Backup Image

Just as a matter of interest when restoring the backup image created in W7 and you have replaced the HD with a larger one. Will it utilize the full space of the new HD or create a partition the same size as the old smaller drive

IF I were doing it I would create a partition the same size as the previous one the image was taken from and use the rest of the hard drive space a another partition for downloads, docs, photos, audio, video, etc.

I never use partitions I always use another drive if I want it separate

Can I partition my hard drive now, after I have installed win 7?

It should not care that your HD is bigger; it won't create a partition on it's own.

Kalario, yes. Administrative tools ... disk management ... right-click and shrink existing ... then allocate the free space

Yes this is what I was thinking as well. I however remember one of the older application I used would restore the drive to the exact same size as what it was imaged to even if the new drive was bigger.

This is what happens when you recreate the drive sector by sector.

However Windows 7 will allow you to stretch out the partition to the full size of the disk after you have restored the partition. So in all fairness it really doesn't matter which approach you take. Windows 7 will give you the options to acquire the same end results.

Ok thanks that is what I needed to know

Yes you can through the Disk Management section in Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management.
Shrink the volume or partition, then create a new partition with the free space.

Thanks Nibs and Trainable Man,

Is there a tutorial on how to do this? As you may know not everyone (including me) is a computer guru and we need a little help, as in a step by step process.

Thanks!