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#11
The only other alternatives are "softwares that backup a lot of unnecessary data as well" which it sounds like you want to avoid.
With the method I outlined in Backup Files Using PartedMagic, you can navigate to the folders you want to backup and just copy and paste them.
Last edited by writhziden; 15 Jan 2012 at 10:37. Reason: Added more info about backing up folders
I understand! Okay, so I'll use PartedMagic.
I have an idea in mind, and I want to make sure if it will work. You see, the bad HDD (the crashed partition) had a lot of programs installed, and a lot of custom settings and stuff. Is there some way I can copy that partition's data (settings and programs etc.) to my current HDD, and some way, replicate how my computer was running before the HDD crashed. All the files are intact, so they should (or might) work when copied to a fresh partition. Problem is, WHAT do I need to copy to the new HDD.
It's kinda like 'easy transfer' from one computer to another, with just 2 differences:
1. The HDD (from which the data is to be transferred) is dead
2. The computer is the same, so there's no issue regarding drivers and stuff
Hope I've made myself clear. So, is it feasible, somehow?
I'm afraid it is not worth the hassle and would likely cause more problems to deal with. Programs generate files that are placed in the Windows folder, (registry files, dll files, sys files, etc.) and all of those files would have to be replicated and properly linked for the software to work, which means you would probably have to re-install the software to have it work properly anyway.
Now, if you have online programs that are large and you do not want to download those again, some of those can be copied over and just re-installed if the downloader is aware that parts of the program are already in place. I know Steam has a backup feature, and World of Warcraft has methods for this that you can Google. Basically, if you have any downloaded games or software, Google to see if there are backup methods and whether they would work with your programs.
PartedMagic doesn't start. Gets stuck at /etc/fstab (or something). Waited 5 minutes for it, and then I rebooted manually.
Alternatives?
You can try a linux boot cd. I'll try to find a link and edit this post with it. Keep checking this post. :)
http://mfslive.org/forums/download/file.php?id=89