[Reimi]

Hello and good day,

I'm looking for a software with which I can create an image of my HDD as a backup.

I made a backup a few days ago using Clonezilla, which took too long (~7h for 150GB), I was thinking of trying Symantecs Ghost or something like that.

What would you recommend me?

If its relevant, I'm running Windows 7 32bit, 160GB HDD, 2GB RAM, T7500 2,2Ghz
and on the other one Windows 7 64bit, 2x500GB HDD, 4GB RAM, Q6700 2,6Ghz

many thanks in advance, Reimi.

 

[Networks]

Ghost or Acronis so many out there that do this. 7Hr is a very long time for 150GB drive it makes me think something is wrong with the drive either extreme fragmentation or other problems. Check the Hard drive health with hddscan from hddscan.com click on SMART if any values yellow or red replace the drive. Most vendors have diagnostics as well not sure what make and model of your drive is ?

 

[Reimi]

I know that the internal drive is close to failure... therefore I want to back it up regularly until i have a new laptop...
I used HD Tune Pro

and according to the windows defragmenting service the hdd has a fragmentation of only 2%.

The backup is stored via USB 2.0 on a new 2.5" 320 GB WD HDD...

I'll try to create an image with Ghost the next few days. I'll let you know if there was a difference.

thanks for the advice

 

[Networks]

So you want to know the best tool to get an image of a failing hard drive is the better question to post. On the Free Side ddrescue is one to try. The more you run the drive in its current state the less likely for recovery. I would try to copy off the most important data first. if the drive has multiple read errors ghost may choke on it.

 

[Reimi]

I forgot to mention that I started Clonezilla with a failing usb stick... seems not to be the very best times for my storages... :facepalm:

Not just for the failing HDD, as well as for my other computers...
Its just that a HDD near to failure reminded me of how important a backup is.

I'll try Ghost first, if it fails I'll give the others a chance.
I should really copy the most important files first.... thanks!

 

[Reimi]

I've now created a backup image with Ghost. It tooks about 1 1/2h... I'm ok with that.

thank you for the support.