Back up Any Hard Drive

How to Back up Any Hard Drive(1)

This method makes an image copy of your existing hard drive on a spare hard drive, and works for almost any operating system provided that the PC also has a floppy drive.

An image is an exact memory copy of your PC rather than just a copy of its files. The PC can be run from the image hard drive should the original ever fail, or when a new hard drive is otherwise necessary. This means, provided all of the installation, passwords, and application settings have already been done prior to making the copy , they need not be done again when the image hard drive is used.

This method is independent of a drive's contents. It runs from files on a floppy disc made by the Clonemaxx download. In addition, because it transfers data without much processor involvement, (DMA transfer), the cloning is reasonably fast.

Steps

1.Download the software PC Inspector Clonemaxx; it is a free download of only 750KB. Get your spare hard drive ready. Set the cross-connects on the new drive to slave for the copying process.

2.Do not run the file until the drives are both in place.

3.Prepare the PC. Make sure that the PC is how you want it, with all of the installation of software done, virus-checked and defragged, ready to go. Shut down the PC, and for safety, disconnect the power cord.

<-PATA or IDE Drive Data Cable






These images show the typical cables needed to connect the new hard drive. See the comments below concerning borrowing them from the CD/DVD drive. Note that there are often extra power leads ready to use in the case.


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