New Computer set up

[NetNathan]

Either VM or drive cloning.
I keep a clone (fully cloned disk....not an image file) of my laptop HDD.
On a regular basis I update the clone.
Then...any issues or a new laptop......I just bring out the clone and duplicate the new disk.

 

[ControlSysNick]

Out of curiosity, what s/w do you use for drive cloning?

 

[NetNathan]

Out of curiosity, what s/w do you use for drive cloning?

Software?........yuk
Hardware cloning is far easier to me. Then your clone is always ready to go....just swap disks.
I use 1 of these:
https://www.startech.com/HDD/Duplicators/?page=all
Less than 60 bucks at NewEgg.com....probably better from Amazon.
Neo makes a pretty good one also.

 

[NetNathan]

You will notice a hardware clone does not need software install or a PC.
It just builds a cloned disk by duplicating (cloning) the original disk to a new disk.

The USB is for using a disk as a spare drive.

 

[ControlSysNick]

Using a dedicated disk duplicator is not something I have considered as a backup / cloning option.

Just so I understand the process... you regularly remove the hard drive from your laptop and place it in the duplicator to create a cloned disk?

 

[NetNathan]

Using a dedicated disk duplicator is not something I have considered as a backup / cloning option.

Just so I understand the process... you regularly remove the hard drive from your laptop and place it in the duplicator to create a cloned disk?

When the PC is first setup and fully updated with Win7 updates......I clone it to the new disk.
After I install all the necessary software.....and it is running fine......I clone it again and over write the original clone (you could start a new "backup" clone and save the "original").

Then....on a regular basis as the installed disk gets more WIN7 updates and installed programming software updates, I clone over the "backup" clone.....to keep it up to date.


The best use of the duplicator is in my supplied systems. I am an OEM + Integrator.
I always buy the same Dell PC to supply with the job. When the new PC shows up, I just pull the HDD and clone it to my backup clone.
Ready to go......Updated Win7 (and ALL the correct Windows settings),Adobe reader, GE Proficy Machine Edition, Intouch and DAServer setup and ready to go.