📎 AI Summary:
The forum thread discusses how to clone or back up a hard drive in an older Acer Aspire laptop, with users recommending tools like Macrium Reflect and Clonezilla for imaging and cloning. The original poster seeks clarification on whether a cloned drive image stored on an external USB hard drive can be used for installation, with experienced members emphasizing creating a bootable clone or image for easier recovery. Overall, the advice favors using reliable cloning software like Macrium Reflect and cautioning against cloning directly to CDs, with a positive sentiment toward practical backup solutions.

musiclover2000

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2016
Messages
40
Thread Author #1
I have a 9year old acer aspire 5515 that I would like to install a new hard drive in. My idea was to clone the current hard drive and install the clone to the new hard drive with either a CD rom or external drive

I've never done this before and had a question. Could I save the cloned drive image on my usb external hard drive, plug the usb external hard drive into the laptop, and would that install the cloned image?

Thank you
Brad
 

Solution
Hi The easiest way is with Macrium Reflect!
How to Upgrade Your Existing Hard Drive in Under an Hour
An image from 'clone hard drive with windows vista'. Macrium Reflect interface showing disk partitions and options to clone or image the disk.

musiclover2000

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2016
Messages
40
Thread Author #24
Thanks for that. Never heard of Zorin before. Will it work with windows vista drivers? If it does I will try it out

Thank you
 

ussnorway

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
4,597
Thanks for that. Never heard of Zorin before. Will it work with windows vista drivers? If it does I will try it out

its Linux designed to look | work | feel like windows with modern apps like skype built into it... the drivers are irrelevant to this scenario.

You can download and install it for free and try it out or open a post in our Linux Forums where I’m sure some of the lads and lasses will be happy to explain the ins and outs.

p.s, Vista is finished as other people have tried to explain… sorry if that sounds harsh mate.