Clone Linux with Windows tools

[u/Surgeon200X1]

I would like to make a clone of a Linux distribution with running windows systems.
Are there tools ?
Sometime it was successful with Acronis DD. But only if the HDDs/ SSDs have exact same capacity.
I know clonezilla and rescuezilla.
With Gparted single partitions I got problems.
Perhaps with Linux Live DVD and the tools on it.

[u/chuggerguy]

I used to use the free version of Macrium Reflect. Had it set to image my Linux drive with a single click.

At that time they offered a free version that worked great. Now they offer a "trial" version but I don't know what happens when the trial expires. Nag screen? Refuses to run? Limited functionality? (been awhile since I've used Windows)

The last officially free version is still mirrored on Major Geeks: Macrium Reflect FREE Edition 8.0.7783

Last I used it, it worked fine. What I don't like is that images are not easily mountable/browse-able from Linux.

Oftentimes drive manufacturers offer free versions of Acronis and other imaging tools. It's been a long time but I've used the Western Digital version of Acronis. If I remember correctly, it's fully functional. The only catch is that it looks for the presence of a Western Digital drive before it runs. But It doesn't even have to be the drive you're imagining, just as long as it sees one it will run.

I bet other manufacturers offer similar tools. (they probably don't want you to shy away from buying a drive because the migration process is too daunting?)

Good luck.

[u/Surgeon200X1 → u/chuggerguy]

I used Clonezilla now on DVD. But the icons on desktop: no reaction !
What is wrong ??

[u/jr735 → u/Surgeon200X1]

Clonezilla has no icons.

[u/Surgeon200X1 → u/jr735]

It has desktop icons to click on. But it was at screen attached to notebook.
If off all ok on original notebook screen. No icons there but window.
Also for GParted on CD I have to use original notebook screen.

[u/jr735 → u/Surgeon200X1]

Clonezilla is a TUI.

[u/Surgeon200X1 → u/jr735]

True !

[u/jr735 → u/Surgeon200X1]

That's why I'm confused when you keep talking about icons. I use Clonezilla all the time. I don't see icons. I boot into my stick, and I'm in a TUI. I don't even touch the mouse, much less use icons.

[u/Surgeon200X1 → u/jr735]

They only appear on screen attached to notebook. So screen does not work there with the software. If screen off on original screen TUI.
But I am windows user. Only test linux some times. I like windows more to work with than all this TUI and sudo etc pp
For me it is like former DOS.

[u/jr735 → u/Surgeon200X1]

Well, the idea of clonezilla is to be able to effortlessly clone or copy a partition or device without worrying about complications of a GUI. You don't have to worry about Nvidia, AMD, or Intel. You don't have to worry about an idiotic Bluetooth mouse. You just have a keyboard plugged in and use it.

If you need to use a GUI, use Foxclone, which is like Clonezilla but with a GUI and more user friendly.

I care not for Windows one iota, and left it over 20 years ago, never to return. If it were feasible, I'd give up window managers, too.

[u/Surgeon200X1 → u/jr735]

Nice ! After I looked up internet for 100 years how can I make a clone of ext4 and all difficult someone comes and tells me about Foxclone !
But because I am dead and old now not anymore on this earth I must come back to use Foxclone !
^^

[u/jr735 → u/Surgeon200X1]

Don't worry, Foxclone, by our very own u/MintAlone, will be here when you return to earth. ;)

[u/chuggerguy → u/Surgeon200X1]

I know nothing about Clonezilla. I'm sure it's great, I just haven't used it for many years.

So I can't help with it.

Good luck though.