Issues such as sector misalignment errors that can occur during a standard cloning process can be resolved without the use of additional software or a clean reinstall. This can be achieved using the built-in backup and recovery features of Acronis True Image for Crucial.
Please note that this process takes longer than the conventional cloning process and is therefore only recommended when the normal cloning process cannot be performed. To minimize potential software conflicts that could lead to errors, we also recommend performing this process using bootable Acronis media. While this process can be initiated from Windows, all screenshots shown in this guide are from the bootable version. Please be aware that the exact steps and menu options within the Windows version of Acronis may vary.
Steps to perform the process:
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Access the backup function by either using the start screen or navigating to the 'Backup' tab and selecting 'Backup of Disk and Partition'.
2. The backup wizard will ask you for the partitions and drive letters to include in the backup process. At this step, you have the option to skip some partitions. However, most users will want to select and copy the entire hard drive, which can be done by checking the box next to the corresponding numbered disk entry.
3. In the 'Backup Destination Archive' window, you need to specify a location for your True Image Backup (.TIB) file. This file can be saved on the same drive you are currently backing up, unless you plan to install a new hard drive to replace the old one in the same location. In this case, you will need a second hard drive or a flash drive to save the .TIB file there. Also, ensure that the storage medium is formatted with the ExFAT or NTFS file system, as the size of the .TIB file is typically too large for other file systems. To specify a location, click 'Browse', select a folder where the file should be written, give it a name (or click 'Create Name' for Acronis to generate a name for you), and then click 'OK'.
4. Upon returning to the 'Backup Destination Archive' screen, folders and file names will automatically populate in the 'Backup Location' field. Then click 'Next' (if the .TIB file is being copied to the same drive, an additional confirmation prompt will appear). Review the summary screen to ensure all information is correct. Then click 'Continue' and wait for the process to complete. If you do not select the options to shut down or restart after the backup is complete, you will simply receive a popup window.
5. Once you have connected your new drive and are ready to copy your image onto it, switch to the 'Restore' tab. Your current image may automatically appear in the list of images. If not, select the 'Search for Backup...' option and navigate to the location where you previously saved the .TIB file. Select the file to add it to the list of images on the 'Restore' tab. Then click the 'Disk Recovery' button at the top of the 'Restore' tab.
6. Select the desired backup from the displayed list and then click 'Next'.
7. On the 'Select Recovery Method' screen, choose the option 'Restore Whole Disks and Partitions' and click 'Next'. On the 'Select the Items to Restore' screen, check the box next to your disk number to select all data from your image to restore on the target SSD. After making this selection, click 'Next'.
8. After loading, a window will appear to select a target. Choose the desired target from the list of found drives.
At this point, you have the option to select any drive. However, a new, unformatted drive will be listed as "Not Initialized". If there is already data on this drive or even if it is an empty partition, a confirmation prompt will appear indicating that existing data may be deleted. After clicking 'Next' and accepting these confirmations (if applicable), you will have the opportunity to review the process in a summary window. Then click 'Continue', and the recovery will begin. Once the process is complete, the target SSD can be used as the primary boot drive, with the data from your image present in the state it was at the time the backup was created.