Drive clone software recommendations (preferably free)?

[gadgetman]

Thanks but given the comments on Acronis (above) I'm steering well clear.

And the other drive?

I did another search and found Partition Wizard Home Edition. I think I used an earlier version of this a while ago and don't recall any issues. I can't see explicit mention of "downsizing" support but I think I'll give it a try.

[Clippy]

Take a look at Norton Ghost.

It's been years since I used it and it used to be able to image drives but not sure if it clones them.

[gadgetman]

Yeah I know all the usual suspects but ideally I'm looking for personal recommendations based on recent use.

I bought that Paragon carp because it was the only app at the time that supported Windows 7 x64 but things have moved on.

[Clippy]

Yeah I know all the usual suspects but ideally I'm looking for personal recommendations based on recent use.

I bought that Paragon carp because it was the only app at the time that supported Windows 7 x64 but things have moved on.

If you go to the drive manufacturers website, it is likely that they will have a free customised version of Acronis True Image to down load. I have used the Seagate and the Western Digital flavours without problems.

Another vote for Acronis True Image Home 2011.

I'm sure if you do a search, you should be able to find a 'free' copy of the 2010 version which will do what you need.

Edit: Acronis True Image WD Edition Software.

Amazon average review rating 1 star:

err thanks but no thanks!

[Fred Bloggs]

Take a look at Norton Ghost.

It's been years since I used it and it used to be able to image drives but not sure if it clones them.

I have used Ghost v14 for this. I'd say that in my fairly limited experience that Ghost and Acronis are about comparable for this kind of thing.

[gadgetman]

Just a quick update - "Partition Wizard Home Edition" did a sterling job, no fuss and its free!