes, before posting.
We don't know what you did, if you don't tell us. We can go only on the basis of what you post.
When I bought this product I had hoped to use it, not spend a week *learning how* to use it.
Many software apps that perform complex tasks require some learning time. True Image is one of those.
The articles I searched were similar, but different from my situation.
In what way?
If you'd lose the attitude, you'd see that I gave you important information:
- to do a backup, not a clone
- that you can use the external HD
- that need the optional Plus Pack
- that you'll need at least need the chipset driver during restore
- and, I gave you links to approved guides
I learned long ago that if you show up at a forum requesting help and immediately criticize the volunteers, you're unlikely to receive help. In spite of that, I gave you answers.
Hello John,
welcome to Acronis Forum and thank you for your question.
tuttle, thank you very much for your help!
John, first of all I'd like to remind you of Acronis Forum Terms of Use that you've agreed with. The main point is friendly atmosphere and respect for all forum members. I won't remove or edit your posts this time, but you can do it yourself.
I'm really sorry that you've faced difficulties while using Acronis software, but you should understand, that Acronis Forum is not a primary support channel. It’s designed mainly for sharing experience, collecting feedback and joint Community efforts for addressing technical issues.
Our volunteers help other community members be successful with Acronis software and their great efforts are highly appreciated, but they do not have any commitment for answering all posts.
In case of emergency we always recommend contacting support directly via chat or email.
As for your question, you can use cloning, if new hardware uses the same boot device drivers. Here you can find general instruction on how to clone laptop hard disks. If your new laptop has different hard drive controller, you will need to follow this guide.
If it doesn't work for you (e.g. disks cannot be selected or cloned/restored system is unbootable) please create system reports from bootable media and from Windows and submit a support ticket.
Let me know if you have additional questions.
Thank you.