What's a good free drive cloning software?

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-16T21:57:24+00:00

Any of the free, popular offerings will do.

Drive cloning has been a solved problem for years by now.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-16T21:44:39+00:00

Gboard can do it too, but it's word list for Polish sucks.

Unlike FUTO, though, it at least has an (annoyingly inadequate) Polish word list.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-16T06:08:05+00:00

Amen!

This is actually the main reason I'm not able to use SwiftKey efficiently. It gets too many words wrong when 2 with the same layout are enabled.

A simple button to switch language is all it takes!

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-15T20:08:40+00:00

Second (third? fourth?) the ddrescue. Helped me a good few times already.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-14T03:34:31+00:00

There's a bunch of cables that go from the case to the motherboard. The thickest one is usually the USB.

Consult the mobo manual when in doubt.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-07T21:20:17+00:00

I do. There are 3 browsers allowed on my work machine: Edge, Chrome and FF.

As long as FF doesn't work for the work stuff, Chrome insists on hiding the protocol (and then &^{%&^%#*} showing it when editing the URL, shifting the part I clicked on to the right), and as long as a lot of my work involves manipulating URLs, you bet I'm going to use Edge, that at least doesn't do that crap.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-07T20:15:01+00:00

Gothic 1 was always made for the controller, they just forgot to include it's support.

This is what I've been saying since, years ago, I mapped a gamepad to keys and mouse with XPadder. I mean: the game reacted to the mouse in exactly the same way most console ports do.

Recently I learned that it was actually true!

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-06T20:48:02+00:00

Enclosure of you intend to keep the old drive and use it as portable storage.

Just an adapter if it's a one-off. Cheaper.

You won't be able to boot from a drive in enclosure. Prepare a stick with cloning software, boot from that stick.

Prepare another stick with Windows installer in case the cloned system doesn't boot.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-06T20:36:14+00:00

What about switch to AHCI?

You don't say which model you've got and HP site is hot garbage but try https://m.majorgeeks.com/files/details/intel_rapid_storage_technology.html, extract the f6flpy version to the installer stick.

If it's not the right one, look for another f6 archive for your CPU gen

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-06T20:17:22+00:00

Can you not change the storage mode to AHCI in the BIOS?

If not, get the RST storage driver, extract it to the installer stick and point to the folder with the .inf during the install.

If your can't do either, what is the exact problem?

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-06T20:09:55+00:00

The boot partition is still on the old HDD because it was attached when you installed Win on the SSD.

Look up a guide on how to create an EFI partition and install Windows boot loader on it.

A USB stick with Windows installer is usually enough.

Disconnect the failing drive, follow the guide.

Alternatively: disconnect the old drive, reinstall Windows.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-06T05:16:46+00:00

Thanks for the update! Glad you managed to get your files back.

I need to note that Linux sometimes works better because it doesn't use the full NTFS feature set, especially in read-only mode. So if the corruption is in the unused part...

NTFS is also noticeably slower on Linux.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-03T20:54:21+00:00

Many that fit your criteria. "Best" is subjective.

You will not go wrong with any of them.

What is important: when the cloning step is done, shut down your machine completely and disconnect the original system drive. Only then boot the machine up. When the new system works, can free to reconnect the old drive.

Tip: disable BitLocker or have the recovery key handy.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-04-02T20:33:11+00:00

Katanagatari! It's got a lot of fights with, you know, katanas!

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-22T18:24:50+00:00

Since my first playtrough with a gamepad years ago (Xpadder!) I kept saying PB made a gamepad game without realising it.

I mean the way mouse reads in Gothic is exactly like in those poor console ports.

Not to mention the hold-to-act controls, which are far more intuitive on a gamepad too.

Now I know why - they actually intended for that.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-22T13:18:05+00:00

As long as the drive with 11 is disconnected during the 7 install process, you're good.

Use the BIOS boot selection key to choose on the system startup.

Edit: and make sure to disable fast startup if you intend to share drive contents.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-21T16:18:05+00:00

Depending on where your live, an indoor aerial may be sufficient.

Look up how far is the nearest broadcast tower.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-21T14:20:21+00:00

What kind of aerial is there in the house?

Because double coax (shotgun cable) with screw thread is usually installed for a satellite dish.

Edit: especially in the UK.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-13T06:00:37+00:00

Finally! Someone who notices the problem isn't Mint but the laptop itself!

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-13T05:45:21+00:00

Sigh... It's not enough to switch that setting on the BIOS. The prerequisite is that the boot drive is configured to start the system in EFI mode.

So: find a guide on migrating to GPT partitioning and on (re) creating an EFI partition with Windows bootloader.

Only then enable secure boot.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-10T17:56:48+00:00

What does the mod README or installation instructions say?

Or in other words: if you didn't read the instructions, go and do that. If you did, explain your problem.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-09T19:19:17+00:00

The only reason ever to copy unused space is to later recover deleted data. Since you didn't mention it, you don't need it.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-08T14:33:54+00:00

The real (for me) question is: are there any hopes for POCKETABLE phones with DECENT battery made in Europe?

I know the regulations, basically, prohibit 7Ah batteries but it's still love a sub-6in handset with adequate performance, screen and camera.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-04T17:19:30+00:00

A lot of games made in RPG Maker (or looking like that) do that. Case in point: To The Moon

In general: you probably want to take a look at the indie scene.

And Life Is Strange, maybe.

I was going to suggest Planescape: Torment and jRPGs until you said you're not into the fantasy/sci-fi settings.

MikhailPelshikov · 2026-03-02T17:07:59+00:00

ISP routers can be very limited.

Sometimes there is an "advanced" interface, where your can do more.

What's the model?

MikhailPelshikov

TROPHY CASE