hdd image backup

[TC91]

hey guys im looking for a backup software, one that can make a bootable image in case a computer can not boot into windows. anyone know of a really good one? thanks in advance.

 

[robisbell]

well, there's no way to make a complete image onto a dvd of most systems since they use more than the 4-7GB a disk holds. you can back up your data safely to a disk, and you should have your windows cd/dvd. I do not recommend backing up programs , you're too prone to them not being fully copied or not fully restored.

 

[robisbell]

http://dirfile.com/freeware/drive-image.htm

 

[TC91]

thanks for the reply robisbell. i guess i shouldnt backup an image for the reasons you stated above. i ll stick to the windows disc.

 

[robisbell]

you're welcome to try tho, but like i said, it tends to lead to problems.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: TC91
hey guys im looking for a backup software, one that can make a bootable image in case a computer can not boot into windows. anyone know of a really good one? thanks in advance.

Bootable image? Well, you could buy another HDD, and then use Ghost or Acronis imaging software to image onto that drive on XYZ schedule, and then that disk would be bootable in the event your main drive died....is that what you mean?

 

[TC91]

thx for the reply dclive. that was kind of what i meant, but i would prefer a bootable image saved on multiple dvd's (forgot to mention its for my laptop and i havent loaded anything on it yet) so that i would not have to purchase a hdd since dvd's are much much chepaer than hard drives.

 

[dclive]

I can't imagine actually recording data 4.7GB at a time. I have a lot of data.

However, if you only have a small amount of data, it might be possible, but if one DVD went bad...what a pain.

I'd suggest simply buying a USB HDD or another internal to back up to.

 

[TC91]

thx for the replay again dclive. im all good now. i found out my laptop's dvd drive was malfunctioned so i exchanged it and made a backup disc since lsat time it never worked and i came on asking for help, but it was my dvd drive and now its working properly when backing up. thanks for the help dclive i appreciate it.

 

[robisbell]

glad it's back up and running, hope those links i sent you help.

 

[Calin]

You might install your operating system on a smaller partition, and then change in registry so that all users' documents and settings are on a second partition. Also, instruct Windows to install by default programs in d:\program files. Move the virtual memory on the second partition, and maybe (if you use it) your hybernation memory also on the second partition.
After all that, you might end with a small enough first partition, that you could save on a DVD. You might also make the image on the second partition and then dump it on a CD.
You might try to use Ghostzilla for this. I really haven't tried it, but it might work for you (and it's free). I've gone all the way to put it into a bootable USB drive, but no more than that (I didnt' create/restore images yet)

 

[zetsway]

Originally posted by: Calin
You might install your operating system on a smaller partition, and then change in registry so that all users' documents and settings are on a second partition. Also, instruct Windows to install by default programs in d:\program files. Move the virtual memory on the second partition, and maybe (if you use it) your hybernation memory also on the second partition.
After all that, you might end with a small enough first partition, that you could save on a DVD. You might also make the image on the second partition and then dump it on a CD.
You might try to use Ghostzilla for this. I really haven't tried it, but it might work for you (and it's free). I've gone all the way to put it into a bootable USB drive, but no more than that (I didnt' create/restore images yet)

Awesome. Never heard of Ghostzilla. FYI.....You can put multiple span files on a dvd. Just a thought.

 

[Old Hippie]

You might try to use Ghostzilla for this.

Wilkipedia says Ghostzilla is a browser?

 

[TC91]

thx for the replies guys. appreciate the help.