Good time.
In my notes, I often mention that "you need to make backups, it will save both time and nerves", but how to do them - almost did not tell. There are actually a bunch of ways. What to choose?..
Firstly, if you need a copy of a file, then the easiest way is to simply drop it onto a USB flash drive / external drive (and there is nothing to advise here!).
Secondly, when it comes to a folder "My documents" (or any other where your documents are periodically updated and you would not want to be constantly distracted by "small things") - then the best option may be авто auto-copying a folder to a cloud drive (set it up once - and forgot, everything works automatically! ).
But what about copies of the system disk with Windows (+ settings and programs on it)? Here everything is a little more complicated ... Actually, this is what today's article will be about ... 👇
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Making a complete copy of the Windows system partition
STEP 1: backup options
In general, there are different ways to create additional. copies of system partition data:
- 👉 you can think about a RAID array (this is difficult for beginners, and does not always save you from all sorts of problems);
- 👉 you can "send" a disk to an image file using the special programs (everything would be fine, but when extracting data from this file-image, a lot of difficulties can arise ...);
- 👉 ✔ You can buy a cheap SSD (the size of which = the size of your OS partition) and make a direct mirror copy of the data on it. In my opinion, this is the best option!
System partition
Why do I recommend the 3rd option:
- the disk will be a complete copy and it will be possible to connect it at any time (in 1-2 minutes!) to a PC / laptop and continue your work;
- to access the created backup, we do not need to look for any additional. programs, and we do not depend on the OS settings in any way (and to extract the file-images - they will need to be found, installed, etc.);
- this method protects against almost any "problems" with the main disk on the PC: from viruses, fur. damage, crooked hands, file system errors, theft, etc. (you will always know that at home you have a disk with a copy of the entire system on your shelf. That means you will be calm ... 👌).
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STEP 2: what will be needed, preparation
For work we need:
- SSD storage. Data is copied to it faster than to HDD, and this will save a lot of time (when creating a backup)!
- SATA to USB adapter: to connect a disk to a USB port (preferably with USB 3.0 support). These can be found, for example, 👉 in Chinese online stores;
- as an option: instead of an SSD with an adapter, you can use an external drive (but I don’t really like this method, because you cannot connect such a drive to a PC / laptop in 30 seconds if the main one breaks down).
SSD drive and adapter for connecting it to USB
We also need specials. program - 👉 MiniTool Partition Wizard (in my example I will use version 11.6). It is with the help of it that we will create a complete copy of the disk (later, to access the copy, it will not be needed!).
The disk is connected!
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STEP 3: an example of creating a copy
And so, we assume that the disk is connected to the USB 3.0 port (it will be faster!) And the MiniTool Partition Wizard is running.
Loading the program
Now in the menu you need to use the migration wizard from one disk to another (in English. "Migrate OS to SSD / HDD").
Note that this function works both for transferring the entire system partition from HDD to SSD, and from SSD to SSD (and any other variations).
Migrate OS
Then you should choose the option "B" (i.e. transfer only the Windows partition).
To transfer ordinary files / folders, in my opinion, is easier without any additional. programs - through the explorer. ✔
Move the system partition from Windows
After that, all drives connected to the PC / laptop will be displayed in front of you. Choose one, on which there will be a backup has been saved (important: all data on this disk will be deleted!).
Selecting a disk for a copy
Next specify "one.Fit partitions to entire disk " and click OK (ie we "fill" the entire backup disk with our copy ...).
How to fill a disk
Well, the last "touch": press "Apply" to perform the specified operation.
Accept changes
The copy preparation operation should begin (see the example in the screenshot below).
Copying process
After that, the utility will prompt you to restart the computer to transfer all the information - you should click on the button "Restart now" (I warn you in advance: copying information can take quite a long time. For example, in my case, about 300 GB on an SSD when connected to USB 3.0 were transferred in ~ 40-45 minutes).
Reboot now
In general, after a reboot, you just have to wait until the data is copied. When the copy operation is completed, the computer will restart automatically ...
We are waiting for the completion of the operation
Actually, that's all, the copy is ready!
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How can this copy be used later:
- connect a disk to the PC (to the SATA interface) and immediately boot from this OS;
- connect a disk via an adapter (SATA-USB) and copy any files from it;
- also through the MiniTool Partition Wizard utility to migrate and transfer both the system and files from the backup disk to the main one ...
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Alternatives are welcome!
Happy work!
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