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EDITOR NOTES
Carbon Copy Cloner is uncrippled 'donationware', the developer suggests a $10 (USD) contribution.
DESCRIPTION
Carbon Copy Cloner... Clone, synchronize, backup. Schedule and forget it. Try it 'til you trust it.
In its simplest form, CCC will clone one hard drive to another, copying every single block or file to create an exact replica of your source hard drive. This is very useful if, for example, your laptop is damaged and you must send it in for repair.
CCC can also be used to perform regular backups of your data. When you select a source disk in CCC, you are presented with the contents of that disk (hidden items too). Simply uncheck the items that you do not want to backup, and CCC will provide ample indication what will and will not be copied. Select a target disk to which you would like to backup, then press the clone button.
The key to a successful backup plan is to actually do the backups regularly. When left to a human, the task often gets tacked on to the end of a very long list of other things to do. When you eventually have a catastrophe, the data is simply gone. You know that feeling -- you just lost six years of family photos. Your kids being born, their first birthdays, their first everything. The answer to this is consistent and regular backups, placed on a schedule and handled automatically by your computer. CCC includes that functionality, and takes it even further.
WHAT'S NEW
Version 3.3.3:
- Fixed a "divide by zero" error that would cause backup tasks involving very few files to fail at the end.
- Fixed a bug that would cause CCC and the scheduled task helper application to crash when certain filesystems were mounted.
- CCC now enables ownership on the target volume regardless of the ownership setting on the source volume. Previously, clones made of Macs in Target Disk Mode would have incorrect ownership information on system files if the target volume did not have ownership enabled.
- Fixed an issue in which a scheduled task would fail to run properly if the user logged out and then logged back in.
- Fixed an issue in which a scheduled task would log many errors if the user logged out while the scheduled task was in the middle of a backup.
- Fixed an issue in which CCC would not run a "Backup everything" scheduled task that used the "Delete items from the target that do not exist on the source" option.
- Fixed an issue in which a scheduled task that was configured to back up to a disk image would not run if it was set to run "When the target volume is reconnected". These tasks now run properly when the underlying volume is reconnected to your Macintosh, whether it is a local volume or a mounted sharepoint.
- Fixed an issue in which CCC would report minor errors if a directory disappeared from the source volume in the middle of a backup task.
- Fixed an issue in which preferences from a very old version of CCC would cause errors while trying to select a source volume.
- Fixed a memory leak related to files with Access Control Entries.
- CCC no longer creates the target folder on a remote Macintosh. This enforces the behavior of aborting the backup task if the backup volume is not available, or is not mounted at the expected mountpoint on the remote Macintosh.
- The CCC.log file is now properly created when CCC is run under a non-admin user account.
- Minor interface enhancements, specifically around the presentation and content of the "bootability" checks.
- Minor bug fixes around the creation of encrypted disk images.
- If you checked the box to display the scheduled task "task finished" panel only when errors occur, this panel will no longer re-present itself after the scheduled task is reloaded on startup. The setting will only be reset when changes are made to the scheduled task's configuration in the Scheduled Tasks window.
- CCC now saves only modified scheduled tasks when clicking the Save button in the Scheduled Tasks window.
- Updated the list of items that CCC automatically ignores from a backup set. See the documentation for complete details about this list.
- Fixed an issue in which Intel systems would be permitted to run portions of CCC using Rosetta, leading to reduced performance and potentially crashing behavior.
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later.
| SCREENSHOT
| Developer: | Mike Bombich |
| Downloads: | 350,328 |
| - Version d/l: | 9,200 |
| Utilities: | Backup |
| License: | Free |
| Date: | 29 Jun 2010 |
| Platform: | PPC/Intel |
| Price: | $15.00 |
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| Carbon Copy Cloner User Reviews (137 posts) | Write A Review |
 | Jun 29 2010 |
PIXELATED This is with out any question my number 1 utilities tool. And I'm guilty I have not donated. I have never, never had any issues with this software. Every time I buy a replacement drive for a PowerBook, this software does the job, bloomin marvelous. And it just gets better!
(Version 3.3.3) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jun 17 2010 |
BOBSTER Just tried to create a compressed DMG. Everything seemed to work fine, right up until the very end. I was left with a 1.3 MB disk image. The other option, "sparse disk image", leaves me with a 347 GB disk image. Not an option, as I am trying to create a bootable disk that will fit on a 4.7 GB DVD. Not happy.
(Version 3.3.2) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
 | Jun 17 2010 |
Use CCC’s Help menu item “Ask a Question...”. Andreas (bombich forums moderator)
(Version 3.3.2) | |
 | Jun 14 2010 |
since it is beta it is to be expected that there are bugs. Unfortunately bugs affect areas that used to work fine, e.g. - performing a block level clone, CCC sometimes leaves hidden system files/folders visible on cloned volume - performing an incremental backup of a boot volume sometimes renders the clone to NOT be bootable - performing a complete clone of bootable volume sometimes produces a corrupt clone that will not boot but crashes Though not perfect (even the stable versions), I really like CCC. Does the job really well overall and the price/value can't be beat.
(Version 3.3.2) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
 | Jun 15 2010 |
I haven’t myself seen any of those glitches, but they could be related to your particular setup. Please try the latest beta release, v3.3.3-b2 (use CCC’s menu item “Update CCC”). If you still get any of those problems please report them via CCC’s Help menu item “Report a Problem...”. Please do make a report -- Mike will appreciate it -- that’s the whole idea of asking users to try beta versions. Thanks. Andreas (bombich forums moderator)
(Version 3.3.2) | |
| Jun 15 2010 |
SMAYER97 Thanks. I did not realize there was a Report Problem menu option. I will do that in the future.
(Version 3.3.2) | |
| Jun 11 2010 |
When you see that a new version has been released do NOT download it from here if you have an earlier version. Launch CCC and use its menu item “Update CCC”. That will give you simple instructions to ensure that any schedules or saved tasks are updated correctly for the new version. Andreas (bombich forums moderator) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| May 6 2010 |
DERISION I used to use CCC to migrate from one computer to the next before Time Machine came along and made it easier. These days, I still use CCC in instances such as replacing the hard drive in any of my older PowerPC machines that are still running Tiger. It's an excellent, functional program that does what it claims to do and does it well.
(Version 3.3.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| May 4 2010 |
DONMONTALVO An excellent program that keeps getting better over time. Not by adding bloat (ala Microsoft, Adobe, etc.), but rather by making it better/faster/smarter. Don Montalvo, TX
(Version 3.3.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Feb 4 2010 |
TOMMY_B Be sure to read this part of CCC FAQ's: http://www.bombich.com/software/docs/CCCHelp/CCCHelp.html?page=faq#verifying_backups It's a dicey proposition attempting to make bootable clones from a running system, system files are constantly in a state of flux, and if one is out of whack when it's cloned, it could render the entire backup unbootable. The user data at least would be salvageable but stuff outside the user's home directory is what makes the clone bootable. You'll get more foolproof results by making a tiny minimal 2nd partition of OS X somewhere (with Snowleopard, you're talking 6 or 7 gigs, you don't need anything on it but the system files and CCC and a few other utility apps, you can trash the rest) and booting into that to back up your standard system.
(Version 3.3) | |
| [ 9 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Feb 12 2010 |
BALTWO "It's a dicey proposition attempting to make bootable clones from a running system, system files are constantly in a state of flux, and if one is out of whack when it's cloned, it could render the entire backup unbootable." Really? Have any data to back this assertion up? AFAIK, the running system is using copies of system files loaded into RAM and not mucking with the files; whereas, CCC, and most other backup apps, copy the actual system files and not there RAM-stored copies. This post appears to be FUD and much about nothing. baltwo (Bombich Forums Moderator)
(Version 3.3) | |
| Feb 21 2010 |
DONMONTALVO Huh?! Where do you your info?!
(Version 3.3) | |
| Mar 7 2010 |
EASER Well, one of you must be wrong. All I can say is that CCC has always worked fine for me.
(Version 3.3) | |
| May 4 2010 |
ESPIRIDION Although the explanation is not accurate, the advise is actually pretty good. I keep a separate partition with utilities such as Tech Tool Pro, iDefrag, Drive Genius, etc. Before OS X I did the same, with a minimum of Extensions and Control Panels. The potential problem is not necessarily the inability to boot, but differences between the clone and the original and/or corrupted files particularly if working while the clone is being created. Apparently this affects large files (e.g., Entourage, Disk Images). The information is there at the CCC website.
(Version 3.3.1) | |
| May 5 2010 |
BALTWO ESPIRIDION Have a link? I've moderated the Bombich forums and have never advised anyone to not clone their boot volume. I routinely do e-mail and surf the web while making bootable clones. There's never been an issue with the clones. I do turn off Spotlight indexing on volumes while doing it so that it doesn't interfere with anything, but that's about it.
(Version 3.3.1) | |
| May 5 2010 |
http://www.bombich.com/software/docs/CCC/en.lproj/troubleshooting/open-file-handling.html "More importantly, though, if you're working with large files (mounted disk image, Entourage email database, VMWare/Parallels container) during the backup operation, it is possible that those large files could be modified while CCC is backing up that file. This won't affect the source file, but there's a good chance that the backup version of that file will be corrupt." It's definitely an option to do a clone while working from the boot volume, but IMO working from a separate partition has many advantages. When I boot from such a partition I can do other things to the boot partition in addition to the clone procedure, for example defragment, verify/repair, rebuild directories, etc. I only have a clean OS and repair utilities (Drive Genius, iDefrag, Data Rescue, Tech Tool Pro, CCC, etc.) in that partition, so booting and working from the partition is relatively fast. I hope this is useful, even though the original poster got frowny faces :-)
(Version 3.3.1) | |
| May 5 2010 |
BALTWO That's a new one that Mike's just put up at his new Help Desk site. I noted that doing mundane, non-disk-intensive tasks, which most users do, shouldn't have any effect. That's why he led the article off with: "Yes and no, it really depends. Performance will be affected during the clone (especially the first one) as CCC reads the entire source volume and writes to the target volume. If your work is "disk bound"—that is your applications are reading or writing to either the source or target, then you'll notice a performance hit. If you're just reading email or writing a Pages document, then you probably won't notice the performance hit." Also, note that he's talking about a performance hit, not one that leads to corruption. Finally, note that if you're doing that intensive stuff, then best use scheduled tasks that run when your not using the machine.
(Version 3.3.1) | |
| May 5 2010 |
ESPIRIDION The way I read it Mike's talking about not only performance but also potential problems such as accuracy and data corruption, regardless of whether the tasks are intensive or not. Corruption really has to do with file size. Checking my email is mundane, not CPU intensive, is unlikely to have any significant effect on performance, BUT can result in a corruption of my Entourage database. These used to have a 4GB limit in the past, but I think that they don't have such limits since version 2004. I don't recall having a corrupted database, but regardless of CCC EVERY database is subject to corruption, so I prefer to be careful. My Entourage database is over 2 GB, and I would hate to have a corrupted backup. At the same time, if I'm working on any file or files while the backup is in progress, my modifications are unlikely to be present in the backup. Could be something as simple as modifying a letter, creating an invoice, changing preferences, etc. As you suggest, I prefer to schedule a backup task for a time when I'm not using those files, or even using the computer. By using a partition with just these basic utilities I don't worry about email, letters, spreadsheets, databases, etc. I may just surf the web while the work is being done :-)
(Version 3.3.1) | |
| May 27 2010 |
MBIRA Take note of the sound advice from @ESPIRIDION above. This is not an indictment against CCC, but rather describing issues that will arise when working with files (especially files inside packages like VMware and Entourage) which may change during the course of copying or backing up. The safest way to make copies or backups of these is to ensure they are closed at the time of backup.
(Version 3.3.3-b1) | |
| Dec 14 2009 |
YESUAINI99 Don't know how else to thank you. CCC is just wonderful. At first, it seems too easy to believe how simple it is. But after using CCC for my upgrade project (from 320GB to 640GB), CCC rules!!! It took me 9 hours to clone everything block by block to the new drive. I used a universal USB SATA cable and just a few clicks, the cloning was underway. After whopping 9 hours, the thing just faithfully cloned every byte of data. Then the moment of truth. I cracked open my MBP and replaced the HD. Voila! With my fingers crossed, the macbook pro turned on (it took a while longer for the apple to come up and to complete the boot). Then I tried opening about 30 apps at the same time and everything ran smoothly as before. CCC, you rock!!!
(Version 3.3) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Dec 16 2009 |
ANDREAS > it took a while longer for the apple to come up and to complete the boot You will soon find that that slight delay disappears as caches get rebuilt on the new drive. Thanks for the kudos. Happy cloning! :) Andreas (bombich forums Moderator)
(Version 3.3) | |
| Oct 13 2009 |
DONPERREAULT I've been using Mac's since 1989 and over the years I have lost irreplaceable data on multiple occasions. So, I have learned to backup on a regular basis, maybe to the point of over doing it. Besides using my DroboPro I have 2 external drives that I switch out to back up my complete System & data. Been using SuperDuper for years w/o a hitch until a couple of weeks ago I got an error and wasn't in the mood to track it down. So I download Carbon Copy Cloner (it's free) and that worked, well it appeared to work. Dave from Shirt Pocket contacted me and we worked out the problem. Long story short I switched back to SuperDuper and I have never been happier about my backups. However one of my backup drives was still backed up with CCC and here is were the problem started. I installed some beta software that I can't talk about because of a non disclosure agreement and it messed up my main System drive. I tried reverting my startup drive using the latest backup from CCC and when I reinstalled much of my data was missing. I spent several hours picking files from the DroboPro that CCC had deleted or replaced with older versions. I was totally frustrated, never mind chewing up most of my day. SuperDuper Rules and don't let anyone tell you different. Folks, SuperDuper are crackerjack developers who know what they are doing. Stick with SuperDuper you won't be disappointed. My apologies to Bombich but his software is not reliable in my situation. I'd rather pay $27.00 for software that is going to come through for me when I need it.
(Version 3.3) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Oct 14 2009 |
DONPERREAULT I made a grave error this morning and blamed Carbon Copy Cloner for a problem related to the HFS+ filesystem. I should have contacted the developer before writing my comment. I then went on to promote SuperDuper as a great backup utility, which it is and went on to dismiss Carbon Copy Cloner as not being as reliable as SuperDuper. However, after the developer spent a good amount of time explaining to me what the problem was I have to retract my comment of Carbon Copy Cloner, it was all wrong. So in retrospect I really screwed up. I think both Carbon Copy Cloner and SuperDuper work as advertised. You the user can decide which you like best. Personally I like the incremental backup of Carbon Copy Cloner and I think it is faster but will continue to use both as part of my backup ritual.
(Version 3.3) | |
| Nov 30 2009 |
ANDREAS That second post is a credit to you. Andreas (bombich forums Moderator)
(Version 3.3) | |
| Sep 28 2009 |
MARKOH I did an incremental backup but I booted from the backed up OS X a lot of the preferences to my applications were gone, including registration info. What did I do wrong? tia
(Version 3.3) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Sep 30 2009 |
ANDREAS What you did wrong is to post here. There is a forum designed to help you: Start by looking at the 'Stickies' at the top of the "CCC Support" forum and, if you still need help, post there. Andreas (bombich forums Moderator)
(Version 3.3) | |
| Sep 30 2009 |
ANDREAS Sorry, I didn't realise that this site doesn't interpret links... http://forums.bombich.com MacUpdate ~ Why no "Preview" of posts? Why no "Edit"? Why no kind of encoding permitted? (or is it that I haven't tried the right kind?)
(Version 3.3) | |
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