How to copy hard drive 1-to-1?

[dc2000]

I'm trying to back-up our office DVR system that came with some very expensive software (and the warranty on it has already expired.)

So I bought identical hard drives (to the ones installed -- 3 total) so now I need to make one-to-one copies from the originals. My idea was to hook each drive pair (original and backup drives) to my other Windows 7 desktop and do the copy, but what software shall I use?

(Again, all I need is just a 1-to-1 copy because the source and destination drives are identical.)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Parman]

I use easeus disk copy just burn it to a cd and boot to it.

Sorry can't post a normal link I'm on my phone.

http://www.easeus.com/disk-copy/

 

[ignatzatsonic]

(Again, all I need is just a 1-to-1 copy because the source and destination drives are identical.)

Thanks in advance!

If this is just hard drive data and a one-time thing, I wouldn't use any software.

I'd just connect both drives and copy the folders in question with the mouse or keyboard.

If it's something you will be doing repeatedly, I'd consider any of a number of "file by file" backup applications--Synctoy, Karen's Replicator, Second Copy, etc.

 

[SIW2]

Is that the same as cctv?

No idea what you want to back up - is it just data, or is there some kind of operating system?

If there is an operating system , you will need to either clone it - easeus suggested does the job, but iirc that freeone does sector by sector, not necessary and slow.

I use Paragon disk/partition copy - intelligent sector copy, very fast.

If there is an operating system - it will boot straight up after paragon copy.

I don't know if that is on the free Paragon Backup and Recovery version - it might be.

 

[dc2000]

Thank you, guys. Yes, it has Windows 7 installed on it. The whole DVR is just a desktop computer with large hard drives.

 

[SIW2]

You would need to some dsort of clone - better to find a program that will do intelligent and make all the necessary registry adjustments .

Paragon is excellent for that. I just did it the other again for the umpteenth time - perfect results always.

Any of their current apps which have the drive copy function will be fine.

Otherwise, If you have at least one Seagate/Maxtor drive, there is a free ( rather limited ) Acronis thing which might be able to do the job.

The other way is to make an image - then restore to the new location. Takes quite a bit longer tho.

It does have the advantage that if something goes wrong with one of them in a the nearish future - windows breaks, or similar - you still have the image and can whack it back on

 

[MilesAhead]

If the drives are really identical then this may be all you need for software:
windd

Get a USB 2.0 docking station(unless of course you have USB 3.0 ports. In which case get a USB 3.0 dock.) Insert the new blank HD in the dock. Run WinDD to make a sector by sector copy.

That should do it. It may be slower than more sophisticated software. But for identical disks there shouldn't be much to go wrong. Start it and go make a sandwich.

 

[dc2000]

Thank you all for your prompt and informative help. I tried Ease US disk copy and it seems to be doing the job. I'll let you know if I run into any issues...

 

[4wd]

Ease US disk copy and it seems to be doing the job

Good cloning also available in EaseUS todo backup. Have been using it a lot lately, does a great job.