Hello,

XP Pro, Ghost 2003.
Created image (starting in windows):
1. to 2nd HDD (seperate folder) > compression 'middle' as usual
> successful (incl. check) > size 3624MB.

2. to DVD (TDK 8x) > compression 'middle' > writing successful > check > failed.
log: "compression error 10"

3. to DVD (16x) > NO compression! > estimated size shown in Ghost ~ 5471MB > writing speed ~100MB/min > written size on DVD = 3390MB (!)
----> waited for Ghost asking for 2nd DVD > did NOT ask. Booted right into windows after writing was "finished".
> check > failed (of course - since lack of size of image!).

Read manual > "Ghost auto-splits DVDs. No need to use  commandline".
>:(

Who can tell me how come that Ghost did not ask for second DVD to create full size of Image  :-?
What's going on there ...

The logs as attachment. If there are any German terms you don't understand please ask - I will try to translate.

henriette  ::)

---

when you say 'starting in windows' is ghost rebooting into dos, or doing everything from a dos window in windows xp?

been a while since i used ghost 2003.

starting in windows then ghost is rebooting into DOS auto.

henriette  :)

@ henriette


Quote:

Created image (starting in windows): 1. to 2nd HDD (seperate folder) > compression 'middle' as usual > successful (incl. check) > size 3624MB.

You don't mention, but what is the size estimate indicated when you are setting up this procedure using the Windows Ghost interface for saving the image to a HDD location?  I suspect it is approximately the same as what you indicated in your procedure #3, *estimated size shown in Ghost ~ 5471MB*.


Quote:

Who can tell me how come that Ghost did not ask for second DVD to create full size of Image What's going on there ...

I don't know this for sure, but I think the Windows Ghost interface estimate of the image file size is based on the reported data size that Windows reports as MB's used on the HDD.  It does not take into account the files that Ghost does not copy to a usual *default* image.  Here's the English User Guide reference of the files not *included* in the image:  Ghost 2003 User Guide, page 69.  So, the final size of the Ghost image is probably less than the size of a single DVD--even without using compression--so you probably only need a single DVD for the Ghost image.

You don't mention--what are the actual files on the two DVDs?  How many files on each, what size, what names?

Your attached log files--one is for the *successful* creation of an image to optical media--and the other is for the failure of the *Integrity* check of the image on optical media.  But, are these logs the same for both trials above--#2 and #3.  Or are those logs for just #2 or just #3?  The error log says:


Quote:

*Error Number: (27101) Message: Corrupt CRC packet header encountered - aborting

I don't see a "compression error 10" listed.


Quote:

Read manual > "Ghost auto-splits DVDs. No need to use  commandline".

That should be correct!

So, it looks like you are creating an image file and *successfully* saving it to optical media, but the *Integrity* check is failing!  So you have a mixed message here and you can not be *sure* you can trust the image file for a successful restore!

I would try several things:

1.  Can you use the Windows *Ghost Explorer* to successfully mount the image files from the DVDs in Windows, browse the files on the image, etc., or are there error(s)?

2.  Use a DOS Ghost Boot disk (floppy) or disc (optical--your image discs should be bootable!)--boot to DOS Ghost and attempt the Integrity test from DOS on the optical disc's image file--results?

3.  Or, the *gold standard*, using a spare HDD--restore the image to the spare HDD and see if everything works--or are there errors!

Hiya NightOwl,

I wrote:

Quote:

to 2nd HDD (seperate folder) > compression 'middle' as usual > successful (incl. check) > size 3624MB.

estimated size was 3624MB.


Quote:

DVD #3 > NO compression! > estimated size shown in Ghost ~ 5471MB > written size on DVD = 3390MB (!)

The log-files are BOTH for DVD #3 (is shown in *.logs by CD-ID 182890). Creation was successful, check failed because of lack in full size = see above!

When I saw estimated size over 5MB I was prepared for 2 DVDs, waited for ghost to ask for 2nd DVD but he did not!


Quote:

You don't mention--what are the actual files on the two DVDs?  How many files on each, what size, what names?

There have never been two DVDs for the uncompressed image!

#2 DVD was compressed, different DVD., just 'same' image.

#3 DVD was supposed to be the 1st of two DVDs no compression> Img being splitted by ghost (did not!) > wrote just 1! > then ghost booted auto into windows again > I checked that one DVD. Ended up as failure cuz MBs missing!!!


Quote:

So, the final size of the Ghost image is probably less than the size of a single DVD--even without using compression--so you probably only need a single DVD for the Ghost image.

sorry, due to the check.log I totally disagree.
note: I tried without compression cause three DVDs failed when I created image compressed. So I started without compression - result see above + logs.  >:(

I wrote:

Quote:

Read German manual > "Ghost auto-splits DVDs. No need to use  commandline".

you wrote:

Quote:

That should be correct!

SHOULD, yes. But something is wrong here.

I wrote:

Quote:

# 2!!!! DVD (TDK 8x) > compression 'middle' > writing successful > check > failed. log: "compression error 10"

Put that one in the bin, since the logs are ONLY for DVD #3 you won't find the "compression error 10" anywhere!


Quote:

So you have a mixed message here and you can not be *sure* you can trust the image file for a successful restore!

Yesss, mixed messages, 3 times failure in integrity check (compressed).
Once failure (no compression), which is obvious since too small in size to be 'real'  >:(

Quote:

1.  Can you use the Windows *Ghost Explorer* to successfully mount the image files from the DVDs in Windows, browse the files on the image, etc., or are there error(s)?

Yes I think I have tried that once - but will try again - if still works (out of dust-bin).
[Anyway, ghost explorer will just show me what he has written on DVD, and I state that the size is too small!].

Quote:

2.  Use your image discs (should be bootable!)--boot to DOS Ghost and attempt the Integrity test from DOS on the optical disc's image file--results?

LOL - just got them out of the dust-bin. Cleaned them, hoping will still be ok for a try.
Will do the integritiy test from DOS.

NightOwl: How do I get into that DOS with Ghost - just in case - please tell me before I get stuck  :-*

Quote:

using a spare HDD--restore the image to the spare HDD and see if everything works--or are there errors!

Well, I got 2 HDDs. Cannot use the 3rd = external HDD - ghost would not recognize it.
Did not connect it to USB when installing Ghost that is why.
My usual images go to 2nd HDD 2nd partition I:\IMAGES > separated folders - the way that you do it. Each image separated from each other. Whenever creating a new image, I delete the oldest-one.
So what do you mean by a "spare HDD "  :-? :-?
Ain't got one.

Will try DOS integrity test first.
Then will tell you if worked - if DVDs work that is - still need time to get dry ....

One DVD is compressed with error.
Other is the DVD no compression too small in size.

henriette  ;D

gheeeeeeeez ...
I totally forgot to tell you that a while ago I restored an image for the 1st time from HDD.
All I got was the *gho file, NOT the *GHS NO WAY ghost let me chose *GHS - so the restore was with errors!
AND with this restored image I have been working and fixing till I created the above listed images.
IMHO Ghost should not notice any such errors - even if there were in system - but ghost should create what he gets, shouldn't he ???  :D

@ henriette


Quote:

There have never been two DVDs for the uncompressed image!

I think you misunderstood--you listed two different attempts at creating images to DVD--#2 procedure and #3 procedure in your initial post.  Those are the two DVDs I'm referring to.  At least according to what you have posted, it looks like Ghost reported *success* in *creating* the image files in both trials.

In Windows, use Windows Explorer to mount each of those DVDs--what files are present (i.e. how many on each disc), names of the files, and sizes?


Quote:

IMHO Ghost should not notice any such errors - even if there were in system - but ghost should create what he gets, shouldn't he ???

Not sure what *errors* you are referring to--but, my impression is that Ghost 2003 may not be completely compatible with your optical drive and writing images to it and reading images back from it--seems to be working partially and part of the time--but, not reliably all the time!

So here are the results:
1. used Ghost-explorer to mount image files from DVDs in windows:

° DVD #2 (TDK 8x) [compression 'middle']:
was the one with error message "decompression error 10".
---> Ghost explorer mounts successfully imagefile in windows. I browsed each single folder + subfolders. No probs. No errors.

° DVD # 3 [No compression]:
was the one = 3390MB  of estimated 5471MB  where Ghost did not ask for 2nd DVD, did not split auto. Booted right into windows after writing was "finished" > writing successful, integrity test in windows  error. See both logs for DVD #3 in first post.
---> Ghost explorer mounts just 8% in windows then message:
"image file is damaged: not all files are being shown".
It just shows folders up to <username>, nothing below. No Windows folder or else ! OVER 1GB is missing !!!  which should have been written on a second DVD.
Say it again - Ghost did not ask  >:(

2. Booted to DOS attempting integrity test from DOS:

° DVD #2 (TDK 8x) [compression 'middle']:
---> ERROR right after ~15sec saying > "error 19235 image file damaged - decompression error 10"

° DVD # 3 [No compression]:
---> Integrity test running ~25mts of 30mts then error message
saying > "ERROR 'inconsistance' > aborted 21101, corrupt CRC packet header encountered."

Now as I already said, both DVDs had been in the waste-bin with ashes. I had "washed", cleaned + dried them.
DVD #3 has a printable surface which is very sensitive. Anyway it may not necessarily have been damaged by this procedure.
btw: I don't use printing on DVDs - just a CD-pen.

As I stated in my last post:
the image of DVD #3 is just a part of the whole image. Ghost ought to have asked for a 2nd DVD to write the rest of image to be finished but ghost did not ask.

Conclusion:
Ghost was right in the first place by integrity test of DVD #2 + #3 with its error messages in windows.

henriette  :)

@NighOwl
just read you post:

Quote:

Ghost 2003 may not be completely compatible with your optical drive and writing images to it and reading images back from it--seems to be working partially and part of the time--but, not reliably all the time!

yes, had the same idea. Got another DVD drive "LG GSA-H55 LR"
Maybe I should remove the BenQ + try the other one ....  :-/
That but would take a wee while, need firmware + info cuz "new"- one never used, already got it for some years as replacement.
BUT - Ghost did not split - why should ghost do it with another drive  :-?
AND:

Quote:

Those are the two DVDs I'm referring to.  At least according to what you have posted, it looks like Ghost reported *success* in *creating* the image files in both trials.

see results above.
Do you still think a new DVD-drive would help  :-?

@ henriette

Still haven't answered this question:


Quote:

In Windows, use Windows Explorer to mount each of those DVDs--what files are present (i.e. how many on each disc), names of the files, and sizes?

Quote:

Do you still think a new DVD-drive would help

Maybe.  I have always used Plextor brand optical writers (CD and CD/DVD)--and have never had a failure using them with Ghost from the Windows interface or directly from DOS.

Apparently, there is no universal standard for optical drives.  They use different chipsets (firmware), different commands, different timings, and they are optimized to use various optical discs with different speed ratings.  Most optical writers are developed to be used under Windows.  Almost none (if any) have been developed for use in DOS--which is where Ghost 2003 is doing its imaging procedure!  So Ghost's writing software has to be able to access the drive and determine its writing characteristics.

When  you do a version check for your Ghost program by starting Ghost with this command line:  ghost.exe -ver, I get the following:


Quote:

Norton Ghost 2003 (build=793, cdrlib=3.1.25)

That *cdrlib=3.1.25* is the version of the *CD Library* that's built into Ghost with the various settings for various optical drives that need special settings or commands for Ghost to correctly communicate with that drive.  Ghost 2003 was last updated in late 2004 or early 2005--if your drive is newer than that, then Ghost may or may not have the current drive parameters in its *CD Library*.

Obviously, Ghost *thinks* it recognizes your drive--but the results of attempting to image your system to optical media appear not to be working.

Here's the Symantec FAQ regarding compatible optical drives when Ghost 2003 was last supported:  Norton Ghost 2003 compatibility with CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD drives

So, it looks like Ghost was able to partially work with the TDK 8x media (Test #2), but failed with TDK 16x media  (Test #3)--probably a timing error or miscalculation of media size--and/or timing errors with/or without compression.

Quote:

In Windows, use Windows Explorer to mount each of those DVDs--what files are present (i.e. how many on each disc), names of the files, and sizes?

just the remark that in windows explorer the image is mounted by ghost explorer, too, when clicking on drive > then on "0001.gho".

Here what's on DVD #2:
---> ntfs [XP]
folders:
Ati
BJPrinter
Documents and Settings
MyDocs
Nvidia
Programms
Recycler
SystemVolumeInformation
Windows

Files:
aaw7boot.log         1.788
Autoexec.bat            0
boot.ini                   210
bootfont.bin           4952
Config.sys                0
immudebug.log  13.550.664
Io.sys                       0
Msdos.sys                0
Ntdetect.com            47.564
ntldr                        251.712
pagefile.sys     2.146.942.976
pdisdk.log               173
pivot.log                  184
virtpart.dat       33.554.432 

Is that what you wanted - I hope so.

DVD #3 > 0,8% mounted > error!


Quote:

I have always used Plextor brand optical writers

yes, is best brand!
I got the LG which I just read recessions about, is a good one.
Here in English:
http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=20651&PageId=0
But as you said so right

Quote:

non is developed for use in DOS--which is were Ghost 2003 is doing its imaging procedure!

... and the LG is newer than the Benq that I am using now. So no way for Ghost ...  :(
Well who knows.
Oh, just recall that with my old CD-drive in W2K same happened now and again - restoring images with errors - I always ignored it. Couldn't help it anyway. But never noticed that anything was wrong with my restored system. Well, was not like just installed, lol, had to fix this and that but didn't blame it on Ghost. I used to 'live' with images to avoid a fresh install  ;) ;D

ghost.exe -ver:
Norton Ghost 2003, build 793, cdrlib = 3.1.25
like yours.

Let's call the DVD-drive compatibility-list "ancient".
Telling nothing I had not learned by now  ::)

Just a question:
what if I had installed Ghost 10 which I did not cuz I found your forum before I installed XP where you recommended Ghost 2003. And I was glad about it.
Think I will try the LG-drive. Will replace the BenQ - maybe next week.
Then but have to do some tests without restoring any image or so, just maybe create image + make integrity test to see what happens  ;D
What's your opinion to that ?


Quote:

it looks like Ghost was able to partially work with the TDK 8x media (Test #2), but failed with TDK 16x media  (Test #3)--probably a timing error or miscalculation of media size--and/or timing errors with/or without compression.

see above what I wrote about CD-drive on W2K.
At that time my drive was a good one and definitely not too new for Ghost 2003. So that could not have been the cause for errors.
On the other hand I never was happy with BenQ, but only concerning Ghost 2003.
In Nero e.g. I can set the writing speed - 4x is what I use.

Please let me know if you need more information about DVD #2.

henriette  :-*





         

@ henriette


Quote:

Is that what you wanted - I hope so.

Nope--you're over-thinking about what I'm asking--just want the files saved to the optical discs--how many, names, and sizes--might only be one, two, or maybe three.

You mentioned one--*0001.gho*--but bet it says *CDR20001.gho*, or something similar--what else is on disc #2 and disc #3?


Quote:

Just a question: what if I had installed Ghost 10

Ghost 10 might work fine--only using the software and testing on your system would answer that question.


Quote:

Think I will try the LG-drive. Will replace the BenQ - maybe next week. What's your opinion to that ?

Nothing ventured--nothing gained!  Might find that it works fine with Ghost 2003!

But, again...my personal way to use Ghost is to save to the HDD--it's the fastest way.  Then, use a burning program to save the image files to DVD later.  If this is what you plan to do regularly--use the *-split=1494* command (you can specify that in the *Advanced Options/Ghost command line*) to make the image file sizes appropriate for saving to DVD and using the space on the DVD effieciently--CD/DVD Write Option Unavailable.

Dear NightOwl,

have replaced BenQ by LG-RAM-drive (that's what it's called incl. lightscribe which I did not install).
Will tell you later about the desaster concerning Ghost 2003 ::)

DVD #2:
CDR00001.GHO = 1.048.576kB
CDR00002.GHO = 1.048.576kB
CDR00003.GHO =    235.603kB
In Windows Explorer > click on drive > mounting in Ghost Explorer ok - ONLY CDR00001.GHO works, is ALWAYS the "...00001 ..." in GHost - meaning is normal.

DVD #3:
CDR00001.GHO = 1.048.576kB
CDR00002.GHO = 1.048.576kB
CDR00003.GHO = 1.048.576kB
CDR00004.GHO =    363.846kB

mounting till 0.8% then error "damaged".

Are these the infos you were asking for  :-?


Quote:

use Ghost to save to the HDD--it's the fastest way.  Then, use a burning program to save the image files to DVD later.

Yes, but Ghost restore had errors so far EVEN restoring from HDD! Only *.gho to chose, not *.ghs.

I actually wanted to try NERO for writing.

Quote:

If this is what you plan to do regularly--use the *-split=1494* command (you can specify that in the *Advanced Options/Ghost command line*) to make the image file sizes appropriate for saving to DVD and using the space on the DVD effieciently

"If this is what you plan" - what do I plan  :-?
If you mean writing + splitting why only 1494MB and not e.g 3000 when the estimated size is ~5000 ?

The link points to Ghost 9/10 as far as I see, right  :-?

Do I have to use the commandline in Ghost 2003 or what did you mean by that ? (sorry I'm down & out > read below).

Ghost 2003 manual tells about a bootfloppy to add the GHOST.EXE. All they say is "for drives that are supported by Ghost" reading on "you can create CDs with drives that are NOT supported by Ghost" - no solution found yet. The German manual however is hard to 'follow' (meaning cannot 'follow')  insofar that when it comes to the point where I expect to find the 'how To' > "look page xxx". On page xxx another "look page xxx" and so on. BUT nothing in order + the fact that the German translation reads like something is incomplete!
After printing + trying to get it in order - I'm nuts - no idea what's what.
An English manual would be of no help either because of my poor English knowledge in technical things.
I need a "clear" How-What-&-When-To.  ;D

If it weren't for a 'windows-breakdown' I would not need any DVD at all.

Nero can write bootable DVDs, also from Ghost images. BUT (!) will such an image be restorable with Ghost  :-/ ... or what do I have to add and to do about it  :-?

Ghost floppies:
Would I need the "standard boot floppy"
or "CD/DVD-startfloppy" - on one page they tell that I had to add Ghost.exe and (.... other page!) ... no telling !!!

Now let me tell you about my new LG DVD drive:
Haven't tried Nero yet, hope it will recognize Nero.

Fact is so far:
I tried to create (write) image straight on DVD as test.
Starting from windows interface ghost booted into DOS and told me "no CD/DVD".
That means ghost doesn't recognize my new drive.
Tried it with 1 DVD 16x only - yet.
As attachment the logfile from this procedure (as *.txt).

Then mounting the DVD #2 + #3 with LG drive - works.
Drive is set to DMA etc. Checked all that.

Can you imagine how I feel about that  >:(
To give it a try in DOS with Ghost 2003 I needed a floppy disc - but which - and what to do exactly  :-?
Gheeez I'm really nuts.

Next:
IF I would uninstall Ghost 2003 ... I actually got about 4-5 Ghost uninstallers (Norton removal tools - all different size). Not even the support could tell me which is which (bla bla). HA! got different "Norton removal tools" from the support! Isn't that luvely ...

Question:
How to do a real clean uninstall of Ghost 2003 without having to use "safe mode" ?

THEN how to learn how to handle Ghost 10 ?????
Ok, I got a manual that would take me years to read and understand A LITTLE.

I would love to keep Ghost 2003 - used to work  :'(

All I can ask for is: Please help me with your great knowledge and advise me what I should do now.
I'm out of ideas  :-[

henriette *so thankful to having found such a great helper*

---

Hiyaaaaaaaaaa ...
I GOT IT  ;D

recalled sentence in manual (small) "press CTRL+ALT+DEL once drive is not being recognized by Ghost 2003" [German txt is more than poor translation and 'upside down'- but this my interpretation].
Did that then DVD (same as I used before) compression middle - ghost 2003 started writing ~ 30mts.
Integrity test > "No CD in drive" --> aborted > in DOS pressed "3" = repeat > worked! ~ 20mts.
Both successful see attachments  *happy Duckie*

Little bit edgy but worked. At least this time, let's hope for the best.
Also the afterwards created image to HDD successful.

I still have a question:
I told you that when restoring from HDD Ghost just lets me choose *.GHO. No *.GHS possible.
If that should happen again what and how do I restore images from HDD - please explain this to me one more time to my understanding *begging*

I am so happy now. Ghost did not let me down this time and recognized the new optical drive after all.

henriette  ;) :)

---

@ henriette


Quote:

Hiyaaaaaaaaaa ... I GOT IT

Great!


Quote:

recalled sentence in manual (small) "press CTRL+ALT+DEL once drive is not being recognized by Ghost 2003"

*CTRL+ALT+DEL* forces a *warm* (power is not turned off) reboot.  I'd be interested in knowing where in the German manual it talks about doing that if a drive is not being recognized--under what main and sub-section of the manual is that found--I want to see if the same information is discussed in the English version!


Quote:

I still have a question: I told you that when restoring from HDD Ghost just lets me choose *.GHO. No *.GHS possible.

When you save an image to HDD, the first Ghost file is xxxxx.gho.  If the size of the image exceeds 2 GBs, then you will have additional files--the image is *slit* into 2 GB segments or smaller files--these will be given the *.GHS* extension.  The xxxxx.gho plus the xxxxx.ghs files create a single image *set*.  You can not open the *split* segments independently--all procedures start with the first main *.gho* file!

When you save the image to optical media, you will have only *.gho* segments--but, you still have to start with the first file--you can not open any of the intermediate files of an image set independently.


Quote:

[quote]use Ghost to save to the HDD--it's the fastest way.  Then, use a burning program to save the image files to DVD later.

Yes, but Ghost restore had errors so far EVEN restoring from HDD! Only *.gho to chose, not *.ghs.[/quote]
Not being able to *open* the *ghs* files--was that the only *error*--or were there others?!

Quote:

*CTRL+ALT+DEL* forces a *warm* (power is not turned off) reboot.

In Ghost 'readme' they literally call it "Cold" start  (Kaltstart), NOT mentioning CTRL+ALT+DEL  In web > ["warm" start = reset].
Whatsoever it worked for me this time.


Quote:

I'd be interested in knowing where in the German manual it talks about doing that if a drive is not being recognized--under what main and sub-section of the manual is that found

It is NOT in the main 'Ghost Guide'.
Is in 'Readme.txt"| 31kB | Jan 06, 2004 > titled "Norton Ghost 2003 update 3".
Probably is on install-CD.
Hope you find the English version somewhere. Bet someone has got it. That however doesn't make sure that it's identical (symantec & translations > reminds me of manual for a microwaveoven - know those - lol) ;D
wish I could help you.

restoring from HDD:

Quote:

When you save an image to HDD, the first Ghost file is xxxxx.gho.  If the size of the image exceeds 2 GBs, then you will have additional files--the image is *slit* into 2 GB segments or smaller files--these will be given the *.GHS* extension.  The xxxxx.gho plus the xxxxx.ghs files create a single image *set*.  You can not open the *split* segments independently--all procedures start with the first main *.gho* file!

Yes, I understood this when you told me for the first time.
Thank you so much for your patience  :-*

I always got 2 segments on HDD (since XP over 2GB). *.gho + *.ghs.

When I start restoring from HDD Ghost interface in windows > ghost just shows me the *.gho-EXTENSION which is then being restored. When finished Ghost reboots into windows showing "image was restored with errors".

So how & when do I
1. get the *.ghs added - if possible at all  :D
2. how do I get Ghost to let me 'access' (!) = show *ghs in "file-extension" where it just says *gho - do you understand my question now ?
3. Once *gho is restored already "with errors"-message - I can hardly try to start restoring just the 2nd segment to be added.

That is - I would do so if Ghost would let me choose the file-EXTENSION which ghost doesn't do  :o


Quote:

Not being able to *open* the *ghs* files--was that the only *error*--or were there others?!

just booted into windows (when *gho-restore finished) > "image restored with errors" - me goof did not open the logfile, maybe (maybe!) I would have enciphered + could tell more now.


Quote:

have to start with the first file--you can not open any of the intermediate files of an image set independently.

yesss, that is what I did. Started with the first file *gho.
Then > read above  >:(

I don't have to tell you that I cannot restore another image from HDD 'just so' to finally find out that ghost (or my system ?) *behave* like that every time. Maybe it will work next time (maybe!)  ;D

Now please tell me what's going on there  :D

henriette  ;)

@ henriette


Quote:

It is NOT in the main 'Ghost Guide'. Is in 'Readme.txt"| 31kB | Jan 06, 2004 > titled "Norton Ghost 2003 update 3".

I have that!  Is this the paragraph:


Quote:

CD writer not detected ---------------------- Problem: Ghost detects the CD writer for the initial operation. The first task fails, and when you run Ghost the second time, the CD writer is not detected. Solution: When a task fails, perform a cold boot of your computer before reusing the drive.

That would mean a *power off, and then back on again*--and not a *CTRL+ALT+DEL* warm re-boot (reset)!

This is quite interesting--I worked through a similar problem with my NIC card and attempting to test out using a home network to perform Ghost procedures in DOS.  I spend probably two years trying to figure out why I could not get Ghost to recognize my NIC card.  It turned out to have something to do with how most devices are now *plug-n-play*--and the settings for the device for IRQ assignments and I/O addresses are dynamically assigned.  And, it turns out that the BIOS may assign one set of settings, and then Windows totally ignores those and sets the ones it wants for various devices!

My usual way of re-booting from Windows into DOS is to tell Windows on the close down screen to *Reboot*--that does a *warm* reboot (reset)--and the power stays on!   Well, apparently the BIOS on my three computers, when doing a *warm* reboot, did not reset the settings of the NIC card from the ones that Windows was using--which were different!  So, once in DOS, the system was attempting to access the NIC card using IRQ 4--when it was still set as IRQ 5 from Windows!  But, I inadvertently powered down one day and then booted to DOS (a *cold* reboot)--and that made the NIC card discard the Windows setting, and it was back to IRQ 4 on this reboot--and the NIC card showed up fine in Ghost!

I wonder if this is a similar issue with your optical drives.  They have one setting in Windows, and when you use the Windows Ghost interface to set things up--the system does a *warm* reboot to DOS to perform the Ghost procedure--perhaps DOS is looking for the optical drive with a different set of access settings than what were being used in Windows.  It appears that you used a *CTRL+ALT+DEL* to reset your system--and unlike my BIOS that fails to properly zero the previous Windows settings, your system appears to reset the settings for your optical drive using a *warm*  *CTRL+ALT+DEL* reset, and Ghost finds the drive without any problem!

You could easily test this--next time you perform a Ghost backup to your optical drive--let Ghost close down Windows and begin to reboot to DOS--but, simply press the power button when it first shows that it is beginning to load DOS.  Count to 10 seconds, and then press the power button and allow the system to boot to DOS.  It should complete the Ghost procedure and then take you back to Windows when done.  If you have no problem with Ghost finding the optical drive and writing the image without problems--most likely the problem is in how Window assigns access setting vs how DOS attempts to access the drive.

You might use the same technique when then doing the *Integrity* check--does the *Integrity* check perform successfully if you power off and back on like the above outline?


Quote:

So how & when do I 1. get the *.ghs added - if possible at all  2. how do I get Ghost to let me 'access' (!) = show *ghs in "file-extension" where it just says *gho - do you understand my question now ? 3. Once *gho is restored already "with errors"-message - I can hardly try to start restoring just the 2nd segment to be added. That is - I would do so if Ghost would let me choose the file-EXTENSION which ghost doesn't do

You are misunderstanding how Ghost is working--all Ghost files were used on the restore--i.e. the *.gho* and both of the *.ghs* files where used.  The *.gho* and the two *.ghs* files are part of a single Ghost backup *set*--and all must be and are used when restoring them! 

You're not being allowed to choose the *.ghs* file in the selection screen for restoring your backup because you must start with the *.gho* file--it is the *master* file of the set, and it has data that tells Ghost how many *.ghs* files are associated with that *.gho* file as part of the complete *set*!

So, if the restore completed *with errors*--it's not that the *.ghs* files where not used and restored! 

Hope that helps explain that better!

Quote:

I have that!  Is this the paragraph: Quote: CD writer not detected ---------------------- Problem: Ghost detects the CD writer for the initial operation. The first task fails, and when you run Ghost the second time, the CD writer is not detected. Solution: When a task fails, perform a cold boot of your computer before reusing the drive.

That is it - glad you have it  ;D
(better English than German translation).


Quote:

That would mean a *power off, and then back on again*--and not a *CTRL+ALT+DEL* warm re-boot (reset)!

yes but for me the warm reboot CTRL+ALT+DEL > taskmanager worked. Since it wasn't mentioned in the paragraph I did just that (by 'mistake'!) - the opposite of what was advised.
Maybe if I had relied on the 'paragraph' I would never have succeeded  :D

---> there is also a 'reset' button in front of my PC which I sometimes gotta use when windows freezes e.g.

Each PC is an induvidual and gotta be handled different.

My DONALD has an old board "ASUS A7N8X-X" (serial ATA) Phoenix Award BIOS v6.00PG.


Quote:

It appears that you used a *warm* *CTRL+ALT+DEL*  reset your system... the settings for your optical drive ... , and Ghost finds the drive without any problem!

So it appears  :)


Quote:

test this--next time you perform a Ghost backup to your optical drive--let Ghost close down Windows and begin to reboot to DOS--THEN simply press the power button when it first shows that it is beginning to load DOS.  Count to 10 seconds, THEN press the power button and allow the system to boot to DOS. It should complete the Ghost procedure and then take you back to Windows when done.  If you have no problem with Ghost finding the optical drive and writing the image without problems--most likely the problem is in how Window assigns access setting vs how DOS attempts to access the drive. You might use the same technique when then doing the *Integrity* check

Great! I will try that  ;)


Quote:

does the *Integrity* check perform successfully if you power off and back on like the above outline?

I have to try that first  ;)


Quote:

I inadvertently (= unintensionally) powered down one day and then booted to DOS (a *cold* reboot)--and that made the NIC card discard the Windows setting, and it was back to IRQ 4 on this reboot--and the NIC card showed up fine in Ghost!

There you see how long it may take till you do something unexpected - and you got it  ;) --> "the midnight ghost booooooooo!"  ;D


Quote:

You are misunderstanding how Ghost is working

I admit  :-[

Quote:

all Ghost files were used on the restore--i.e. the *.gho* and both of the *.ghs* files were used.  The *.gho* and the two *.ghs* files are part of a single Ghost backup *set*--and all must be and are used when restoring them!  You're not being allowed to choose the *.ghs* file in the selection screen for restoring your backup because you must start with the *.gho* file--it is the *master* file of the set, and it has data that tells Ghost how many *.ghs* files are associated with that *.gho* file as part of the complete *set*! So, if the restore completed *with errors*--it's not that the *.ghs* files were not used and restored!

NOW I understand thanks to your detailed description - so the *.ghs is always being 'included' (to my better understanding)  :) :) :)  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Thank you ever so much for helping me to understand.
My question marks have turned into [smiley=dankk2.gif] --> I got it.
I will try all that you told me.

henriette  :-*

@NightOwl
was a heck of a fumble:

1. creating image to DVD
to let ghost recognize my drive, power off doesn't work on my PC here. Ghost booted into DOS - did not stop him then.
Surprisingly optical drive was recognized and image written successfully this time  ;D

2. integrity test of DVD image
see also 2 attachments = logfiles from integrity test only.

pressed power off button on PC - didn't turn power off, so no way to 'count to 10' > ghost booted into DOS showing me "no CD in drive" > pressed '3' to repeat > same > let boot into windows.
Tried 'reset' button on PC ... tried CTRL+ALT+DEL ... tried 4 times (quick) power off button in a row >  ....

note: triedwith DVD in drive - took DVD out of drive - tried with ghost window open - tried within windows .....

Finally ghost recognized optical drive and started integrity test > successful  :D

No idea why power off button does not work at all in this case.

Problem is to find the right procedure at the very instant.

Might have been 4x press power off button (quickly in a row) that finally did it - this time  ::)

I don't mind to work & fumble if I get 'success' after all.

optical drive ran at full speed (SOUNDWISE!).

If a CD/DVD is damaged I get a message in 'events', there was none this time.
That's what kept me trying before giving up  ;)

Just wanted to let you know this.
henriette  :)

---

@ henriette

Well, still looks like Ghost is having a problem consistently recognizing your optical drive using its (Ghost's) built-in optical drive driver--you know Ghost is using its built-in driver when a.  you see your optical drive preceded by the *@CD...your drive description*, and b.  your optical drive is not being assigned a DOS drive letter when booted to DOS.


Quote:

1. creating image to DVD to let ghost recognize my drive, power off doesn't work on my PC here

Sometimes, you have to press and hold the power button down for 5-10 seconds before the system powers down--you might try that to see if it will eventually power off!

Based on your trials so far--looks like Ghost is more successful in creating and writing the Ghost image to optical media than it is in doing an integrity check.  An integrity check is supposed to be a *dummy* restore procedure that performs the restore without actually writing to the HDD!  So, if the integrity check is failing, you may also have a problem restoring because of the same failures. 

Ghost can also access you optical drives using the DOS optical drive drivers instead of the built-in Ghost optical drivers.  You might want to test to see if you are more successful by using a DOS boot disk that loads the DOS optical drivers rather than the Windows Ghost interface that uses the Ghost built-in optical drivers to do an integrity check.

(Note:  only Ghost's built-in drivers are able to *write* to optical media--the DOS optical drivers only allow *reading* from the optical drives--not writing!)

To test that, you would open the Ghost Boot Wizard that's found under the Ghost Utilities category.  Once you click on the Boot Wizard, you would select the bottom option (in the English version at least)--*CD/DVD Startup Disk with Ghost*.  Follow the steps.  You will need two floppy disks for this boot *set*--the first one has the DOS boot files, and the second one will have the DOS *ghost.exe* program on it.  The boot files take up too much space, and so the *ghost.exe* can not fit on the same disk as the boot files.

Once you have created the boot set, you would shut down your system.  Put the first boot floppy in the drive and restart the system (you may have to set your system (in the BIOS) to boot from the floppy disk first before your HDD--or you might be able to bring up a list of boot options by pressing F-8 just after the initial POST (beep) of the system, but before the system begins loading the boot files).  After the boot files have been read and loaded, you will be asked for the second floppy disk that will then load DOS Ghost.

At this point, put one of your Ghost created DVD in the drive and allow it to spin up.  In Ghost, select the menu item *Local*, then *Check*, and finally *Image File*.

In the next screen select from the drop-down menu box along the top that says *Look in:    * the DOS drive letter that is assigned to your DVD optical drive.  You should then be able to select the first image file.  Select that file and complete the steps to performing the integrity test.

Does Ghost recognize your optical drive using the DOS drivers (instead of the Ghost optical drivers that use *@CD.....*) that assign a DOS letter to your optical drives?

Is the Integrity test completed successfully?

Because this is all done in DOS and the Windows Ghost interface is not used--there will be no *Logfile* back in Windows for this procedure--just the final report in Ghost saying that the procedure completed successfully.

When the test is done--exit from Ghost, remove the floppy disk and press the *reset* button to boot back to Windows.

NightOwl - my hero  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Created 'CD/DVD Startup Disk-set' with Ghost. 
(had formatted floppies right before - did not boot. Then read manual where it states that floppies MUST be formatted with ghost while creating the floppies - so I did, and it worked).

--> 1st floppy: most drivers "failed" .. (adaptec +++++) - asking myself if would work since I got 'PC-DOS' ---> asking for 2nd floppy loading 'ghost.exe" > DOS window showed up > in drop-down menu DOS DVD-drive letter is D:\ (instead of K:\ in windows) > ghost integrity test 'CDR00001.GHO + CDR00002.GHO + CDR00003.GHO' ---> "procedure completed successfully"  [smiley=happy.gif]

So your above questions concerning integrity test have been  answered  :)


Quote:

henriette wrote: creating image to DVD to let ghost recognize my drive, power off doesn't work on my PC here NightOwl wrote: Sometimes, you have to press and hold the power button down for 5-10 seconds before the system powers down--you might try that to see if it will eventually power off!

THAT might do the trick - hold down for 5-10 seconds  ;)

What about restoring from DVD   :-?
Same procedure with the above floppies AND/OR press & hold power button down for 5-10 seconds till system powers off  :-?

Please forgive me for asking after you explained the what-when-how soooooooooo detailed and in a way I could not fail to understand - you're a genius  :-*

What in the world would I do without you  [smiley=dankk2.gif]
henriette *happy Duckie*

@ henriette

Ah...good results!


Quote:

1st floppy: most drivers "failed" .. (adaptec +++++)

That's normal.  It's a *universal* boot disk with several optical drive drivers being loaded--if they do not find a compatible controller and/or optical drive--it will give a failure notice.


Quote:

What about restoring from DVD    Same procedure with the above floppies AND/OR press & hold power button down for 5-10 seconds till system powers off

Well, you will have to see if the *hold power button down* procedure works consistently!  If not, then using the boot floppys looks like the better way to go--if the Integrity test works without errors--usually that means the actual restore will work the same!

As a possible additional test--when you boot from the above floppy disks--when you wish to *read* a Ghost file--the optical drive will be listed in the *source* drop down box with the *D:* drive letter.  But, if you tell Ghost you want to *create* a Ghost image, i.e. *Local > Disk > To Image* (or *Local > Partition > To Image*), you may still find your optical drive listed under the *destination* drop down box with the *@CD....*--meaning Ghost is recognizing your optical writer as a valid destination using its built-in driver for writing to optical media--give it a try and see if that works!

henriette wrote:

Quote:

1st floppy: most drivers "failed"

NightOwl wrote:

Quote:

That's normal.  It's a *universal* boot disk with several optical drive drivers being loaded ...

Thought so myself, just was too quick that I was afraid none was loaded except 'mouse driver' ;D


Quote:

Ah...good results!

oh yes, all went well  ;)

RESTORING from DVD:

Quote:

you will have to see if the *hold power button down* procedure works consistently!  If not, then using the boot floppys looks like the better way to go--if the Integrity test works without errors--usually that means the actual restore will work the same!

I will try first *hold power button down* procedure, since I haven't tried that - am 'keen' on knowing if works  ;)

If not, I will use the floppies.


Quote:

possible additional test: when you boot from the floppy disks--when you wish to *read* a Ghost file--the optical drive will be listed in the *source* drop down box with the *D:* drive letter.  But, if you tell Ghost you want to *create* a Ghost image, i.e. *Local > Disk > To Image* (or *Local > Partition > To Image*), you may still find your optical drive listed under the *destination* drop down box with the *@CD....* Ghost is recognizing your optical writer as a valid destination using its built-in driver for writing to optical media--give it a try and see if that works!

Will try that asap. May take a wee while cause I won't be home for a few days.
Will let you know how it worked.

henriette [smiley=dankk2.gif]

@NightOwl

quite a lot to tell:

1. Yesterday created image to HDD using floppies. Create + check successful   ;D

2. a. tried to create image to DVD using floppies.
Did not work > DOS-mouse-arrow flickered - mouse-arrow 'irritated'
> outside of screen several arrows, wasn't able to catch mouse. Worked at beginning though.
Could it be that I was in 'there' for too long - thinking what to do ...  then mouse-driver mixed up somehow :-?

note: exit ghost > let floppies load again > same with mouse when waited for too long ...

b. Only optical CD-drive was listed in drop-down NOT DVD-drive !

3. Created image to DVD starting in ghost interface
> let ghost begin to reboot into DOS > pressed 'power off'-button and held for 5 seconds > PC powered off > waited for 10 seconds > PC on > ghost booted into DOS > recognized optical DVD-drive + was writing image successfully  ;D

Thanks to your 'power off' trick  [smiley=dankk2.gif]

note: power off worked twice. This could not be called "to work consistently" could it  :-?

4. Integrity check DVD-image > same way as above with power off > successful  ;D

5. Today tried several things:
a. press 'F8' when initial beep to see if able to choose boot options > does not work.

b. Trying if restoring + check both from HDD and DVD works:
Set floppy 1st in BIOS > put floppy in drive > reboot > let both floppies load > put DVD in drive
> local -> check -> image file --- NO optical DRIVE listed in drop down exept floppy drive A:\ + both HDDs!
No idea what happened, cause worked last time. What did I do wrong ?  :-?

What do I have to choose in DOS to get 1. HDD 2. DVD- restore,
meaning: local > disc or partition > from image (both?)  :-? ::)

note: tried all today, no optical DVD-drive listed - in no case.

c. > local -> partition -> from image --- 2nd HDD was shown in drop down, meaning restoring from HDD would have worked this way.

So I asked myself this a.m.: "why did I create image to HDD with floppies ? It used to work in ghost windows interface (start) as well.
So what is the difference (security) between the 2 procedures ?"
"Also: why 'restored with errors' when restoring image from HDD starting in ghost windows interface - what's the difference
when restoring with floppies - why are there no errors in restoring (or could there be errors as well) ?"

Since I do create every image twice > both to HDD and to DVD. To make it easier for me concerning different procedures (power off + floppies) what is your recommendation ?

° For CREATING (both to HDD and to DVD) use ghost windows interface - DVD with power off method  :-?

° For INTEGRITY CHECK DVD-image use power off method - HDD by just ghost interface  :-?

° For RESTORING from HDD GENERALLY (!) only with floppies >>> won't work for DVD as mentioned above.

So WHAT WHEN and HOW - after all I told you now.

Will you please be kind enough to help me again ....
henriette  :-/

@ henriette

Sorry, I'm a little slow responding--been busy recently....


Quote:

2. a. tried to create image to DVD using floppies. Did not work > DOS-mouse-arrow flickered - mouse-arrow 'irritated'

At what point does that happen?  You don't seem to have the problem when you did test #1 above!!!?


Quote:

Could it be that I was in 'there' for too long - thinking what to do ...  then mouse-driver mixed up somehow

That why my question above--have you clicked on something in addition to what you did in test #1?  There really shouldn't be a mouse problem unless there's some sort of software conflict.  Just out of curiosity, are you powering down before booting from the floppies?  That same issue with your optical drives may be occuring even with the floppies--so try that also!

Does your floppy boot disks load *himem.sys*--open your *config.sys* file using Notepad--is there a line that loads that *himem.sys*?  How about *emm386.exe*?  These are memory managers for DOS and are sometimes required to keep DOS programs from *stepping on each other*!


Quote:

b. Only optical CD-drive was listed in drop-down NOT DVD-drive !

How many partitions and drives are listed in that drop-down menu?  And, is the optical CD drive listed at the top of the list--or at the bottom?  And is it listed with a DOS drive letter?  Your CD drive is a ROM only--not an optical writer--correct?

Ghost 2003 had a *bug* in that drop-down menu--it will list about 6-7 items, but the slider bar on the right side doesn't work!  You have to highlight one of the items in the box and then use the *Down or Up Arrow Keys* on the keyboard to scroll to any items that are below the *standard* listing of items if you have more than fit in that drop-down menu.


Quote:

3. Created image to DVD starting in ghost interface note: power off worked twice. This could not be called "to work consistently" could it

Until you experience a *failure* using this technique--I would call it *consistent*!


Quote:

5. Today tried several things: a. press 'F8' when initial beep to see if able to choose boot options > does not work.

Not all systems bring up a *boot menu* during the initial startup by pressing the F8 key.  But, you may have to use a different *F* key for your particular system!  I've seen F11 and F12 mentioned before! Or, you may have to set the boot order in the BIOS--and that may be your only option.


Quote:

b. Trying if restoring + check both from HDD and DVD works: Set floppy 1st in BIOS > put floppy in drive > reboot > let both floppies load > put DVD in drive > local -> check -> image file --- NO optical DRIVE listed in drop down exept floppy drive A:\ + both HDDs! No idea what happened, cause worked last time. What did I do wrong ?

See my comment about the *bug* in Ghost 2003's menu box--does that solve that issue?


Quote:

So I asked myself this a.m.: "why did I create image to HDD with floppies ? It used to work in ghost windows interface (start) as well. So what is the difference (security) between the 2 procedures ?

The actual image creation process is identical!  You just have the setup process take place with a Windows interface in between Windows and DOS with that Windows interface, and once in DOS, the image creation occurs *automatically* because the Windows interface has a *command line* that tells Ghost what to do based on what you set up in the Windows interface.


Quote:

"Also: why 'restored with errors' when restoring image from HDD starting in ghost windows interface - what's the difference when restoring with floppies - why are there no errors in restoring (or could there be errors as well) ?"

Without a specific *error message* that tells us what error is occurring--I can't answer that--but, as you have reported--everything so far seems to work okay--I guess I'd use the procedure that doesn't report errors to make myself feel better about the operation  :D !


Quote:

Since I do create every image twice > both to HDD and to DVD. To make it easier for me concerning different procedures (power off + floppies) what is your recommendation ?

Here's a vague answer--whatever works *best* on your system reliably and consistently!  ;)

Being able to boot from the floppy disks so you can restore your image either from your HDD or from your optical drive is a good (and necessary) option if your OS HDD were to *crash and burn*--you will not be able to use the Windows Ghost interface if Windows can not be booted!

So, let me know if some of the items above resolves any of those issues you have raised!

Hiya NightOwl  [smiley=happy.gif]

extremely good news from the German "front" (thanks to your post!):

Set BIOS floppy 1st (will always set BIOS when using floppies - trying different "Fxxs" ... might end up in *PC-hell* LOL).

Put floppy in drive > POWER PC DOWN [instead of just rebooting which I did before !!!] > wait 10 seconds > PC ON > let boot from floppies & load (1+2).

NOTE: Both with HDD and DVD in all cases > just click INTO (!) drop down box > every click will show next drive/partition [both HDDs + all partitions + drives are listed] - no need to click drop down arrow at all!].
Thanks for telling me about the bug  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

1. Trying to create to / check / restore from HDD:

create: local > partition > to image --> works (abort)

check: local > check > imagefile --> checking ~ 30 seconds > "check successful"

restore: local > partition > from image --> works (abort)

2. Trying to create to / check / restore from DVD:

create: local > now DVD in drive > wait for ~ 5 sec to spin up
> partition > to image --> "@CD-R2 blabla = CDR00001.GHO (since already image on DVD) ---> works (abort)

check: local > check > imagefile --> "D:[GHOST_001]CD-ROM-Drive" = CDR00001(+2+3 - shown in statusline during check).GHO <-- doubleclick --> is checking ~ 18 mts > successful

restore: local > partition > from image --> "D:[GHOST_001]CD-ROM-Drive" = CDR00001.GHO --> works (abort)

Take DVD out of drive > take floppy out > reset > BIOS settings to normal.

As you see all went fine.  :) :) :)

I will use floppies for checking and restoring from now on with power off method  8-)

Just creating to HDD starting in ghost windows interface and creating to + checking DVD with power Off method - should be ok.  ;)

After floppies had loaded + my trying in DOS > took floppy out of drive > reset > back to windows > tried to open "config.sys" - "you can't open cause used by system blabla" > also was 0kB = empty - probably cuz of reset  - NO me goof, must have been cuz I took floppy out of drive ... how to do it then - MUST boot into windows to open config.sys with wordpad  - just leave floppy in drive but reset anyway (without reset wouldn't know what command to write in DOS - GHOST is waiting for a command there ..  :-?

After the good results above think I don't need to look for "himem.sys" + "emm386.exe" in "config.sys" (if loaded).
Wouldn't know when to open to get access + when datas in there ....   ::)

Could not reproduce mouse-arrow-flickering.

P.S.:
Quote:

Your CD drive is a ROM only--not an optical writer--correct?

No my DVD drive is supporting ROM, but is an optical drive.
http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=20651&PageId=0

henriette is a very happy Duckie  ;D

Here's to my hero NightOwl  [smiley=dankk2.gif]  :-*  :-*  :-*

@NightOwl

Actually intended 3 (threeeee) minutes before finish to report a sensational success ... yapp ... then error  ;D

created new image to HDD + DVD using floppies.

Floppy in drive > power down > wait 10 secs > PC on > let boot from floppy.

NOTE: Both image to HDD and to DVD with compression "middle" ! estimated size (shown in statusline in DOS while creating) = 3996MB.

Create + check HDD successful.
Create DVD successful.

Check DVD using floppies:

worked well till 3:xx minutes before finish > after jumped to "CDR00003.GHO" [1+2 already checked as ok] --> file "tea timer.exe" (is part of Spybot S&D - deaktivated in Windows - anyway there - won't make any difference to DOS)
> ERROR > GHOSTERR.txt "can't read, insert floppy" .... WHICH Floppy ????? [other floppy ? meaning: floppy #2 out of drive & other floppy in - what floppy ? - or floppy#2 out + DVD out + reset + start whole procedure (check) again with other floppy once error message ?] > now mouse arrow flickered, couldn't grab it > DVD out of drive > floppy out > reset.

Back in Windows started 2nd check in ghost windows interface (to get logfile) > DVD in drive > power down > hold button for 10 sec > PC on > started check >
checking time left ~ 5 mts > message "splitted (!) [1] ready (1660) Ghost must open next part of image, insert next DVD"
In statusline it read: "splitted file not valid [522]" (in German)

Before creating image to DVD ghost asked:

° "create bootable floppy to CD/DVD ?" > clicked "NO".
should I have clicked "YES"  :-?

° "continue backup to CD/DVD ?" > clicked "YES"

° "Image will be splitted either on 6-8 CDs or on 1 DVD" > clicked "YES" [ONE DVD!]

How come ghost splitted ???????

Ghost did NOT ask for 2nd DVD! ---> Create was successful !

As attachment a *.txtfile = the logfile that was created when I did the 2nd check starting in ghost windows interface (in order to GET a logfile).
Hope my translations in there are ok.

Before trying again without compression (using up so many DVDs!):
WILL ghost automatically split when I create image again using floppies in DOS - or do have to tell ghost so ?
IF I have to write anything in commandline - what exactly ?

Anyway WHY should the image be splitted - size will fit onto ONE DVD once compressed "middle".

What went wrong again  :-?

henriette  :'(

---

@ henriette


Quote:

> ERROR > GHOSTERR.txt "can't read, insert floppy" .... WHICH Floppy ????? [other floppy ? meaning: floppy #2 out of drive & other floppy in - what floppy ? - or floppy#2 out + DVD out + reset + start whole procedure (check) again with other floppy once error message ?] > now mouse arrow flickered, couldn't grab it > DVD out of drive > floppy out > reset

When you create the boot floppy set, the Boot Wizard usually put the DOS *autoexex.bat* on both floppies--in DOS, programs refer back to that sometimes to complete the *batch file* process.  So, it should have been either floppy--but obviously something went wrong somewhere!  I would try both floppies--usually the floppy #2 is in the drive--pop it out and put the other in and press *enter*--and if that doesn't solve the error state, then you have to reboot.


Quote:

° "create bootable floppy to CD/DVD ?" > clicked "NO". should I have clicked "YES"

Only if you wanted your DVD to be bootable--but, with a two floppy boot disc you will have to make other arrangements for this to work--because Ghost can only put up to 1.44 MB in the hidden boot sector of a bootable optical disc--so the contents of the second floppy will not fit!  If you want to know how to make this work, I can help--but don't have time here today to explain it.


Quote:

° "Image will be splitted either on 6-8 CDs or on 1 DVD" > clicked "YES" [ONE DVD!]

There's two things that happen when creating a Ghost image--*splitting* and *spanning*--and those terms get misused even by Symantec's technical writers!  Ghost 2003 has the DOS files size limitation of a max of 2 GB.  If your data is larger than 2 GB, then Ghost has to *split* the file into two or more files of 2 GB or less.

If the Ghost files are a greater size than will fit on the storage media--CD (approx. 700 MB)or DVD (approx. just under 5 GB), then Ghost must *span* the image over multiple discs.


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WILL ghost automatically split when I create image again using floppies in DOS - or do have to tell ghost so ?

Yes--and you will not have any control--Ghost's ability to write to optical media takes control and you can not change how Ghost will proceed!


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What went wrong again

Sounds like there was a *glitch* in the original writing process to the DVD--things happen!  That's why it's important to do the Integrity test--especially on optical discs (they tend to have more *glitches*)--because sometimes everything seems to have gone okay--but there's actually a problem that was not detected by the writing process to the optical media--so it reports *success* incorrectly!

I'm going to be out of town until next week and without computer access--so if you post a question--that's why I'm not able to answer right away!

@NightOwl

should I try again with compression or without compression -
there was no error message that compression was the cause. Had it once that compression caused error, got message "decompression error -3" or something. Not this time.

Reason I'm asking is that I want to try WITH compression as long as possible to save DVDs!

Well - since you will be away I'll try with compression.

Will create, check, restore GENERALLY using floppies from now on.

Ghost is working very accurate in DOS   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Can create + check ++ all "in a row" while still remaining in DOS. So that's really great - just set BIOS - that's it  ;)
(That was part of what I wanted to tell you as "report a sensational success")  ;D

"GHOSTERR.txt" > insert floppy:

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So, it should have been either floppy--but obviously something went wrong somewhere!  I would try both floppies--usually the floppy #2 is in the drive--pop it out and put the other in and press *enter*--and if that doesn't solve the error state, then you have to reboot.

Will try that if I get error again.

henriette wrote:

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"create bootable floppy to CD/DVD ?" > clicked "NO". Should I have clicked "YES" ?

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only if you wanted your DVD to be bootable--but, with a two floppy boot disc you will have to make other arrangements for this to work--because ...

Well I thought I'd have a bootable DVD - if I create image using ghost windows interface the DVD is bootable  :o
So are you telling me that by using floppies creating image to DVD -- the DVD is NOT bootable - (sorry for asking twice now)  :-? :-?
But so what. As long as my BIOS works (LOL) I can use the floppies for restoring as I intend to do anyway  ;D

Splitting / spanning:

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when creating a Ghost image--*splitting* and *spanning*--and those terms get misused even by Symantec's technical writers!  Ghost 2003 has the DOS files size limitation of a max of 2 GB.  If your data is larger than 2 GB, then Ghost has to *split* the file into two or more files of 2 GB or less.

yess, and most of all in Symantec's German translation  ;D
I do understand the 2GB limitation.


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If the Ghost files are a greater size than will fit on the storage media--DVD (approx. just under 5 GB), then Ghost must *span* the image over multiple discs.

Tell me if I am wrong:
*span* > e.g are the "CDR00001 + CDR00002 + CDR00003" on DVD :-?

Auto-split:

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Yes--and you will not have any control--Ghost's ability to write to optical media takes control and you can not change how Ghost will proceed!

That is comfortable for me - IF ghost does it right - nuttin to do for me ;D


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Sounds like there was a *glitch* in the original writing process to the DVD--things happen!  a problem that was not detected by the writing process to the optical media--so it reports *success* incorrectly!

aaaah - so that's it!  8-)

Thanks again for your excellent help and your quick respond.
Wishing you all the best - and me, too  ;D

Will go trying creating DVD image now ;)

Btw: I do love "my" ghost - always did. Many users avoid Ghost using other software. One has just to learn how to handle ghost. That is not easy. If I hadn't found you great helper with your endless patience - I would be lost.

henriette  [smiley=dankk2.gif]

@NightOwl

good news  :) :) :)

2nd try create image to DVD (used exactly same brand) - same procedure using floppies in DOS.

Create: compression "middle" > successful  8-)

Check:  total size of image 3.9GB > started with 'CDR00001.gho' > changed to 'CDR0002.gho' at 1500MB ~ 39% > changed to 'CDR00003.gho' at 3000MB ~ 77% --> finally SUCCESS  8-)

note: was just curious about the %age when changed. That's why mentioned (not that easy for 2 eyes to watch %age, written size + in statusline reads 'CDR00001 + 2 +3 (.gho)')  ;D

So image _n_ is both on HDD and on DVD by now  ;)

Happy Duckie henriette  [smiley=happy.gif]

@ henriette


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Ghost is working very accurate in DOS

DOS is Ghost's original *native* OS--the Windows interface was added much later and has always been a little unreliable at times.


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So are you telling me that by using floppies creating image to DVD -- the DVD is NOT bootable

No--the DVD will be bootable!  But, it will have only the boot files from the first boot floppy--Ghost can only place up to 1.44 MB (floppy disk size) into the hidden boot sector of an optical disc.  So in a two floppy boot set, the second floppy's content will not be on the optical disc--that means *ghost.exe* will not be available!

As I said previously, you can make adjustments to the boot files and how you start Ghost so that you can work around that issue--if you want to do that, we can go through the needed steps to get you there.


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Can create + check ++ all "in a row" while still remaining in DOS. So that's really great - just set BIOS - that's it

I think you said you do not have a *F* function key that will bring up a boot option menu during boot.  But you could try this:  in the BIOS set the floppy drive as 1st boot device, the optical drive as second, and the HDD as third boot device and save those changes.

Now when you boot, if you do not have a floppy boot disk or bootable optical disc in the drives, the system will check and simply move onto the next device until it gets to the HDD and boots normally.  That way, you do not have to change the BIOS boot order each time you want to use Ghost!

You simply put your boot floppy in and now the system will boot from it.  Or, leave the boot floppy out, and put your bootable optical disc in and now the system will by-pass the floppy drive and boot from the optical disc.

On most systems that I have worked on--that setup works great!  But, on one system--if I put the optical drive into the BIOS's boot priority setup like described--the system would stop and *think* for a *long time* about booting from its optical devices when there was no bootable optical disc inserted, before moving onto the HDD to boot from--30 or 40 seconds!  But, that system has an F-function key (F8) to bring up the boot devices--so I just manually bring that up and select the optical drive whenever I use it--and I left the optical drive out of the boot priority in the BIOS so it boots faster!  But, I still have the floppy drive set as first boot device in case I'm simply booting from a floppy disk.


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Tell me if I am wrong: *span* > e.g are the "CDR00001 + CDR00002 + CDR00003" on DVD

If those files are on a single optical disc (i.e. DVD), then I would call that an image file set that is *split* into three files.  Now, if the image file set had more data than will fit on a single DVD, then Ghost must *span* the image file set to a second optical disc.  So, to me, spanning means having to place additional files of an image file set onto *additional* media from which you started--i.e. a second optical disc, or it could be a second partition on a HDD if you run out of room on the first starting partition for saving that Ghost image set to!


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So image _n_ is both on HDD and on DVD by now

Sounds like you are *in command* of Ghost now!

Don't be a stanger!  We discuss all sorts of things here!  So come visit on a regular basis!

@NightOwl  ;D

JUST thought of you and wanted to post when I detected that you had also posted  :)


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DOS is Ghost's original *native* OS

Yes, had Ghost 5.1 (?) or so before ghost 2003, worked only in DOS.


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DVD will be bootable ... BUT ... in a two floppy boot set, the second floppy's content will not be on the optical disc--that means *ghost.exe* will not be available!

meaning that image with a single DVD is bootable - not so when  spanned to two DVDs - how can the single DVD be bootable without "ghost.exe"  :-?
(sorry, still hard in understanding - thought the "ghost.exe" was needed to make a DVD bootable).


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make adjustments to the boot files and how you start Ghost so that you can work around that issue--if you want to do that, we can go through the needed steps to get you there.

I don't think that's necessary - do you  :-?
As long as my DOS works I wouldn't have to worry.
If my DOS doesn't work anymore for some tragical reason  :o
then bootable media wouln't work anymore anyway.
So what is your opinion to this   ::)

Boot devices:

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in the BIOS set the floppy drive as 1st boot device ....

Had this idea, too - have to set HDD-O as first cause System boots faster, that's the point.  ::)

Just for images (with floppies) I set BIOS different.

That's doesn't matter to me thinking of the long time that an image takes to create to HDD + DVD and check.

Split and span:
You are really most patient with me explaining so detailed.
My printed "Ghost NightOwl book" won't fit in 1 folder anymore  ;D .... and I'm learning and reading.


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Sounds like you are *in command* of Ghost now!

Hehe, now here my report I wanted to post:

Today ~ 3hrs ago:
Successfully created + checked new image in DOS both to HDD and to DVD using floppies. No errors and all in a row - success, success ...  ;)

It may be of interest that after creating image to DVD - when tray of optical drive opens auto - I waited for some minutes to let DVD cool down a bit, then closed tray again for integrity check - waiting again before started.

My experience in writing audio-CDs showed me that letting cool down before playing makes a real difference in sound.

Might help with images as well insofar as a just written CD/DVD should not be "touched" for a while since extremely sensitive. So it MIGHT avoid possible reading-errors IMHO.

At least I take my time and care for good results.

In DOS Ghost works really accurate.

This report also for users who may have experienced problems, too.
 
This was made possible by the help and endless patience of NightOwl - the *Ghost-hero*  [smiley=dankk2.gif]
henriette  :) :) :)