copying a partion

[rangor gubbins]

if I want to copy the entire contents from a partition to another hard drive is there any reason not to just select all the folders on the partition and copy onto the hard drive using win explorer?

The partition mostly contains install files, firmware updates, bios updates, a couple of installed games (i'm assuming these would have to be re-installed), and lots of compressed files. Its basically my 'download' partition, and i want to move it onto its own drive.

I hear of programs such as HDclone, XXclone, or Karen's replicator that can do this for me. But what is the benefit of using one of these programs? Are they only useful if you are cloning your OS?

If i just copy the folders in the partition to the hard drive using win explorer will it not work properly?

cheers

[thegrommit]

Cloning a partition is only necessary if you're looking to maintain the OS installation. I use Copywipe for the cloning operation, followed by Diskpart to extend the cloned partition to whatever size the new disk is.

Copying folders and files via Windows explorer will be fine if you're just looking to migrate your non-OS drive.