Clone SSD/HDD Sector by Sector

Overview of Sector-by-Sector Clone: This means creating an exact, sector-by-sector copy of a storage device, like a hard drive or SSD. During this process, every single sector on the original device is duplicated onto the target device, including unallocated space and bad sectors. This kind of cloning guarantees a perfect replica of the source drive, preserving not only data but also the boot sector, file system, and any hidden or system files. It's often used for backup purposes, disk imaging, or when migrating to a new, identical storage device.

Most disk cloning software includes a feature known as "sector-by-sector clone." When users wish to clone their HDD or SSD, this function duplicates every sector on the hard drive, regardless of whether it's empty or contains a logically bad sector. For those unfamiliar with the term, a sector is a sub-partition of a track on a disk, and each sector holds a predetermined amount of user-accessible data.

Generally, a sector-by-sector clone doesn't make much difference to a regular backup. However, if your data is critically important and you want to ensure that you can still recover data from a bad sector even if the hard drive has one, then you might opt for this cloning method.

The sector-by-sector clone also has another apparent advantage. By cloning the disk, you can migrate the Windows OS from HDD to SSD without reinstallation, while sector-by-sector cloning ensures the target hard disk or partitions maintain identical properties (drive status, drive size, drive letter, the number of volumes, etc.) with the source disk or partitions. This feature is particularly helpful when you want the new disk to have an exact replica of the old disk's appearance.

AOMEI Backupper is a reliable and professional disk/partition cloning software that supports "sector-by-sector cloning".

Sector-by-Sector Clone SSD/HDD Tutorial Step 1: Understanding Sector-by-Sector Cloning Before we dive into the tutorial, let's first understand what sector-by-sector cloning is. In this process, every single sector of data from the source hard drive (HDD or SSD) is copied to the target drive, including unused and empty spaces. This ensures a complete and exact replica of the original drive. Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials To clone your HDD/SSD sector-by-sector, you'll need: 1. A reliable cloning software such as Clonezilla, Acronis True Image, or Macrium Reflect. 2. Two external enclosures or adapters for connecting both the source and target drives to your computer. 3. The source HDD/SSD that you want to clone. 4. The target SSD/HDD where the cloned data will be stored. Step 3: Install Cloning Software Download and install the chosen cloning software on your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions for the installation process. Step 4: Connect the Drives Connect both the source and target drives to your computer using the external enclosures or adapters. Make sure your computer recognizes both drives. Step 5: Boot into the Cloning Software If necessary, boot your computer from a USB or CD/DVD containing the cloning software. Follow the prompts to start the cloning process. Step 6: Select Source and Destination Drives In the cloning software, choose the sector-by-sector cloning option. Then, select the source drive (your HDD/SSD to be cloned) and the destination drive (the new SSD/HDD). Step 7: Start the Cloning Process Initiate the cloning process. Be aware that this can take several hours, depending on the size of your drive and the speed of both drives and your system. Step 8: Monitor Progress Keep an eye on the progress bar to ensure the cloning is proceeding smoothly. Do not interrupt the process once it has started. Step 9: Verify the Clone Once the cloning is complete, use the software's verification feature (if available) to ensure the cloned drive is identical to the source drive. Step 10: Swap Drives (Optional) If you're replacing the old drive, shut down your computer, disconnect the source HDD/SSD, and connect the cloned SSD/HDD in its place. Step 11: Boot Up and Test Power on your computer and check if it boots successfully from the cloned drive. Perform a few basic tasks to confirm everything is functioning correctly. Remember, sector-by-sector cloning should only be done when necessary, as it can be time-consuming. However, it offers peace of mind knowing that your data is precisely replicated.

Regardless of whether you intend to create a sector-by-sector clone or a standard backup, we highly recommend an excellent tool - Disk Copy Home Edition. This tool offers comprehensive computer backup and disk cloning solutions for both home and office users. With this utility, you can promptly backup and restore all your data, as well as effortlessly clone, upgrade, and transfer your system.

The disk cloning feature enables users to transfer all data, including the operating system, personal documents, media files, and more, to an upgraded disk, such as a brand new HDD, a larger HDD, or a high-performance SSD. When the sector-by-sector clone option is selected, even if a sector on the source disk is blank or logically bad, it will be copied to the destination disk without being ignored.

Learn how to perform a sector-by-sector clone of an HDD/SSD using tools like clone software.

Prior Notice:

• The "Sector by sector copy" requires the destination disk to be at least as large or larger than the source disk. If you want to clone a larger hard disk to a smaller one, do not check this option.
• All data on the destination disk will be completely wiped out, so proceed with caution.

Step 1. To begin copying/ cloning an entire disk to another, select the disk as the source disk under "Disk Mode" and click "Next".

Step 2. Select the other disk as the destination disk.

Step 3. Check the disk layout of the two disks. You can manage the disk layout of the destination disk by selecting "Autofit the disk", "Copy as the source", or "Edit disk layout".

• "Autofit the disk" makes some default adjustments to the destination disk layout to optimize its performance.
• "Copy as the source" preserves the original layout and does not make any changes to the destination disk, ensuring it matches the source disk.
• "Edit disk layout" enables you to manually resize or move partitions on the destination disk according to your preferences.

Tick the "Check the option if the target is SSD" option to ensure optimal performance of your SSD.

A message will now appear, cautioning you that data will be erased. Please affirm this warning by clicking "OK," and then proceed by clicking "Next."

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to officially initiate the task.

Once the cloning process is completed, close the cloning software. Proceed to Windows Disk Management to verify if the cloned disk is an exact replica of the source disk.

For Windows 7 computers, navigate to My Computer > Manage > Storage > Disk Management.

For Windows 10 computers, navigate to This PC > Manage > Storage > Disk Management.

Bonus Tip: How Long Does Sector-by-Sector Cloning Take?

Unlike a regular backup, a sector-by-sector clone will definitely take longer. According to user feedback, cloning a 1TB disk sector-by-sector can take 20 to 30 hours. So, if you plan to create such a time-consuming clone, please be prepared to wait patiently.