If you use a computer, you should know that cloning a HDD has various advantages. Here we will explain the advantages and how to make one, as well as introduce some free software that can be used conveniently, so read on if you are interested in what a clone is. We will also describe how to clone a DVD so you can make a backup of your precious footage.
What is a clone and why cloning?
A clone is a backup of data, so those who already back up their data on media such as CDs or USB drives may not feel the need for it. However, there are different benefits to cloning, so it’s good to know for those who want to use their computer comfortably.
1.1 Reasons to clone an OS (Operating System)
When a computer becomes sluggish, there may be cases where resolving the issue requires reinstalling the OS, such as Windows or iOS. The problem then becomes the time it takes to restore the computer to its previous state. If you reinstall the OS, it is often not the latest version, so there may be security concerns. Therefore, you would need to connect to the internet and update it, which can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours.
By creating a clone of the HDD, you can back up the OS at that particular moment, ensuring it is up to date. When there is trouble, instead of reinstalling, you can apply the cloned OS, saving time by avoiding the need for updates.
1.2 Cloning can also include various drivers
There are numerous peripheral devices, such as printers or IC card readers, that require drivers to function on a computer. When reinstalling the OS, getting these drivers again can be cumbersome. However, with cloning, you can back up the drivers, eliminating the need to obtain them again. In other words, by creating a clone with the OS and drivers fully installed, you can restore your computer to a perfect state at any time.
1.3 Ability to transfer data to a different drive
One of the advantages of cloning is that you can migrate your previous environment seamlessly when replacing your HDD with a new one. Simply moving the data would not allow the OS to function properly. However, with cloning, the transition is smooth, without any issues. Cloning supports not only HDD but also the faster read and write speeds of SSD, so it’s worth considering for those who want to improve their computer’s performance.
Introducing free software for free HDD cloning
There are several free HDD cloning software options available that I would like to introduce.
- EaseUS Todo Backup Free: This popular software offers various functions, including creating clone disks and performing backups. It is well-known and widely used by a large number of users, including those in Japan. It is recommended for beginners as it provides easy troubleshooting solutions. However, some versions may have limited access to the clone function, so it is advisable to search for older versions in such cases.
- AOMEI Backupper: This software not only supports cloning but also features backup and restore functions. It includes an intelligent sector clone feature that skips bad sectors, ensuring a more reliable and secure operation.
- Macrium Reflect Free Edition: This software allows for both full disk and partial backups, making it versatile and suitable for various purposes. Although it is not available in Japanese, unofficial translation files can be found, allowing users to utilize the software in Japanese.
Please note that while the aforementioned software options are available for free, there are also paid versions that offer additional convenient features. If you require more advanced functionalities, it may be worth considering upgrading to the paid versions.
General procedure to clone a HDD
The general procedure for creating a clone of an HDD may vary depending on the software used, but there are some common steps that can be followed. For more detailed instructions, it is recommended to consult the manual of the specific software being used.
(1) Start the software and look for the clone option in the menu.
Most free software that allows HDD cloning typically offers a variety of functions with different menus. Choose the clone option and display the main window for performing the task.
(2) Select the drive you want to clone.
The window should provide the option to select the desired drive for cloning, whether it is an HDD or an SSD. It is advisable to organize the data within the selected drive beforehand. If no specific settings are made, all data will be copied, so it is best to remove unnecessary files.
(3) Choose the destination for the clone and execute the process.
Simply select the destination drive for the clone and execute the process. The software will copy the data to the new drive. Additionally, there may be options available to selectively copy certain files or to convert between HDD standards such as MBR and GPT. Since the capabilities of each software may differ, it is essential to thoroughly read the manual if using any of the optional settings.
Some software can clone DVDs.
There are software available that can create dvd オーサリング, not just for HDD. One recommended software for those who want to create clones of DVDs is DVDFab DVD Copy.
DVDFab DVD Copy is easy to use and even individuals who are not computer-savvy can operate it easily. However, it is crucial to consider that commercial DVDs have copyrights, so it is important to use the software accordingly. If you are cloning DVDs that you have personally created or those created by acquaintances, there should be no problem. The software provides six copy modes, which cater to almost every DVD duplication requirement.
The six modes offered by DVDFab DVD Copy can be freely chosen as follows:
- Clone/Burn: This mode allows you to back up the entire DVD, just like HDD cloning software. It is useful when you want to create an exact replica without compromising the quality.
- Full Disc: This mode also enables you to copy the entire DVD, but you can compress the data if needed. It comes in handy when you want to fit a dual-layer DVD onto a single-layer DVD.
- Main Movie: This mode lets you copy only the main content of the DVD, excluding any unnecessary parts. It allows for exclusion of unwanted sections, resulting in a simplified DVD.
- Merge: This mode allows you to combine two or more DVDs into one disc. If you want to merge multiple DVDs with limited storage capacity into a single disc, this mode is ideal.
- Split: This mode allows you to split a dual-layer DVD into two separate discs to fit on a single-layer DVD. Since there is no need to compress the data, you can retain the video quality.
- Customize: This mode allows you to select and copy multiple titles or chapters according to your preferences. If you want to create a personalized DVD, you can customize it with various options.
These versatile options provided by DVDFab DVD Copy make it a reliable software for creating clones of DVDs according to your specific needs.
Conclusion
There are several free software packages that have very simple interfaces and are easy to use, so cloning is much easier than you might think. Since it takes a lot of effort and money to try to recover important data after it has been lost, it is a good idea to clone both HDDs and DVDs in case of trouble. You never know when a failure may occur, so we recommend that you act quickly if you are concerned. If you want to learn about オーサリングとは, you can read this article.