Author Archives: zxl123

Copy partition table Windows 7

As we know, once partition table gets damaged, our partitions may get lost. Simultaneously, all files saved in the lost partition will be lost. Therefore, many users choose to backup partition table so as to avoid partition loss. Well then, how to copy partition table in Windows 7? Currently, users can download professional partition table recovery software from the internet to complete the operation, but most programs should be paid. Nevertheless, backing up partition table is more likely a way to protect partition rather than a way to protect data information, and data loss can be caused by mistaken deletion, wrong ghost, and so on. Therefore, Windows 7 users had better clone partition or disk rather than copy partition table to protect data since the former will create an image for all files. This method is highly recommended if important files are saved.

 

There is free drive copy software to backup partitions or disks, and MiniTool Drive Copy is a quite good choice. It provides users with detailed prompts in every step so that mistaken operation can be avoided thoroughly. Moreover, it will not bring any damage to the source partition and data even if power-outage or hardware damage emerges in the process of copying. Next, let’s see steps to copy the entire hard disk.

 

How to Clone Disk with MiniTool Drive Copy

 

Firstly, launch the free drive copy software and we can see the following interface:
minitool-drive-copy-main-interface
There are 2 modules, namely “Disk to Disk” and “Partition to Partition”. The former helps copy all partitions and files rather than clone partition table only, and the latter makes an image for a single partition and its data. Since we are going to clone disk, choose “Disk to Disk” module to get the following interface:
clone-disk-select-source-disk
Here, please select the disk which needs copying and click “Next>”. Then, select the disk that will save the copy of the source disk and click “Next>”.

 

Then, choose a copying method from 3 and click “Next>”. After this operation, a boot note which shows how to boot from the new disk will appear. If users want to boot computer from the source disk, just ignore the information and click “Finish”. If they want to boot from the new disk, set the new disk as the default boot disk in BIOS as the note told.

 

At last, click “Yes” and the free drive copy software will start cloning disk. After all operations are completed, the copy of entire hard disk will be created.

 

Now, copy partition or disk rather than copy partition table in Windows 7 to avoid data loss.

Fastest way to transfer data to external hard disk

When the local hard disk is filled with files, many users choose to transfer a part of files out so as to free up local disk space. Well then, what is the fastest way to transfer data to external hard disk? Copy and paste files one by one? That is unquestionably a time-consuming solution, and users should turn to third party drive clone programs. MiniTool Drive Copy is a good choice.

 

Some users may ask why using this drive copy software is the fastest way to transfer data to external hard disk. Please look at the following reasons:
1. It clones partitions or even the entire hard disk completely rather than copies files one by one, which saves a lot of time.
2. Easy operations are needed, and detailed prompts will be given. Thus, unnecessary operations can be avoided.
3. The copy can be used directly while the image created by most programs is unavailable unless users decode it.

 

How to Transfer Data to External Hard Disk via the Fastest Way

 

Firstly, connect the external hard disk with computer and launch the free drive clone program MiniTool Drive Copy to get its starting interface:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Here, 2 functional modules are provided. “Partition to Partition” helps clone a specified partition while “Disk to Disk” copies the entire hard disk. Here, we take cloning partition for example. Choose the corresponding module and we can see the following interface:
copy-partition-select-source-partition
In this interface all disks and partitions are listed. Please select the partition which needs copying and click “Next>”.

 

Then, select a partition or unallocated space on the external hard disk to create the copy and click “Next>”. Generally, unallocated space is suggested, because all files on the selected partition will be deleted.

 

Next, move and resize the partition which saves the copy and click “Finish” button to get the interface below:
copy-partition-start-copying
At last, click “Yes” and the free drive clone program will start copying partition.

 

After the copy is created, users can delete all data on the source partition to free up local disk space. Now, users would believe this is the fastest way to transfer data from PC or laptop to external hard disk. Note: MiniTool Drive Copy can only be used on non-server computer. For server support, please make use of Server Partition Manager.

How to clone entire hard disk

When an old hard disk (especially the disk which saves OS) does not have enough space to save more files, many users choose to upgrade it to larger disks, which is indeed a wise choice. Nevertheless, users have to solve the problem how to migrate all needed files from source disk to new disk. Unquestionably the best way is to image the entire hard disk, but most users cannot find a good solution since they are inexperienced. Well then, how to clone the entire hard disk to new disk in an easy way? Here, we suggest using the free drive copy software MiniTool Drive Copy.

 

Reasons for Recommending MiniTool Drive Copy

 

Firstly, it is free for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 users to use.
Secondly, Windows copied to new disk will be bootable and other installed programs can be used as usual.
Thirdly, detailed wizards are given to show users specific steps so that almost all users can operate it with ease.
At last, data security can be ensured even if sudden errors like power-outage emerge.

 

How to Clone Entire Hard Disk with MiniTool Drive Copy

 

First of all, users need to launch the free drive copy software to get its starting interface shown below:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Then, choose “Disk to Disk” module to backup the entire hard disk.
how-to-clone-entire-hard-disk-select-source-disk
Next, select the source disk and new disk respectively, and each operation ends with clicking “Next>” button. After that, users need to choose a copying method to construct the layout for new disk, and then click “Next>” to get a boot note:
how-to-clone-entire-hard-disk-boot-note
Please read this note and click “Finish”.

 

At last, click “Yes” to apply all changes. Note: if users clone the current system disk, they need to restart computer, which is for data protection.

 

Now the problem how to clone the entire hard disk has been solved by the free drive clone software MiniTool Drive Copy. For more help on disk copy, please see Copy Disk.

Upgrade system disk without data loss

Question: My current system disk which saves Windows 7 is so small (only 250GB), so I plan to replace it with a 1TB HDD. How can I upgrade system disk without data loss, including Windows, installed programs, and all other data information?

 

Answer: the best way is to clone the entire system disk to the large disk, and drive clone software can help complete the operation with ease since it will create an intact copy for all files and partitions.

 

Nevertheless, though there is plenty of cloning software on the internet, it is not easy to find a safe enough one, let alone excellent freeware. And many users have suffered data loss since they used the program which is with poor quality. Therefore, to download a piece of professional cloning software is the key to success. Here, we recommend using MiniTool Drive Copy since it is free and powerful. More importantly, it can help upgrade system disk without any data loss for all-sided data protecting solutions are provided.

 

Note: this free drive clone software can only be used on non-server Windows platform, like Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 8. For server support, please see Partition Manager Server.

 

How to Upgrade System Disk without Data Loss in MiniTool Drive Copy

 

Step 1: launch the program to get the starting interface shown below:
minitool-drive-copy-main-interface
Step 2: choose the module “Disk to Disk” to clone system disk since it aims at imaging the entire hard disk.
upgrade-system-disk-select-source-disk
Step 3: select the system disk and click “Next>”. Then, select the large disk to save the copy of the system disk and click “Next>”.

 

Step 4: choose a copying method from 4 methods and click “Next>”. After this operation, a boot note which shows how to boot from the new disk will appear. Read the note carefully and click “Finish” to continue.

 

Step 5: click “Yes” to start applying all operations. Note: since the system disk saves Windows which is running, users need to restart the computer. After all operations are completed in boot mode, the computer will reboot. At this time, enter into BIOS and set the new disk as the default boot disk to restart computer.

 

Now all work to upgrade system disk to large disk has been done without data loss. When users have such a need, try using this free drive clone software to clone the entire system disk.

Backup hard drive without booting Windows

To clone the entire hard drive is a quite time-saving way to create a backup for all our files, transfer important files out from a slowly running computer or upgrade old small disk, and users can complete this operation with ease when Windows works normally. That is because there are many excellent Windows drive clone programs, like MiniTool Drive Copy. But what if Windows can not boot or runs extremely slow? Next, we will show users how to backup hard drive without booting Windows.

 

To complete this operation, users need to download a piece of bootable drive copy software since this kind of program can boot computer without Windows OS. Some users may think this kind of software would be quite expensive, but actually there is even freeware, MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable CD, for example.

 

It is every easy to use this drive clone freeware since no complex operations are required and detailed prompts are given. Next, let’s see specific steps to backup hard drive without booting Windows.

 

Note: MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable CD is just an iso file which should be burnt to CD, DVD, or USB flash disk. And users can boot computer via this bootable disc.

 

How to Backup Hard Drive without Booting Windows

 

Put bootable CD to CD driver or connect bootable USB flash drive with computer to boot computer. Note: if Windows can boot normally, users need to set the CD or USB flash disk as the default first boot disk. Otherwise, the computer will boot from the device which enjoys the boot priority. Then, we can see the Welcome interface of Partition Wizard Boot Disc:
minitool-partition-wizard-welcome-interface
Please choose “Boot from Partition Wizard Boot Disc (Safe Mode)” and press “Enter” on keyboard.
choose-display-resolution
Then, choose a suitable display resolution. If users do not make a choice, the bootable drive copy software will select the first one by default. After that, we can see the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard:

minitool-partition-wizard-boot-disc-main-interface
Please select the disk which needs copying and click “Copy Disk” module.
backup-hard-drive-without-booting-windows-select-target-disk
Then, select the target disk to copy content saved on source disk to and click “Next>”. Note: all data on the target disk will be erased, so please make a backup in advance.
backup-hard-drive-without-booting-windows-choose-copying-method
Next, choose a copying method and click “Next>”.
backup-hard-drive-without-booting-windows-boot-note
This is a boot note which shows how to boot from the target disk. After getting it, please click “Finish” to continue.
backup-hard-drive-without-booting-windows-apply-change
Now we can see disk 1 has been copied to disk 2, so please click “Apply” button on the top left corner to perform all changes. When all changes are performed, just shut down the bootable drive copy software and take out or disconnect the boot disc.

 

Now, we are successful to backup hard drive without booting Windows. If users want to copy hard drive when Windows runs normally, please see Copy Disk to get detailed information.

How to make a bootable disk clone

When it comes to cloning the disk that installs OS, most users pay much attention to the problem whether the clone is bootable. Indeed, questions, for example I cloned HDD but computer won’t boot from the new disk, are often asked on the internet. Aiming at this situation, we are going to show users how to make a bootable disk clone.

 

Firstly, download a piece of professional drive clone software from the internet since inferior software may damage your data so as to affect the OS boot. If users do not know which one to choose, try using MiniTool Drive Copy which is free and easy to use. Note: this program does not support Windows server. For server support, please see partition manager server. Then, install and launch the cloning tool to start creating bootable disk clone.
minitool-drive-copy-main-interface
This is the starting interface of MiniTool Drive Copy. Please choose “Disk to Disk” module in this interface.

how-to-make-a-bootable-disk-clone-select-source-disk
Here, please select the OS disk as the source disk and click “Next>”. Then, select the disk which will save the image of the source disk as the target disk and click “Next>”.

 

Next, choose a copying method to construct the layout of target disk and click “Next>”. After that, a note which shows how to boot from the target disk will emerge:
how-to-make-a-boot-disk-clone-boot-note
This is the key point to solve the problem how to make a bootable disk clone. If users want to boot Windows from the target disk, set the target disk as the default boot disk in BIOS if they want to keep using the source disk as data disk. If they do not make such a setting, the OS saved in the hard disk which enjoys the boot priority will boot automatically next time for it also contains Windows. After knowing this information, please click “Finish” button.

 

At last, click “Yes” to start cloning. Note: since users are imaging the disk which saves the Windows OS that is running, they will be prompted to restart the computer. Do as told and the drive clone software will perform all operations in boot mode. Then, the computer will reboot automatically.

 

Now users would know how to make a bootable disk clone.

Safe disk clone software download

To image the disk which saves important files is a quite useful way to avoid losses caused by data loss, and nowadays disk clone software can help complete this kind of operations. Nevertheless, just because these files are significant, to download a safe disk clone software becomes a tough issue.

 

Users have to face the problem that there are lots of unsafe cloning programs which may cause data loss or even system crash while secure apps are always expensive. Actually, there is free and safe disk clone software, but inexperienced users have some difficulties in downloading this kind of software. Therefore, we recommend MiniTool Drive Copy in this post, hoping it helpful.

 

This freeware is able to clone both system disk and data disk, and data protecting solutions are provided in every step to ensure 100% data security. For example, even if power outage emerges in the process of cloning disk, all original data will not be influenced since it is designed with power-off protection. Moreover, detailed operating steps are shown clearly so that users can operate with ease. Therefore, it is worth downloading this safe disk clone software for both disk backup and upgrade. Next, let’s see specific operations.

 

How to Clone Disk with MiniTool Drive Copy

 

Firstly, download and install the safe disk clone software on computer. Then, launch it to get its main interface:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Then, choose the module “Disk to Disk” since it is specially designed for disk clone while “Partition to Partition” is only for imaging a single partition.
clone-disk-select-source-disk
Next, select the disk which needs cloning and click “Next>”. Then, choose the disk that will save the copy of the source disk and click “Next>”. After that, users will be entitled to choose a copying method. Just choose the desired one according to actual demands and click “Next>”. Then, a boot note will pop up, which shows how to set the target disk as the default boot disk. Read it carefully and click “Finish”. After confirming operations, click “Yes” to perform all operations.

 

Now, to clone a disk is completed. If users also have such a need, download the recommended safe disk clone software to free backup you hard disk.

Mirroring Windows boot drive to another drive

Problem: My Windows 7 is saved on a 120GB SSD which is for system boot only. However, as Windows OS may crash in one day, mirroring Windows boot drive to another drive seems quite requisite since I can restore Windows from the mirror very easily. How can I complete this operation in easy operations or which program can save me a lot of time?

 

Solution: MiniTool Drive Copy, a piece of free drive clone software, is available. The most outstanding feature in this program is that users can boot computer from the image it creates successfully. Moreover, users can use it for free in Windows 2000 professional, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and even Windows 10 Technical Preview.

 

Note: mirroring Windows boot drive to another drive will erase all data on another drive, so users had better employ an empty drive to save the image or backup important files in advance. Moreover, since the boot drive installs the Windows OS which is running,, users will be asked to reboot computer, which is for data protection. Just do as the freeware tells.

 

Mirroring Windows Boot Drive to another Drive with MiniTool Drive Copy

 

Firstly, launch the free drive clone software to get its main interface shown below:
minitool-drive-copy-main-interface
Then, choose “Disk to Disk” module since it is to clone the entire hard disk. After that, all disks will be listed:
mirroring-windows-boot-drive-to-another-drive-select-boot-drive
Please select the boot drive that will be mirrored and click “Next>”. Then, select a disk as the target disk to save the copy of the boot drive and click “Next>”. After that, users will be prompted to choose one of copying methods from 3 and click “Next>”. Then, a boot note will pup up:
mirroring-windows-boot-drive-to-another-drive-boot-note
It tells where to set the target disk as the default boot disk. Since the target disk is just for backup, ignore the note and click “Finish”. After this operation, users will be prompted to restart the computer. Do as the free drive clone software told.

 

When all operations have been completed and Windows reboot successfully, mirroring Windows boot drive to another drive is done.

Free backup hard drive for laptop

Question: I bought a 1TB external hard disk to backup my laptop, but I haven’t found a satisfied cloning tool largely because I just want freeware. Who can recommend me a utility to free backup hard drive for my laptop? Much appreciate.

 

These kinds of questions are often asked since most cloning programs are expensive, but now a piece of excellent drive clone freeware will be introduced to help users solve the problem with ease. That is MiniTool Drive Copy.

 

By using this program, users are able to clone a single partition to another partition on the same disk or another disk or backup the entire hard disk (no matter how many partitions it has) to another hard disk as long as the latter can hold all content saved on the source disk. Moreover, operations are pretty simple. Next, let’s see how to free backup hard drive for laptop by using this drive clone freeware.

 

Clone Hard Drive with MiniTool Drive Copy

 

Step 1: launch the program to get its main interface shown below:

minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Step 2: we can see 2 modules in the main interface, namely “Disk to Disk” and “Partition to Partition”. Please choose the former to backup the entire hard drive.
free-backup-hard-drive-for-pc-select-source-disk
Step 3: select the hard drive which needs cloning and click “Next>”. Then, select the external hard disk to save the copy and click “Next>”.

 

Step 4: set disk layout by choosing a copying method and click “Next>”. After that, a note will pop up:
free-backup-hard-drive-for-pc-read-note
Step 5: read the note carefully and click “Finish” to continue.

 

Step 6: click “Yes” to start applying all changes.

 

After all operations are performed, to free backup hard drive for laptop will be completed by recommended drive clone freeware. For more information about hard drive clone, please see Copy Disk.

Backup hard drive before format

Formatting is a common operation to clear a hard drive or fix some soft errors, but it will delete all existing files, and deleted files can not be found from the Windows recycle bin. Therefore, many users want to backup the hard drive before format if important data are saved. Well then, how to complete this kind of backup?

 

The Best Way to Backup a Hard Drive

 

Since Windows does not provide a good way to clone a hard drive, users need the help of third party drive clone program. Nevertheless, professional software is always so expensive that many users are unwilling to purchase it. Aiming at this situation, we suggest using MiniTool Drive Copy to backup the hard drive before format since it is a piece of freeware with powerful capabilities. Moreover, it is also easy to use.

 

Functions in MiniTool Drive Copy

 

This drive clone program provides users with 2 modules to create a backup. One is to image a partition, and the other is to copy hard disk:
minitool-drive-copy-main-interface
Just choose the reasonable one according to practical situations. Since we are planning to backup the hard drive before formatting it, “Partition to Partition” is recommended. Click this module and we can see the following interface:
backup-hard-drive-select-source-drive
This interface lists all disks and partitions, and we need to select the drive which needs copying and click “Next>”.

 

Then, select an unallocated space (recommended) or existing partition to save the copy of the source partition and click “Next>”.

 

Next, change the size and location for the new partition and click “Finish”.

 

At last, click “Yes” button to perform all changes made just now. After all operations are completed, the image for the source partition has been created. That is to say all files have been backed up. At this time, we can format the hard drive without worrying about data loss. Turn to the free drive clone program MiniTool Drive Copy when users need to copy partition or copy hard disk.