Suggestion for a Disk Cloning software...

[AlexC]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a free disk cloning program that works totally from a live CD, and that is able to create a image of my laptop HD (that contains Linux an Windows in dual boot), to a external hard-drive.

I've tried Redo Backup and Recovery but it won't work in my laptop.

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated

[Brian K]

Alex,

Is Grub2 installed in the MBR?

[Critter2]

clonezilla

[zfactor]

why not just use a image program and make a backup and restore to the new drive?

[AlexC]

Originally Posted by Brian K

Alex,

Is Grub2 installed in the MBR?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Critter2

clonezilla

Thanks for the suggestion. I´ve read about it and i would prefer something a bit more simple, but not necessarily.

Originally Posted by zfactor

why not just use a image program and make a backup and restore to the new drive?

What i want to do is to create a backup image of my HD to a external HD just in case something bad happens. I normally use Macrium to create images of Windows system partition, but i don't know how good it handles Linux partitions, on the other hand i also have the idea that cold imaging is more reliable.

Thanks.

[Brian K]

Alex,

I haven't heard whether Grub2 is installed into the first 103 sectors of all Linux distros. Probably.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showt...=322970&page=2

When restoring your image to a new HD you will need to restore the first 103 sectors otherwise you are in trouble. No problems with restoring the image to the same HD as the first 103 sectors already exist.

[AlexC]

Originally Posted by Brian K

Alex,

I haven't heard whether Grub2 is installed into the first 103 sectors of all Linux distros. Probably.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showt...=322970&page=2

When restoring your image to a new HD you will need to restore the first 103 sectors otherwise you are in trouble. No problems with restoring the image to the same HD as the first 103 sectors already exist.

I´m using Bodhi Linux, that is based in Ubuntu, so i suppose it will be the same...

The only specific thing my system have, is that it uses Grub4Dos to select to boot from Bodhi Linux, Windows 7 or go to Grub2.

Anyone here have used Clonezilla to create an image of a dual-boot and were able to restore that image to the same or a new hard drive?

Thanks

[AlexC]

I have created a clone using Clonezilla, and as soon as i have a spare HD i'll test it.

Clonezilla is easy to use and there's a nice tutorial here: http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/clonezilla.html

[wat0114]

I've used Clozezilla before to clone a disk with multiple partitions, including a Linux part, and it worked flawlessly.

[AlexC]

Good to know, thanks

[pinso]

Originally Posted by AlexC

Yes.


Thanks for the suggestion. I´ve read about it and i would prefer something a bit more simple, but not necessarily.



What i want to do is to create a backup image of my HD to a external HD just in case something bad happens. I normally use Macrium to create images of Windows system partition, but i don't know how good it handles Linux partitions, on the other hand i also have the idea that cold imaging is more reliable.

Thanks.

Really Clonezilla is right tool for you, you want a live CD and Clonezilla fits the bill, i have made an image of my first HDD partition with Clonezilla and it hasn't failed me in any restore process. I have an image made by it and its still good to go.
Infact i had few errors in a lot of Back Up Programs which are commercial (ie. one which has to be paid) but Clonezilla has stod still with me, i have made a live USB and it too works nicely.

But after all its your choice, and their are other tools too.

[AlexC]

@pinso
Thanks for the feedback