Hi,

I'm trying to accomplish a task, which requires an image create/restore all from command line, disk based(no bootdisk or cd rom).  I've looked at the topic created by Brian/NightOwl on unattended image restore, here http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1203371188 , but its going so much back and forth between different programs that i've been more confused than ever.
I have access to almost all the programs by PowerQuest, and some extra files, which i think might help other people once i get this done,,,

as far as i know i think  need fat32 + NTFS +  NTFS partition,, where fat32 keeps dos based programs, First NTFS would be system and image of that NTFS can be put on third partition which is also NTFS.  and this is all one hard drive.

ColdRain,

Thanks for your interest in this topic. Not many people give it two thoughts. Unattended image restores can be done with several applications but I've stopped using all but IFD (Image for DOS) as it is so easy. TeraByte Unlimited has released a tutorial on how to set up your files. It really is a 5 minute job. All you have to do is copy and paste five fields into a batch file. Then you are ready to go.

No extra partitions are needed.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/howto/howto-ifd-bootfile.htm

Questions?

Brian,

the reason why i said partition is because, I cant use floppy, rom or usb as the restore process will begin from remote location via double clicking batch file.  Also, machine will require image restore every weekly. I'll def look into ifd.

ColdRain,

My statement on "no extra partitions" was vague. I meant you don't need to create more partitions than you already have. You still need a separate partition to store your images. Preferably on another HD.

What do you mean by "remote location?"


Quote:

Also, machine will require image restore every weekly.

You could do that on a schedule. You wouldn't even need to double click a batch file. Automation!

actually i shouldnt mention weekly, as it can be random also, mistake on my part.  well i did use IFD, and works perfectly via cd-rom, now i'll have to try dos based from fat32 partition.

My restores are random too. I tried scheduled restores at one stage just to confirm they would work.

In your FAT32 partition, you really only need one IFD file.     image.exe
But to make it easier you should also have ifd.ini as it contains the Product key and you won't be prompted to enter the key each time you run IFD.

Brian wrote on Sep 4^th, 2008 at 3:33pm:

But to make it easier you should also have ifd.ini as it contains the Product key and you won't be prompted to enter the key each time you run IFD.

yea, i dont have product key yet, im on trial bases.  will i need to include ifd.ini with image.exe?

You don't need a product key (or ifd.ini) with the trial.

No i meant, including ifd.ini with image.exe in fat32 to get rid of product key prompt for autobatch.

ifd.ini containing a product key allows the restore (or image creation) to be automatic. No prompts at all.

If you don't have a product key you don't need to use ifd.ini

i understand brian what you're saying, but here is the thing.  I have put image.exe on fat32 drive which does let me automate restore process.  Also, just like you said it does ask me for a prompt for evaluation, now if i do buy the program, do i put ifd.ini in fat32 as well to get rid of the prompt?

ColdRain,

I get NO prompts. After double clicking the batch file the computer shuts down, boots into DOS or TBOS, the IFD restore runs, the computer restarts and boots into Windows, (WinXP or Vista). It's fully automatic.

You must use the /uy switch at the end of the command line. This gets rid of the OK prompts. ifd.ini gets rid of the product key prompt.

I can't remember how the trial (evaluation) version works from the command line.

What are you using for the final restart into Windows?

Could you post your batch file?

Brian,

thanks for quick reply.  well i'm simply using

Image /r /d:b0@0x2 /f:b0@0x343:"\backupfilename" /a /uy
pqboot /p:2   (because i have pqboot)

well the backup starts, but problem is the 3line popup which kicks in right after Image without even gettin to /r ,,

and it says soemthing about software is for evaulation purpose only, and all i'm using is Image.exe from IFD.

Your batch file is fine. I've used pqboot in the past. It's nice. Do you have an IDE or SATA HD?


Quote:

and it says soemthing about software is for evaulation purpose only, and all i'm using is Image.exe from IFD.

The evaluation image.exe is a different file from the full image.exe. It's not just the product key, it's a different file.

SATA HD.

so, basically when i buy the program, i'll be given new download, right?

ColdRain wrote on Sep 8^th, 2008 at 10:23pm:

when i buy the program, i'll be given new download, right?

Correct. This is the download site for registered users.

https://terabyteunlimited.com/product-download.php

Just a suggestion but consider buying the Special Bundle. I think the extra $20 is money well spent. BING is an amazing program.

ColdRain,

While you are testing, a time saving switch is /v

When the Validation commences you know that IFD is going to work so you can cancel out by pressing F12. You don't have to wait for the restore to commence.