Copy/clone old Drive G to a new drive that will also be G? Best method?

So the structure of folders is kept and everything runs fine from a new drive? I've just seen this old thread on the web but I wonder whether there are better ways/different software to do this nowadays? I've never done something like this but I'm starting to prepare myself for potential inevitability, because I wouldn't want to lose my work-in-progress and having to install/recover every software manually. Is the clone (rather than copying) the drive the best way to do that? Can it be done with a drive that is suspected to be faulty etc? (I am not exactly sure whether what I've experienced could be a failing drive symptoms or malware, I described my problem under malware help section here)

Regardless of the source of my problem, I guess I would also like to learn what's the best method for this, because it might prove handy when replacing old drives for new ones. Also, some detailed guidance would be appreciated, I'm fairly green when it comes to drive stuff, even worse if it involves a command line Thanks in advance!


To clarify: I'm talking about a HDD drive that doesn't have Windows on it, just some programs, games, editor software etc

Edited by sebese, 17 May 2024 - 08:59 AM.

I recommend using CloneZilla and create a bit for bit clone to the other drive.

Thanks. Is this "disc_to_local_disc" option from the official guide the one you're talking about? 

Also, does it also copy the drive's letter, or how does it work? Do I need to change the letter afterwards, somehow? I never really added a new drive without first reinstalling windows which always created formatted drives with new letter each, so I'm not sure how to approach it without windows reinstallation. I don't need to format the new drive in any way first or anything right? 

Topic closed, pending completion/termination of topic in Malware Forum.  Once that topic is resolved, this topic may be reopened by simply sending a PM to any Moderator indicating that your malware topic has been resolved/closed..

Louis

Edited by hamluis, 17 May 2024 - 11:24 AM.