Restoring disk image to a larger partition

[webdude]

I have added a second hard drive to my PC, and have successfully transferred all my data files to the new D drive.

I now want to amalgamate the two partitions on the original C drive into a single partition to allow me to use the full size of the disk.

I have used Acronis 10 to create a system backup on the D drive so that I can restore my apps to the enlarged C drive.

As I rarely have the need to perform this sort of machine level operation, my question therefore is this: If I delete all data on the C drive, reformat it, then create a single partition across the whole of the C drive, will I be able to restore my saved image to the new and much larger partition, or can you only restore to a partition of exactly the same size?

[ACtheTROLL]

the image restore should give you the options to
restore the partition
resize or fill the disc.

but I think only from a bootdisk

but you would be better (but pricier) using a partition manager to remove partn 2 and then extend partn 1 to fill.
(pc pro, pcworld or computer shopper often include paragon or o&o

[webdude]

Thanks ACT - I guessed there might be problems there.

[ACtheTROLL]

not problems ... just hurdles.

I've used powerquest drive image and partition magic for twenty odd years - so I feel comfortable with them... and they are small - and scriptable ... easy for end users directed over the phone.

the acronis progs are verrrry nice ... but I ignore the in windows restore options (cause generally that's not available).

backup/restore and partition management are done with specific tools.

but your way will work - just not as much control ... but if this is a one off ... not worth the expense
create a bootdisc.
make sure the backup is safe on your new drive.
startup with the bootdisk ... then do a restore - just follow the prompts.

actually ... it might be worth looking on your disc manufacturer's website - there are often some goodies in the support section which get overlooked

[webdude]

Armed with a system backup, I decided to bite the bullet and ran my copy of Acronis True Image 10, and low and behold in a little over 4 minutes it had not only restored my C drive image in full, but had also allowed me to expand the original partition right across the full width of the hard disk - problem solved!

[ACtheTROLL]

nice when a good plan comes together.
next time you'll know ... and it will be easy
(and won't require a change of underware!)

I'd advise making an acronis boot disc as well as copy the image to CD/DVD (7 ish CDs?) ... next time you may not have a choice.

a smaller image is best ... disc sized keep going up - so generally it's not a problem ... but the next addition could be one of the flash drives which will probably be smaller.

I tend to keep it simple ... build your system ... apply updates.... image.
choose what progs to load later.

a full system backup is also a good idea though (with acronis you can do an incremental) so your master set isn't wasted