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Resolved Question

Windows 7 system imaging software effectiveness?

by Sep 9, 2011 12:56AM PDT

I am preparing to replace my primary hard drive. The existing drive has limited space and there are indications that it may not last much longer. I have created a system image on another storage drive and a recovery disk using the software that is built in to windows 7. Is this an effective way to replace my hard drive? Is the windows 7 software reliable?

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stevenorquist has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
5 Posts
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Hard drive imaging
by Sep 9, 2011 11:50AM PDT

Yes the windows 7 image does work if you have to restore a hard drive but it is not as reliable as some others. If you have a WD hard drive Acronis makes a free imaging / restore application available from the WD web site. That works every time, all the time as I have used it on many occasions. Second choice would be Macrium reflect (free also) which works all the time. Macrium is available here or go to their website. Good luck.

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thank you
by stevenorquist Sep 10, 2011 12:05AM PDT

I tried the windows 7 imaging software and was not successful. I have downloaded the Acronis software from Western Digitals website and plan on trying it this afternoon. I am trying to migrate an old Seagate Barricuda to a much larger Western Digital Black. Hopefully this will work. I appreciate your help.

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worked perfectly
by stevenorquist Sep 10, 2011 12:51PM PDT

I used the Acronis cloning software on Western Digitals website. It was easy to use and worked perfectly. I would not recommend the software built into Windows 7 as it did not work for me. Thanks for your help!

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Answer
Hd replace
by Sep 9, 2011 1:31AM PDT

When you get a new HD it should come with a HD>HD copy util.
If not visit the makers site and download such.
Run the util.
Copy old>new.
Replace old HD with new HD.
Done.

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Answer
window 7 system image
by Sep 9, 2011 1:32AM PDT

i went threw the same thing when they had to replace my hard drives. the computer did not reconize the system image disk.so they just replaced my mother board. i hope this help

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