Author Topic: HDD imaging and creating bootable media?  (Read 5973 times)

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Zagor

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HDD imaging and creating bootable media?
« on: February 02, 2006, 05:07:03 AM »
I had some queries about HDD imaging and creating bootable media. So for this, please I need your help, if you have some time?

Anyway, for backup I never used imaging technics or tools for that matter. My solution was to backup the files with Karen's Replicator program occasionally and use Windows System Restore option.
Now my needs for backups are more demanding and I need to do backup and restore by using an image. I've done research and choose DrvImager XP program (having only one option ->  to do an image of a complete HDD partition). I did make an image of my partition smoothly. But now for restoring that image I'll be needing a bootable XP CD to run DrvImager XP from and do so. I don't know how to do that.

So my questions are:
1. How to make a bootable XP SP2 CD (Simulation of Win XP) from which I can run DrvImager XP and do the restore? Keep in mind that I'm thinking only of freeware procedures.
2. How to boot using a USB (and not the CD)?
3. I need some quality freeware tool with one option only: to do a System Snapshot & Restore (like Windows Sys Restore only more reliable). Does this tool exists and do you know something about it.

Please if you can provide only concrete and summarised instructions because I've been researching and most of the "how to's" where just vague. Thank you very much!

P.S. Did you have some experience with DrvImagerXP?
« Last Edit: February 02, 2006, 05:09:06 AM by Zagor »

viruzth

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Re: HDD imaging and creating bootable media?
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2006, 06:05:57 AM »
1. Hv u try Bart's PE Builder 3.1.3?  There's a lot of guides and helps to using this freeware, you can use this for make a new bootable XP Setup CD... at http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

2. IMO, it's depend on your MoBo... did your MoNo support USB booting? My laptop does, but my desktop doesn't.

3. DriveImage XML at http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm will give you a great free backup application... and the best thing is, it is compatible with Bart PE...

For making the CD u can use Nero or UltraISO [which's still need nero or roxio]

But if you have enough money you can go for www.farstone.com it is easy and simple partition backup softwares...

And pleasse don't ask me how to use Bart PE, coz my english is worse than 3 years old 'english speaking' kid -.-

i hope this is helping a little bit
« Last Edit: February 02, 2006, 06:20:02 AM by viruzth »

a61_a61

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Re: HDD imaging and creating bootable media?
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2006, 01:32:50 PM »
There are complete instructions for what you want here.http://www.woundedmoon.org/UBCD/UBCD.html

Like viruzth said your Mother Board must support booting from USB, but the page with the instruction above uses the bootable CD to restore.

I have use Ghost, DriveImage, True Image and others, all good but IMO the best is Image for Windows and BootIt. Why not spend $26.95 and get a reliable imaging program. http://tinyurl.com/89w9c Download a trial of it to see for yourself if you want to buy it.  You never pay for upgrades either.  I like freeware programs but this is money well spent. 

PS: you can see some movies on how it works here.
http://www.heffy.com/image.htm


Zagor

  • Guest
Re: HDD imaging and creating bootable media?
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2006, 07:03:24 PM »
Thank you guys, that was very helpfull!

Bart's PE Builder is exactly what I needed!
DriveImage XML is a very good tool but I found that Bart PE supports the DrvImagerXP too.

But do someone know answer to my third question:
3. I need some quality freeware tool with one option only: to do a System Snapshot & Restore (like Windows Sys Restore only more reliable). Does this tool exists and do you know something about it.

Zagor

  • Guest
Re: HDD imaging and creating bootable media?
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2006, 04:20:46 AM »
Me again, this time with some simple Yes/No question.

When you restore the image of the whole partition, that you previously created, is it necessary to format (erase) that partition before restoring?

I know that the image will overwrite everything that finds on that HDD partition but just to be sure is it necessary?

Thanks!

viruzth

  • Guest
Re: HDD imaging and creating bootable media?
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2006, 05:11:13 PM »
I don't think so... I never re-format my HDD when restoring the image...

FYI i'm using www.farstone.com

Zagor

  • Guest
Re: HDD imaging and creating bootable media?
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2006, 05:24:58 PM »
I know that formating is necessary only if you want to change the FAT to NTFS or vice versa prior to restoring the image. This is required because there are known problems with FAT File System and accordance with the size of the image and size of partition on which you want to restore the image.

BTW, Thx :)

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Re: HDD imaging and creating bootable media?
« Reply #7 on: February 04, 2006, 04:04:27 AM »
Hi Zagor,
A little correction to your statement:
Quote
I know that formating is necessary only if you want to change the FAT to NTFS

To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt:
1. open Command Prompt. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
 
2.  In the command prompt window, type: convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs
 
For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the ntfs format. You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.

Important  Once you convert a drive or partition to NTFS, you cannot simply convert it back to FAT or FAT32. You will need to reformat the drive or partition which will erase all data, including programs and personal files, on the partition.
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