Windows xp pro sp/2

I am adding an identical 500GB Sata drive in an external enclosure to a system, and I want to use True Image to clone the main drive. In the event of failure, I plan on simply installing the drive in the enclosure in place of the failed drive. Will it work as planned?

 

It should ... just remember to update the clone as you make changes to the original. You should also test the clone by installing it in the computer to make sure it will boot up.

 

Hello eaglewolf1949,

Thank you for choosing Acronis Disk Backup Software.

Please notice that DwnNdrty is correct. However, please be aware that there are two approaches available:

Clone Disk - migrates/copies the entire contents of one disk drive to another;

Backup - creates a special archive file for backup and disaster recovery purposes;

Please take a look at this FAQ article explaining the difference between Clone Disk and Backup approaches in more detail.

Actually, Clone Disk approach is usually used to upgrade the hard drive (e.g. install a larger disk), while Backup approach is basically dedicated for the complete data backup and disaster recovery purposes. Since you are interested in backing up your hard drive for the disaster recovery purposes, we would recommend you to follow Backup approach.

Moreover, there are several advantages of creating an image over the disk cloning procedure such as: you can create an image without rebooting your PC, image creation can be scheduled for the particular point in time, Acronis True Image allows you to create incremental and differential images, image archive contains only the actual data and so it has a smaller size, images are ordinary files and so they can be stored on any type of the supported media, etc. However, the final choice is always up to your needs.

You can find more information on how to use Acronis True Image in the respective User's Guide.

If you still decide to use cloning method, please also see this article regarding some necessary precautions.

Thank you.
--
Marat Setdikov

 

I'd make backup images to the external drive. That way you can keep several backups instead of just one (unless the 500GB drive is almost full).

This is a much more flexible arrangement. All you have to do if the original drive becomes corrupted is restore an image. You can do this to the original drive or a brand new one.

More importantly, you can verify the image and confirm that it is a good backup. With a clone, you would have to actually install the drive to test each backup.