[Bill]

I have a disk partitioned for both Vista and Linux. I use GRUB as the bootloader. I am trying to clone the disk to an identical 500GB HDD. I am using the disk-disk copy and the default options. When I try to boot using the new "cloned" disk the bootloader does not show the vista partition and fails to load any OS. It appears the MBR is not copied correctly? Or maybe I need to copy every sector not just the used sectors. How do I set the options to ensure a byte-by-byte and sector-by-sector copy to ensure I get a complete and total clone copy of the drive - even if it takes a bit longer?

[Alex]

You probably have to select "don't apply adjustments" on the partition resize dialog, otherwise the MBR will be copied, but the partition table will be rewritten, and GRUB might have a hard time finding the original partitions again.

[William]

Hello Again.

Thanks for your reply. I tried the suggestion above and now I have a partial copy. GRUB finds the linux partition but not the Windows OS. This is a 4 hour process with HDClone and given the number of switches (options) I would like to know the best safe option otherwise it will take me weeks fiddling with all the options. So again, please the same question. How do I set the options to ensure a byte-by-byte and sector-by-sector copy to ensure I get a complete and total clone copy of the drive - even if it takes a bit longer?

Every partition, every byte - even unused sectors and a full copy of the MBR.

Thanks

[Alex]

To do this, deselect SmartCopy and select 'copy free areas' on the options dialog. This will turn on the mirror-copy mode. After that, you're asked how to resize the partitions. Select 'Continue without adjustment' here.

After the clone, you'll be asked how to adjust the disk. Select 'Cancel' here to skip any adjustments. This leaves you with a perfect 1:1 copy of the disc (we are looking to integrate these steps in a one-click solution for a later revision).