Free disk cloning tool

[tech291083]

Hi,

I want to learn disk cloning. I have one 80 GB SATA disk with Windows XP and Fedora 16 (this is a dual boot system) on different partitions. Can I copy this disk to another disk with the same capacity or more with both the OS and settings remaining intact? Which free/open source tool should I use? Thanks.

[gurutech]

I use a program called HD Clone. It's free (with additional abilities with a paid version).

The free version has been enough for me, so I haven't upgraded. Only needed to use it 3 or 4 times, not enough to justify the cost of upgrading.

It does run slower on the free version though, but a full 80gb drive should be complete within about 2-3 hours, provided there are no bad sectors on either drive.

[nonamedotc]

There is also clonezilla - Clonezilla Home page

[David Batson]

I did this not too long ago with 2 identical hard drives using a Clonezilla live CD and dd (aka data destroyer )

Switch to root with: sudo i
Note: Your hard drives might be identified different than mine.

$ sudo i
# dd if=/dev/sda of=/dev/sdb

http://www.mail-archive.com/clonezil.../msg00764.html

[stevea]

Why would you want to use a proprietary tool for something so easy ?

Try 'gparted' from a live CD. Has cut&paste partition feature.
What more do you need ?