Author Archives: zxl123

Clone SD card with different size

Question: the old 16GB SD card has no more space to save new files, so I bought a 64GB one recently. I would like to image the old small SD card to the new SD card, but they are in different size. Is it possible to clone SD card with different size? If yes, please show me detailed steps.

These kinds of questions are often asked on the internet, so we will give corresponding answers in this post. Firstly, it is absolutely possible to clone SD card with different size, including small SD card to large SD and large SD card to small SD card, since cloning is much related to data amount rather than device size. As long as the target device can hold all data on the source device, cloning SD is possible. Then, let’s see solutions.

Professional drive clone software can help complete this kind of clone, and here we highly suggest using MiniTool Drive Copy since it is free, safe, and powerful. Next, detailed operating steps will be shown.

How to Clone SD Card with Different Size

Firstly, connect both SD card with computer and then launch the free drive clone software to get the starting interface which is shown below:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
There are 2 modules on the starting interface. Please select “Disk to Disk” since it is specially used to clone the entire disk especially when there are more than 2 partitions on the SD card. Click this module and we can see the following interface:
clone-sd-card-with-different-size-select-source-sd-card
Now, please select the SD card which needs cloning and click “Next>”. Then, choose the large SD card and click “Next>”. After that, users will be asked to choose a copying method:

Please choose a desired one and click “Next>”. Then, a prompt will popup. Read it carefully and click “Finish”.

At last, click “Yes” to perform all operations. After that, to clone SD card with different size will be completed.

If users would like to copy hard disk, USB flash disk, etc, take the same method or see copy disk for more help.

Move data from one drive to another

Scenario: My PC has 3 drives, namely C: with 80GB, D: with 120GB, and E: with 750GB. Most things are saved in D, so it is nearly full, but E only installs several MB files. Therefore, I want to move everything from D to E. Who can show me the fastest way to move data from one drive to another? I do not want to transfer these files one by one, because they are so huge.

Solution: to move files one by one is indeed not a wise choice, for it will cost much time. And here we suggest copy the entire partition to another partition. There is free drive copy software to complete this kind of clone. If users do not know which program to select, try using MiniTool Drive Copy which can help move data from one drive to another with saving a lot of time and ensuring data security.

Note: to clone one partition to another, users need to transfer files installed in the partition which will save the copy of the source partition, because these files will be overwritten and can not be recovered.

How to Move Data from One Drive to Another with MiniTool Drive Copy

Before cloning partition, users need to download and install the free drive copy software to computer. Then, launch it to get the starting interface below:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
In the starting interface please choose the module “Partition to Partition” since it is specially designed to clone a single partition.
move-data-from-one-drive-to-another-select-source-partition
Next, select the partition which needs copying and click “Next>”. Then, choose the partition that will save the copy of the source partition and click “Next>”.

Then, change partition size and location of the specified partition if they are not reasonable, and then click “Finish”.

At last, click “Yes” to start copying one partition to another partition. After the copy is completed, to move data from on drive to another drive is also completed by this free drive copy software.

Migrate partition to USB hard drive

Question: recently, I configured a brand new PC so I need to install all necessary programs. In order to save time, I’m going to copy these apps from my friend’s computer, which are saved in a partition. Who can show me the fastest way to migrate a partition to USB hard drive so that I can copy it to the new PC with ease?

Answer: using free drive clone software must be the best choice. Don’t worry about security of freeware, for there is excellent drive copy freeware, like MiniTool Drive Copy. Well then, how does this program migrate a partition from PC or laptop to USB hard drive? Please look at the following operations.

Note: this program is free only for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or other non-server Windows users. For server support, users may need to purchase MiniTool Partition Wizard Server Edition.

How to Migrate Partition to USB Hard Drive with MiniTool Drive Copy

First of all, download and install the free drive clone software to computer. Then, connect the USB hard drive with computer and launch the program to get its main interface:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Here, please choose “Partition to Partition” to clone a single partition since “Disk to Disk” is for disk copy.
migrate-partition-to-usb-hard-drive-select-source-partition
Now we can see all disks (both local disk and external disk) and partitions. Please select the partition which needs copying and click “Next>”. Then, choose a partition or unallocated space on USB hard drive to save the copy and click “Next>”. To prevent important data on USB hard drive from being overwritten, users had better choose or created an unallocated space to save the copy or backup data in advance.

Next, change partition size and location according to actual demands and click “Finish”.

At last, click “Yes” button to start migrating the partition to USB hard drive.

When the free drive clone software shows copying partition is completed, our work will be done.

Copy partition to another partition

Question: one of my partitions saves a lot of important files. In order to keep these files 100% safe, I want to make an image for the very partition. Is it possible to copy one partition to another partition rather than entire disk? If yes, please give me a suggestion.

Answer: transferring files via copying partition is really a good choice, for it will save lots of time. And there are free drive copy programs which can copy a partition to another partition without data loss, like MiniTool Drive Copy. It provides 2 modes to backup information, including disk copy and partition copy, so users can make the best choice according to actual demands.

Moreover, it supports cloning MBR disk and GPT disk as well as FAT partition and NTFS partition. And Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 or even Windows 10 users can use it for free. Next, let’s see steps to clone a partition.

How to Copy One Partition to another Partition with MiniTool Drive Copy

Firstly, launch the free drive copy program to get the window below:

minitool-drive-copy-main-window
Here, we need to choose the module “Partition to Partition” since we are going to copy partition rather than entire disk. Then, the following interface will appear:
copy-partition-to-another-select-source-partition
In the interface above select the partition which needs copying and click “Next>”. Then, choose the partition that will save the copy of the first-selected partition and click “Next>”. Note: please backup important files on the second partition, because all its files will be overwritten.

Then, change size and location for the partition which saves the copy and click “Finish”.

At last, click “Yes” button to start copying partition.

Once this process ends, to clone partition will be completed. If users also need to copy one partition to another partition rather the entire disk, make use of the free drive copy program MiniTool Drive Copy.

Copy all installed programs to another PC

Q: Recently I got a new PC which installs Windows 8 while my old PC is running Windows 7. I would like to know whether there is a utility that can copy all installed programs from one PC to another since I do not want to reinstall and reconfigure these programs on new PC. By the way, I do want to clone programs only, not including Windows OS. Is there a good idea? Copying files one by one has been deprecated since it will cost a lot of time. PS. I have a 500GB USB external hard disk if it is useful.

A: It is highly suggested that users clone the partition which saves installed programs to another PC’s hard disk since cloning disk will overwrite the hard disk on new PC, containing Windows. If there are multiple partitions to copy, just clone them one by one though it is a little bit time-wasting. And the free drive clone software MiniTool Drive Copy is capable of copying all installed programs to another PC in a quite easy way. For detailed operating steps, please look at the following example.

How to Copy All Installed Programs to another PC with MiniTool Drive Copy

We have said copying the partition which saves programs can help transfer all installed programs with ease, so users just need to copy partition or partitions with the recommended free drive clone software. Of course, an external hard disk is needed. Firstly, please connect the external disk with computer and launch the program to get its main interface:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Then, choose “Partition to Partition” module since it is only for cloning a single partition.

copy-partition-select-source-partition
Next, select the partition which saves installed programs (the source partition) and click “Next>”.

Then, choose a partition or unallocated space on the external disk to save content on 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 start copying partition. After that, to copy a single partition is finished. If other partitions also save needed programs, copy these partitions one by one in the same way. Then, copy partitions on the external disk to new PC. When partitions are cloned, to copy all installed programs to another PC will be completed.

If users just want to copy installed programs but not Windows OS, clone partition with the free drive clone software MiniTool Drive Copy. If to copy content, including installed programs and Windows OS, just clone the entire disk.

How to image factory partition

Computers like HP and Dell are always with a factory recovery partition, which can be used to restore our computers to factory setting so as to fix some computer errors or clear personal information from the system. Therefore, many users would like to make an image for this special partition in case it gets lost. Well then, how to image factory partition without bringing an influence on original data?

To complete this operation, users need to download a piece of drive clone software. Nevertheless, users should select the one which is with high security, for poor program may lead to data loss. Here, we suggest using MiniTool Drive Copy which is a freeware for Windows and safe enough. In addition, it even works to any hidden partitions like factory recovery partition, EFI system partition, and system reserved partition. Therefore, it is the best tool to solve the problem how to image factory partition on Windows platform. Next, we will show users detailed operating steps.

How to Image Factory Partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard

After downloading and installing the program, we need to do the following operations.
1. Launch the free drive clone software to get its main interface shown below:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
2. Choose “Partition to Partition” module since it is specially designed for cloning partition.
how-to-image-factory-partition-select-factory-partition
3. Select the factory recovery partition and click “Next>”. Then, specify a location to save the copy of the selected partition (unallocated space both on local disk and external disk is available) and click “Next>”.

4. Change the size for the newly created partition by dragging the border of sliding handle and move partition location via dragging the entire handle. Then, click “Finish” to get the following interface:
how-to-image-factory-partition-start-cloning
5. Click “Yes” to start cloning.

After all operations are completed, the problem how to image factory recovery partition will be solved. If users also want to make such an image, download the free drive clone software and do as told.

Free Windows OS cloning software

When users plan to upgrade system disk or replace old PC, their best choice is to migrate the OS to new disk if they want to keep running the original Windows on new disk. Well then, is there free Windows OS cloning software to complete this migration without losing any data?

Definitely there is, and MiniTool Drive Copy can be chosen. It supports cloning almost all 32 bit and 64 bit non-server Windows OS from one disk to another, including system information as well as startup files. That is to say Windows on new disk will be bootable.

Moreover, detailed prompts will be given in every interface, which show users operations clearly. When users are making operations that may kill data, the free Windows OS cloning software will give users a warning and ask whether to continue, which can avoid data loss to the largest extent. In addition, if users are cloning the Windows that is running, MiniTool Drive Copy will ask them to restart computer at the end of cloning, and then all operations will be made in boot mode. This is much useful for protecting data.

How to Clone Windows OS with MiniTool Drive Copy

Firstly, launch the free Windows OS cloning software to get the starting interface below:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Then, choose “Disk to Disk” to copy the entire system disk. Choose the corresponding module and we can see the following interface:
how-to-clone-windows-os-select-disk-to-copy
Next, select the disk which needs copying and click “Next>”. Then, select the disk Windows OS will be cloned to and click “Next>”.

Next, choose a copying method from 3 and click “Next>”.

Then, read the popup note which tells how to boot from new disk and click “Finish”.

At last, click “Yes” to start cloning. If the free Windows OS cloning software asks to reboot computer, users just need to do as told. After all operations are completed in boot mode, our computer will restart normally. At this time all work to clone Windows OS is done.

For steps to clone a single partition, please see Copy Partition.

Clone partition C to SSD

Q: I just bought a new SSD and hope to transfer the OS over to it. Is it possible to clone partition C (boot partition) to SSD or would it clone the entire disk? Thanks in advance.

A: there is no need to image the entire disk, and professional drive clone software can help copy a single partition (can be any type of partition, such as system partition, boot partition, recovery partition, and data partition). Here, we recommend the freeware MiniTool Drive Copy for it is highly competent.

Some users may worry about the situation where Windows cloned to SSD can not boot normally. Don’t worry, for lots of users have transferred their Windows OS to SSD via this program successfully. Let’s see how to clone partition or boot partition to SSD.

How to Clone Partition C to SSD with MiniTool Drive Copy

Launch the free drive clone software to get the interface below:
minitool-drive-copy-main-interface
Then, choose “Partition to Partition” to clone boot partition to SSD.
how-to-clone-partition-c-to-ssd-select-partition-c
Next, select partition C and click “Next>”. Then, select an existing partition or unallocated space on SSD to save the copy of partition C and click “Next>”. Note: if users choose existing partition to save the copy, please backup needed files in advance, for all its files will be overwritten.
how-to-clone-partition-c-to-ssd-move-resize-partition
Then, change partition size by dragging the border of the sliding handle and move partition location by dragging the entire handle. After that, click “Finish” button.

Next, click “Yes” to start cloning partition C. However, since the boot partition is being used, users need to restart computer:
how-to-clone-partition-c-to-ssd-restart-computer
Please do as told and the free drive clone software will perform all changes in boot mode, like this:
clone-partition-c-to-ssd-in-boot-mode
As the interface shows, our computer will reboot normally after all operations are completed.

PS. Since users are cloning partition C to SSD, it is very necessary to align the boot partition on SSD. For more information about SSD partition alignment, please see how to align SSD partition.

Fast data clone software

Considering data security and faster data recovery, most users choose to create an image for all their important files. Nevertheless, how to make such an image? Copying and pasting files one by one? That is undoubtedly the most stupid method when there are lots of files to copy, because it is time-wasting and filled with danger. And users had better turn to a third party cloning tool. Here, fast data clone software MiniTool Drive Copy is recommended since it can backup important files quickly, safely and completely.

Instead of copying files one by one, MiniTool Drive Copy images the entire hard disk or partition directly to another (all information will be included), which saves lots of time. Furthermore, the fast data clone software provides data protecting solutions all the time, which can avoid data loss and data damage. More importantly, all copies can be used like the source files.

Some users may think such an excellent program would be much expensive, but it is in fact a piece of freeware. And Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and the future Windows 10 users can free download it to backup their files. For detailed steps, see the following example.

How to Backup Important Files with MiniTool Drive Copy

Firstly, launch the fast data clone software to get its main interface:
minitool-drive-copy-main-interface
Here 2 functional modules are shown clearly, containing “Disk to Disk” for disk clone and “Partition to Partition” for partition image. Please choose the most suitable one according to actual demands. Here, we take copying partition for example. Select the correct module and we can see the following interface:
clone-partition-select-partition-to-copy
In the interface above please select the partition which needs copying and click “Next>”. Then, choose the partition that will save the copy of the selected partition and click “Next>”.
clone-partition-change-partition-size-and-location
Next, specify the new size (change the length of the handle) and location (change the location of the handle) for the selected partition or newly created partition and click “Finish”.

At last, click “Yes” to start copying partition. After that, to clone files is completed.

If users also want to backup their important files quickly and safely, turn to the fast data clone software MiniTool Drive Copy. It would be a good choice.

Clone SSD to larger SSD

Question: I have a 60GB SSD with Windows installed, but it is so small. Therefore, I bought a 240GB SSD recently and plan to clone the old SSD to larger SSD since I am unwilling to reinstall Windows as well as installed programs. Is there a good idea?

Answer: try using the free drive clone software MiniTool Drive Copy for it perfectly supports solid state disk. In addition, Windows OS MiniTool Drive Copy migrates from the source SSD will be bootable like the original one while the copy created by most drive clone programs are often unbootable. Moreover, users are allowed to change partition size during the process of cloning disk. To be specific, they can image all partitions with minimum size, maximum size, or original size. Therefore, it is undoubtedly a wonderful tool to clone SSD to larger SSD.

Nevertheless, it is free only for Windows XP/7/8 and other non-server users. And these users can take the following steps to clone their solid state disk. For server support, please employ MiniTool Partition Wizard Server Edition.

How to Clone SSD to Larger SSD with MiniTool Drive Copy

First of all, launch the free drive clone software to get the starting interface shown below:
minitool-drive-copy-main-interface
Then, choose “Disk to Disk” module since it is specially designed to clone a disk.
clone-ssd-to-larger-ssd-select-source-disk
Next, select the source SSD and click “Next>”. Then, choose the larger SSD and click “Next>”.
clone-ssd-to-larger-ssd-choose-copy-method
Next, choose a copying method and click “Next>”.

Then, read the popup note and click “Finish”.

At last, click “Yes” to start cloning disk. Note: if the source SSD saves Windows which is running, users need to restart computer, which is for data protection.

After these steps, to clone small SSD to larger SSD is finished. So if users want to replace or upgrade solid state disk, try using MiniTool Drive Copy. It is believed that the free drive clone software will not disappoint any non-server Windows user.