2

I have 2 750GB SATA hard drives that look like this:

enter image description here

If at all possible, I would like to copy all 6 partitions onto a new 2TB SATA drive. For bonus points, can I expand the partitions to fill up the rest of the 2TB drive?

Windows tools would be preferable. I don't boot Windows off of either of the 750GB drives currently installed.

Improve this question

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
1

Easeus Partition Manager (Home Edition is free) has a partition-copy function that allows you to select the source and destination partitions and choose how to handle the excess if the destination is larger (in your case, you would expand it as much as you like):

enter image description here

Improve this answer
0
2

You should be able to do this with a combo of gparted (or another partitioner) and clonezilla. Gparted is available on most Linux live-cds, and clonezilla is available as an iso to create a live-cd.

Use gparted to create the target NTFS & ext4 partitions on the 2TB drive, and clonezilla in expert mode to clone the partitions to the new drive.

For expanding the partitions... you can create them at the desired size with gparted. When doing this, align the boundaries to "MB", and I suggest creating them in multiples of 1024MB. So if you want a 340GB partition, it will be 340 x 1024MB.

Since you'll be working with disk partitions, you might want to keep TestDisk handy in case anything goes wrong. It's available pre-installed on several rescue cds, or in the repos for most Linux distros, so you can install it to a live session if needed.

Improve this answer
5
  • Those are okay, but he’s looking for Windows programs.
    – Synetech
    Aug 14, 2011 at 22:22
  • I can't recommend any Windows tools atm because I'm not current with any. However, I tested the above in a vbox test vm, and the process worked. If you're familiar with current Windows-only tools that fit OP's preferences, please post an answer.
    – Joe Internet
    Aug 14, 2011 at 22:25
  • Done. Single-malt it is. ;-)
    – Synetech
    Aug 14, 2011 at 22:37
  • I really wish there wasn't a 5 minute edit window on comments, so I could re-establish the context... oh well.
    – Joe Internet
    Aug 14, 2011 at 22:42
  • Very good. I don't mind using gparted and clonezilla, but Easeus sounds a bit easier. I'll keep this in mind though for future usage.
    – Alec Gorge
    Aug 14, 2011 at 22:44
1

A quick google search came up with this.

http://www.extend-partition.com/resource/copy-partition.html

I've never used it so YMMV. And yes, once the partitions are on the new drive they can be extended. In windows 7 it's just a right click. In Vista you'll need to use the command line tool.

Improve this answer
1

Any of the above tools will do the job, but because you have 6 partitions and all are primary, you may have to put at least 3 of them into extended partitions. The limit for primary partitions is still 4.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.