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Question

OS reinstallation & system backup/disk cloning?

Apr 2, 2014 3:33AM PDT

I am preparing for a contractor to undertake an Windows 7 OS reinstallation & some other infrastructure matters on my 2 computer home user system.

In all the detail of my preparation, I had become tired & lost sight of the fact that i am not only going to lose my data (D drive-to be backed up) but that also I will lose all my C drive contents.

I then realised that perhaps a back up of my C drive by a system backup/disk cloning might be in order too?There are certain things that I could let go, & some perhaps worth retaining.

Would a C drive (system) back up be recommended? Is it advisable to utilise a 'Ghost' software 'image' that is up to 5 years old?

Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Since you want to backup. How about?
Apr 2, 2014 3:38AM PDT

How about buying a new blank HDD and have the old HDD put into some enclosure for you to access later?

This way you sidestep a lot of learning about backups.
Bob

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Now there's an idea...!
Apr 2, 2014 3:01PM PDT

Yes, good idea. Will save me time. Nor will I have to ask the contractor to do this, saving $.

I do use my external HDD regularly for data back up. This has 4 partitions-i) text ii) images & music iii) & iv) for assorted old files storage--& even if I cleaned out the assorted old files storage, I would only get around 100GB.

My main machine HDD storage/size displays 1100GB approx (I wonder if I read this correctly?).

A new HDD would logistically & procedurally maintain a strict separation between data & system, correct?

Thanks.

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The idea that partitions protect data was dashed long ago.
Apr 2, 2014 3:14PM PDT

But do as you wish. At least the discussion about it being safer for our files has been discussed so it's strictly our choice.
Bob

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seeking clarification re. HDD
Apr 2, 2014 6:08PM PDT

Have been doing some research on HDD vis. planned OS reinstallation.

Upthread you stated:-
"How about buying a new blank HDD and have the old HDD put into some enclosure for you to access later?"

In light of the research, I had to think further about what you've written.

Here, are you thinking in terms of a blank _internal_ HDD?? I surmise so when you mention 'put into some enclosure...'.

Thanks.

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Re: HDD
Apr 2, 2014 6:14PM PDT

What Bob meant:
- A new internal HDD to install the OS on.
- Keep the old HDD in an enclosure as external hard disk.

Is your d-drive a separate disk, or just a partition on the same disk as your c-drive?

Kees

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Helps to clarify the matter
Apr 3, 2014 1:58PM PDT

Thanks--this is what I thought Bob meant.

On my present HDD, d-drive is a partition on same disk as c-drive.

Elius