Hiya  :)

[Couldn't seem to find where to post this - webmaster may take care of that, please]

After reading threads (see end of this post) for days I ended up confused, to say the least  :D

My present PC:
board: ASUS A7N8X-X, nforce2-400
http://uk.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_Socket_A/A7N8XX/#overview

CPU: AMD Athlon XP Barton 2600+ (runs at 1.9GHz)
O/S: XP professional 32bit
---> E-IDE/PATA only. Not ready for Windows 7.

I would love to stick with XP & my beloved Ghost 2003, also after 2014 (end of support).
No matter what, I'll keep my XP-PC with Ghost 2003 separately for good.

One of the hardest things for me is to "let go" of Ghost 2003:
NightOwl invested AGES to teach me & made me finally have *command* over Ghost 2003.

NOW:

A friend {in very bad health, so no idea if that *project* is ever going to happen} will try to help me build a new computer + install Windows 7 Professional 64bit (+ real XP mode!), so I can keep most of my software. EXCEPT Ghost 2003, which is too complicated for me to handle on Windows 7 - according to what I read on here.

That means: Win 7 only, NO dual boot. NO XP.

My friend will do the formatting & partitioning the HDDs (new ones) NTFS [NOT on XP!].

I will have to buy a case, power supply, RAM, + other stuff.

Got already (stored):

2 HDD (Seagate 400GB >>> paid $150,- for each - believe it or not!) = E-IDE/PATA.
2 optical drives (E-IDE/PATA), floppy drive, board *ASRock ALiveNF6G-GLAN*
http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.de.asp?Model=ALiveNF6G-GLAN

Board has both E-IDE/PATA and SATA, not so my hardware.

CPU: *AMD Phenom X4 Black Edition (64), 2.6GHz True Quad-core*

My question > NightOwl  ?  ;) :

Is there a RELIABLE, EASY TO USE backup software for Win 7 you would recommend ? Possibly to use in DOS - is safer IMHO. A few bucks won't hurt after having spent a fortune on the other gear. 

As a matter of fact, I received Ghost 10 with Ghost 2003 - as a set. Ghost 10 with a manual which to read (and most of all to understand!!!) I doubt that I'd live to see that day. As I take from the board here, Ghost 10 + wind 7 is not recommendable (bugs) ??  (see link below).

LINKS (examples!):

"need confirmation - Ghost 2003 + Win 7:
http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1313846251

Ghost 2003 and 4kB sector size:
http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1327528620

Ghost + Windows 7 questions!:
http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1257809610/30#30

----> NightOwl's reply #44

Why Ghost 10?:
http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1134667885

---> reply #3 (Brian) "Ghost 10 has bugs!

Win7's SRP (System Reserved Partition) and Ghost 2003:
http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1321767917

>>> thought SRP = System Restore Point ? Before I create an image (XP) I delete all (except the latest) SRPs using CCleaner.

+ of course:
http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1265924057

I haven't THE SLIGHTEST idea about Win7 ...

henriette  :-[

@ henriette

Just some quick comments to get this under way.


henriette wrote on Jul 8^th, 2012 at 1:06pm:

CPU: AMD Athlon XP Barton 2600+ (runs at 1.9GHz) O/S: XP professional 32bit ---> E-IDE/PATA only. Not ready for Windows 7.

I have Win7 on a computer much slower than yours. It runs fine.


henriette wrote on Jul 8^th, 2012 at 1:06pm:

Is there a RELIABLE, EASY TO USE backup software for Win 7 you would recommend ? Possibly to use in DOS - is safer IMHO.

Have a look at Image for DOS. It can run from a floppy, CD or USBFD.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/downloads-image-for-dos.htm

There is a 30 day free trial and I suggest using the GUI version as it is a little easier to use than the CUI version.


henriette wrote on Jul 8^th, 2012 at 1:06pm:

My friend will do the formatting & partitioning the HDDs (new ones)

Make sure you install Win7 into a partition rather than into unallocated space. That way you avoid getting a 100 MB System Reserved Partition and your booting files will be inside the Win7 partition.


henriette wrote on Jul 8^th, 2012 at 1:06pm:

I haven't THE SLIGHTEST idea about Win7 ...

Using it will be easier than you expected.

@ Brian


Quote:

I have Win7 on a computer much slower than yours. It runs fine.

Can't remember all the reasons. Just the fact that my machine won't meet the requirements !!! ... and the CPU won't allow "XP mode" - yeah, that was the point!

Being able to have "real XP mode" is the most important *thing* about win7 for me!!!
The "new" board (still old) w/*AMD Phenom X4 Black Edition (64), True Quad Core* can do it.

Apart from that I really want to keep XP (as only O/S) on this computer, and this PC will be kept separately for good ;)
... as I said: IF the other win7 *project* will see the light. I can't rely in the least on that guy/friend.


Quote:

Have a look at Image for DOS. It can run from a floppy, CD or USBFD.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/downloads-image-for-dos.htm


Quote:

I suggest using the GUI version as it is a little easier to use than the CUI version

---> GUI is without commands, right ?
Yes, reads excellent! Going to buy that one. Will wait for awhile, though ...

Just a question aside:
If ever I would decide to uninstall Ghost 2003 from my present computer, I needed a 100% clean uninstall [meaning also all registry keys *connected* with Ghost].
Some years ago Symantec support (online) sent me several (!) versions of Ghost cleaner (or what it's called).
So which one am I to take ?

AFTER that: could I use "terabyteunlimited for Dos" instead (because easier to handle) ?
(think the ~ 90 images created with Ghost would be *for the bin*, eh?
Naaaa, in that case I'd better stick with Ghost 2003 on XP ;)


Quote:

Make sure you install Win7 into a partition rather than into unallocated space. That way you avoid getting a 100 MB System Reserved Partition and your booting files will be inside the Win7 partition.

That *100 MB System Reserved Partition* is a real pain, most of all because I don't understand it   :-/

I've read & read & read, to no real understanding what its all about.

Will there still be any problems/workarounds with win7 regarding an image+restore+boot, when using terabytes backup software ?

henriette

@ henriette


Quote:

A friend {in very bad health, so no idea if that *project* is ever going to happen}

Well, several of the regulars here have built their own systems over the years--we can probably help you do it on your own, with on-line web *how to's*, etc. if need be.  Also, many of the new user manuals that come with motherboards are pretty good at showing the steps and have pictures to help as well.


Quote:

so I can keep most of my software. EXCEPT Ghost 2003, which is too complicated for me to handle on Windows 7 - according to what I read on here.

Ghost 2003 works just fine on systems with Win7!!!!  There are some steps involved to make using Ghost 2003 (or any imaging program for that matter) *easier*--but, those steps are not as hard as you think from reading some of the posts here--things are always harder looking than when you actually sit down and do them!

Ghost 2003 was developed in the WinXP era--before Win Vista was released.  Microsoft changed the way Windows boots with the release of Win Vista and Ghost 2003 doesn't understand that.  But, you can work around that with Ghost 2003, if you know what's needed--and you can change how you install Windows to make it even easier--and you can change the Windows boot sequence so it acts just like old WinXP--that makes things even easier yet!


Quote:

Is there a RELIABLE, EASY TO USE backup software for Win 7 you would recommend ? Possibly to use in DOS - is safer IMHO. A few bucks won't hurt after having spent a fortune on the other gear.

Brian has already suggested one of the most common, widely used alternate to Ghost for the consumer.  He has already mentioned that making some of the changes to the *standard* install of Win7 to make even that imaging program *easier* to use.

I'll comment on the other items later, have to run for now.

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Jul 9^th, 2012 at 6:46am:

GUI is without commands, right ?

CUI = Character User Interface (the black/blue screen shots)
GUI = Graphical User Interface (the graphical screen shots)

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/image-for-dos-ss.htm

@ henriette


Quote:

>>> thought SRP = System Restore Point ? Before I create an image (XP) I delete all (except the latest) SRPs using CCleaner.

As you have figured out--SRP is not equal to *System Restore Point*--it's the *System Reserved Partition*.


Quote:

That *100 MB System Reserved Partition* is a real pain, most of all because I don't understand it    I've read & read & read, to no real understanding what its all about.

Yes, it's a *pain*--mostly because it has no meaning or use to the average user (I'll explain that in a minute)!  But, don't let it *throw you*--it's really fairly simple once you get the reasons why it exists.

The SRP is simply a *partition*--it is used by Win7 (started with Vista--but, I think you had to create it manually for Vista--was not created by default until Win7).

It's the *boot partition*.  Why do we need a *boot partition* you ask?  *We* don't!!!!!   Beginning with Win Vista, Microsoft began offering a whole drive encryption program called *BitLocker* -- but, that program option only comes if you purchased the Ultimate or Enterprise editions of Windows--which very few average Windows consumers purchase--it does not come with the *Pro* versions of Windows.  But, Microsoft set up the installation program to create that partition for *everyone* even though it has no use, again, to the average user.


Quote:

In order for BitLocker to operate, the hard disk requires at least two NTFS-formatted volumes: one for the operating system (usually C:) and another with a minimum size of 100 MB[13] from which the operating system boots. BitLocker requires the boot volume to remain unencrypted—on Windows Vista this volume must be assigned a drive letter, while on Windows 7 that is not required.

 

So why the *boot partition* for the users of *BitLocker*?  Because, you can not boot a system from an *encrypted* drive--there has to be at least one partition that is unencrypted for the system to begin the boot process--i.e. has the initial boot files.  Once the user enters their password into the initial unencrypted boot sequence, then the system continues on to the encrypted OS partition.

The other *feature* of the new boot files--they are, by default, locked to a specific HDD and partition that has an identification tag associated with it.  That's where older imaging programs begin to have problems.  When they restore an image--that ID for the HDD is erased and a new one is created--and that means the partition ID number is no longer that same--because it's based on the HDD ID number.  So the boot files will not find the correct HDD and partition--and you will have a boot failure.  This can be *fixed* by using the Windows installation CD and running a *boot repair* sequence.

But, the two above issues can be *by-passed*!  If you install Win7 onto HDD that has already been partitioned--using an appropriate sequence, you can avoid having the installation program create that SRP.  (When you have the SRP that contains the boot files, and a separate OS partition--then the OS partition depends on the presence of the SRP in order to boot--even if you are not using encryption--so you have to back up both partitions--and if needed, restore both partitions if installing a new HDD--you can't just backup and restore the OS partition by itself (you can if you are restoring to the same HDD and there has been no changes to the HDD ID--if that changes (by having the old imaging program zeroing the disk ID--which is what Ghost 2003 does by default), then you will have a boot failure--again, you can *fix* that problem!

And the second problem of having the boot files *locked* to a specific HDD ID--you can do what's called *generalizing* the boot files so they no longer look for that specific HDD ID--but instead just look for the *device*--i.e. the HDD that is to be booted from based on the BIOS settings.

So, if you do the above two changes--Win7 will now act like your current WinXP acts as far as Ghost 2003 is concerned.  You can backup and restore your OS to present or replacement HDDs, and it should boot without any issues.  And, you do not have to jump through any new *hoops* or add any special settings to how you run Ghost 2003.

Making the above two changes requires jumping through some *hoops* that are not the *default* setup for installing Win7--but they are not that hard to do--just have to follow the sequence of steps in an outline.  They are easier to do when setting up and installing a new Win7 installation--harder to do if you allow the installation program to install Win7 using the default installation process first, and then trying to *fix* it!

I haven't gone into the details of how to make the above fixes--that can wait until you actually need to jump through those *hoops*!

@ Brian

Quote:

Make sure you install Win7 into a partition rather than into unallocated space. That way you avoid getting a 100 MB System Reserved Partition and your booting files will be inside the Win7 partition

Yes, and I will be installing "Windows 7 professional 64 bit"

Also will purchase:
http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/image-for-dos-ss.htm
and install it on Win 7. Using the GUI version, run from floppy or CD (will see).

Will NEED *XP mode* :P


Quote:

CUI = Character User Interface (the black/blue screen shots) GUI = Graphical User Interface (the graphical screen shots)

Thanks very much for explaining  ;)

@ NightOwl

Quote:

a whole drive encryption program called *BitLocker* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitLocker_Drive_Encryption ... it does not come with the *Pro* versions of Windows.

Fine, I have the pro version. So I don't have to care about that *BitLocker*, right ?
[Thanks, btw, can read the wiki-link in German ;)].


Quote:

But, Microsoft set up the installation program to create that partition for *everyone* even though it has no use, again, to the average user.

??? > "*quote 1* + *quote 2* above = contradiction in terms ???
You said it does NOT come with Wind 7 pro :-?


Quote:

The other *feature* of the new boot files ... | But, the two :-? > only 1 left for me < :-? ... above issues can be *by-passed*!  If you install Win7 onto HDD that has already been partitioned--using an appropriate sequence, you can avoid having the installation program create that SRP.  (When you have the SRP that contains the boot files, and a separate OS partition--then the OS partition depends on the presence of the SRP in order to boot--even if you are not using encryption--so you have to back up both partitions--and if needed, restore both partitions if installing a new HDD--you can't just backup and restore the OS partition by itself (you can if you are restoring to the same HDD and there has been no changes to the HDD ID--if that changes (by having the old imaging program zeroing the disk ID--which is what Ghost 2003 does by default), then you will have a boot failure--again, you can *fix* that problem! myomyomy!  :P And the second problem of having the boot files *locked* to a specific HDD ID--you can do what's called *generalizing* the boot files so they no longer look for that specific HDD ID--but instead just look for the *device*--i.e. the HDD that is to be booted from based on the BIOS settings. So, if you do the above two changes--Win7 will now act like your current WinXP acts as far as Ghost 2003 is concerned.  You can backup and restore your OS to present or replacement HDDs, and it should boot without any issues.  And, you do not have to jump through any new *hoops* or add any special settings to how you run Ghost 2003. Making the above two changes requires jumping through some *hoops* that are not the *default* setup for installing Win7--but they are not that hard to do--just have to follow the sequence of steps in an outline.  They are easier to do when setting up and installing a new Win7 installation--harder to do if you allow the installation program to install Win7 using the default installation process first, and then trying to *fix* it! I haven't gone into the details of how to make the above fixes--that can wait until you actually need to jump through those *hoops*!

Yeah, let's wait & *talk it over* when I'm *ready* - still at least 1 year to go!  ;) ... I'll start with the hardware stuff when time.

The hardest thing for me will be installing Win7 & all its  tweaks (which I did right after installing XP pro)
+ how to *get* the *virtual XP mode* done etc.  ::)

---

FYI: Hardware I got so far:
° midi tower
° power supply (450W)
° board *ASRockAlive...* (manual see attachment) ---> one 133 for 2 IDE only + floppy drive! Others SATA! < will be problem  :-/
° CPU *AMD Phenom X4 Black Edition (64), True Quad Core*
° RAM (4GB corsair)
° HDDs internal, E-IDE/PATA only!  :P
° floppy drive
° CD OR! DVD optical drive SATA (searching basement what's what, when time!)
° CD/DVD optical drive PATA
Need Graca - have only VGA Radeon HD 3450 (spare) !!! = board probs! [I don't need a high end graphiccard, a simple one will do].

... got DVD *Windows 7 professional 64bit (+32bit > *unreliable guy* {mind: we had arranged a meeting yesterday, he didn't show up} recommended 64bit).

Going to buy:
° malwarebytes backup software

Will see whatelse I'll need. No more $$ for the time being.

henriette *take yer time & think twice before acting ... and most of all: DIY!*

---

2nd part ASRock board specs attached!

henriette  :-*

---

@ henriette


Quote:

Yeah, let's wait & *talk it over* when I'm *ready* - still at least 1 year to go!   ... I'll start with the hardware stuff when time. FYI: Hardware I got so far:° midi tower ° power supply (450W) ° board *ASRockAlive...* (manual see attachment) ---> one 133 for 2 IDE only + floppy drive! Others SATA!< will be problem  ° CPU *AMD Phenom X4 Black Edition (64), True Quad Core* ° RAM (4GB corsair) ° HDDs internal, E-IDE/PATA only!  ° floppy drive ° CD OR! DVD optical drive SATA (searching basement what's what, when time!) ° CD/DVD optical drive PATA

Why are you waiting a year before setting up a new system?  Sure looks like you have everything you need--except a keyboard and mouse--those can be real cheap to buy--and maybe a monitor--but you could share that fairly easily with your WinXP system!

Did a quick search and found the following:

Is this your motherboard?

ALiveNF6G-GLAN

This shows a pretty good outline of setting up the motherboard:  ALiveNF6G-GLAN User Manual

But, the User Manual doesn't say much about appling the thermal paste to the CPU before mounting the heat sink/fan--so here's the recommended method for Artic Silver--the *dot method*:

Application methods for applying thermal compound to AMD® CPU

Middle Dot Method




According to the specifications, your motherboard has a built-in graphics chip--so unless you're a big time *gamer* or someone with high powered graphics needs--you don't really need a separate graphics card--if you have a monitor that requires digital input only, then you might have a problem--your motherboard has analog only output.  You can add a graphics card and manually configure your motherboard to keep the built-in graphics output on so you can have dual monitors--if that's needed.

Also, there's a built-in audio chip--so no need for a sound card--unless you require high end audio output.

The motherboard is very *DOS* friendly--it has both PS/2 mouse and keyboard input jacks--so you don't have to use USB mouse and keyboard--DOS will recognize the PS/2 devices without any problems.  Also, there is a *parallel printer port*--that will probably allow you to use the *Print Screen* key when booted to DOS--to print out what's on the screen at the moment.  On most of my systems, it allows me to use *Print Screen* key when I'm in the BIOS setup utility (that's before any OS is loaded by the system).  So, I can get a hard copy of the BIOS settings if need be.  Of cource you need a printer that uses parallel printer port input--and not USB input.


Quote:

... got DVD *Windows 7 professional 64bit (+32bit > *unreliable guy* {mind: we had arranged a meeting yesterday, he didn't show up} recommended 64bit).

The main reason to go *64 bit* is to use larger amounts of RAM--you can use more than other parts of the system will support, in theory at least (Theoretically: 16.8 million terabytes!)--the OS will not support as much as the 64 bit option offers--and the CPU probably can not address the potential!  64 bit also potentially can address *huge* HDDs--but those are still in the future as far as the everyday user is concerned.

So, 64 bit *is the future!*--but the down side will be that any 32 bit programs will be *emulated* on a 64 bit system--so could see a performance decrease and/or not compatible and will not run at all--so some software will not work unless newer versions that are 64 bit programs!

Running out of space, so see next post........

@ henriette

So, a continuation of the last post:

Quoting from the  Windows Vista editions--re:  64 bit :  (I know--it's not the Win7 entry!)


Quote:

64-bit versions To support 64-bit platforms such as Intel Xeon, Intel Core 2, AMD Opteron and AMD Athlon 64, Microsoft released 64-bit versions of every edition of Windows Vista except for the Starter edition. These editions can run 32-bit programs by running them within the WOW64 subsystem. Most 32-bit programs can run natively, though applications that rely on device drivers will not run unless those device drivers have been written for 64-bit Windows. Most older hardware doesn't have the necessary support to get the drivers written.[22][23][24] Other applications may have difficulty as well. For example, the Visual Basic 6 IDE will run natively on 32-bit editions, but will not run at all on 64-bit editions.[25] Some application vendors will only provide full / premium product versions for 64-bit Vista and cut down versions for 32-bit Vista (e.g. Adobe Premier Elements is 32-bit and the full Adobe Premier is available for 64-bit Vista - with more capability but at a much higher price). Various reviewers have reported that the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista outperform their 32-bit counterparts in synthetic benchmarks such as PassMark.[26][27][28] For example, in early testing of 64-bit support in Photoshop for Windows, overall performance gains ranged from 8% to 12%. Those who work with extremely large files may realize noticeably greater gains in performance, in some cases as dramatic as ten times the previous speed. This is because 64-bit applications can address larger amounts of memory and thus result in less file swapping — one of the biggest factors that can affect data processing speed.[29] All 64-bit versions of Microsoft operating systems currently impose a 16 TB limit on address space. Processes created on the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista can have 8 TB in virtual memory for user processes and 8 TB for kernel processes to create a virtual memory of 16 TB.[30] In terms of physical memory Windows Vista 64-Bit Basic supports up to 8 GB of RAM, Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium supports up to 16 GB of RAM, and Windows Vista 64-Bit Business/Enterprise/Ultimate supports up to 128 GB of RAM.[8]

Gives you some idea of the pluses and minuses of 64 bit.

With 32 bit, you can access only approximately 3.5 GB of RAM.  You are only going to gain, with your 4 GB of RAM--about 0.5 GB of usable RAM by using the 64 bit version of Win7.  So unless you plan on adding more RAM (this would allow you to work with larger files that can be loaded into RAM--I suspect, unless you are doing video or photo editing, CAD design programs, huge spread sheets, etc., you probably will not actually need those large amounts of RAM! 

So, it's a tough decision--64 or 32 bit--I think I will stay with 32 bit for now, until I run into a *must have* feature or program that *requires* 64 bit--so I will have to be *pushed*  ;) !


Quote:

Going to buy: ° malwarebytes backup software

Not familiar with that--links?

@ NightOwl

Quote:

Why are you waiting a year before setting up a new system? ... looks like you have everything you need ... you could share that fairly easily with your WinXP system!

No way!

a) I told you that I'll keep my present PC [DONALD] separate from the new one.

b) Been up since 5a.m. searching for (examples!):

Chipset driver update, BIOS update for CPU++ (latest from 2009), graphiccard (need digital input) - graca w/low power consumption - VGA PCIe 1.0, Driver for graca {read that ATI Radeon not recommended 'cause onboard would be NVIDIA ... I always had ATI & if possible will stick with ATI}, aso. aso. - EXCEPT BIOS upd nothing yet!


Quote:

You can add a graphics card and manually configure your motherboard to keep the built-in graphics output on so you can have dual monitors--if that's needed.

I wouldn't think so.

Yes, my board is:
http://www.asrock.com/mb/NVIDIA/ALiveNF6G-GLAN/
sorry forgot to mention.

The board is said to support win7, although not in the manual, I hope it will! --> there is also the matter to which version of BIOS updating ? And what Chipset driver version available ???


Quote:

The motherboard is very *DOS* friendly hehehehe... there is a *parallel printer port*--that will probably allow you to use the *Print Screen* key when booted to DOS--to print out what's on the screen at the moment.  On most of my systems, it allows me to use *Print Screen* key when I'm in the BIOS setup utility (that's before any OS is loaded by the system).  So, I can get a hard copy of the BIOS settings if need be.  Of cource you need a printer that uses parallel printer port input--and not USB input.

Do you mean printer connected to parallel port ?

Got it like that for ages. Don't use the usb ports for printer.
BUT: (sorry, don't know manual by heart) > will this be possible with new board ?
I also need more free usb ports for external HDDs (only connected for backups).

You might not have considered:
I told in my last post that I have:
2x internal HDDs (Seagate, 400GB) E-IDE/PATA plus
1x audiophile! CD burner (optical drive) E-IDE/PATA
1x DVD burner (optical drive) E-IDE/PATA
1x floppy drive E-IDE/PATA.

Now: that won't work with my new board. It can hold 2 E-IDE/PATA + floppy drive. Then I would be lost with my HDDs  :(

I thought I might find any kind of adapter > PATA|SATA - what do you think ? That would save my A$$  ;D
BUT! I read about those adapters & its bad quality/compatibility
etc. - maybe you have an idea or link ?

SOUND:
Got ° USB Sound System. No soundcard needed.

AND: I'm not willing to use any onboard crap!!

keyboard, mouse & monitor > got *in stock*, no problem there.
Both PS/2.

note *in between*: I am waiting for TIME & $$ + for email reply from ASRock support. Hoping for some links :P


Quote:

appling the thermal paste to the CPU

THAT is definitely my least problem, do it every 6 months at least  ;) ---> Arctic silver middle dot.
Thanks for reminding, anyway  :-*

note #2 *in between*: I do know this & that, where some other users may have probs. Instead - there's a great deal of HowTo's I have no idea, which 'everyday' users are familiar with  :P

In other words: I'm grateful for each & every *hint* you can give me  :-*

Can't seem to find out (manual) where to plug (PCI slot) network LAN card.

Windows 7:

Quote:

The main reason to go *64 bit* is to use larger amounts of RAM

The *guy* told me it was also for better drivers.


Quote:

the CPU probably can not address the potential!

Talking specifically about my *AMD Phenom X4 (64) BE True QuadCore|2,6GHz|socket AM2+|4MB total L2+L3 cache|model HD995ZXAGHBOX = 9950* ???


Quote:

64 bit also potentially can address *huge* HDDs--but those are still in the future as far as the everyday user is concerned.

I don't & won't have *huge* HDDs.

The *guy* need 'em for XXXXXXXXX movies & all stuff he can get hold of.  ::)


Quote:

so some software will not work (64) ... not compatible and will not run at all

:o I need my *old* software!!!!!!

{read vista 64bit link - naaaaaaaaa!!!!! That's definitely not what I want}

BUT: What about the *virtual XP mode* in wind 7 pro 32bit* ???

----> let's forget about 64bit, we're gonna talk about 32bit from now on, ok  :)

I told you that I also have *Windows 7 professional 32bit DVD*

note #3: hope the Wind 7 pro DVDs will work! Got S/N.

However, I'll need a step-by-step install guide (what when!).
Wrote a *documentation* myself for XP  ;D


Quote:

With 32 bit, you can access only approximately 3.5 GB of RAM. You are only going to gain, with your 4 GB of RAM--about 0.5 GB of usable RAM by using the 64 bit version of Win7.  So unless you plan on adding more RAM (this would allow you to work with larger files that can be loaded into RAM--I suspect,So unless you plan on adding more RAM (this would allow you to work with larger files that can be loaded into RAM--I suspect, unless you are doing video or photo editing, CAD design programs, huge spread sheets, etc., you probably will not actually need those large amounts of RAM!

Corsair forum wrote:"Two equal *VS4GBKIT800D2* are not supported or suggested. The use of 2 kits have not been tested together. There is no way to tell if any of 2 kits will run together ...

No CAD,photo etc.!


Quote:

Going to buy: ° malwarebytes backup software Not familiar with that--links?

Yes, waiting for pennies from heaven, though  ;D

That's another point why it has to wait -- for quite some time.
Gotta pay my rent +++++!

henriette  *case not unpacked, yet*

@ henriette

Just a couple quick comments--I don't have more time this morning--but, I'll come back later with other comments on the other points of your post:


Quote:

@NightOwl Quote: Why are you waiting a year before setting up a new system? ... looks like you have everything you need ... you could share that fairly easily with your WinXP system! No way! a) I told you that I'll keep my present PC [DONALD] separate from the new one.

Just to be clear--we're talking about the *monitor* here--there's no system interaction between the two systems!  You unplug the monitor hooked up to the WinXP system, move it if needed to where the Win7 system is sitting, plug it in to the graphic's port of the Win7 system, use it until you're done on that system, then unplug and move it back to the other system!  *Sharing* doesn't mean the two systems access the same monitor at the same time in this case!  You will not have both systems up and running at the same time!


Quote:

b) Been up since 5a.m. searching for (examples!): Chipset driver update, BIOS update for CPU++ (latest from 2009), graphiccard (need digital input) - graca w/low power consumption - VGA PCIe 1.0, Driver for graca {read that ATI Radeon not recommended 'cause onboard would be NVIDIA ... I always had ATI & if possible will stick with ATI}, aso. aso. - EXCEPT BIOS upd nothing yet!

Sometimes I have no idea what you have just said  ;D --*aso. aso. - EXCEPT BIOS upd nothing yet*--I'm sure this means (meant?) something to you--but I'm lost for what you're trying to tell us here!

Had to do some searching--finally figured out that *graca* is slang for *graphics card*!


Quote:

graphiccard (need digital input)

So, you already have a monitor that can only use digital input?


Quote:

VGA PCIe 1.0

I assume you are talking about PCIe v1.x vs v2.x vs 3.x--and not the *x1* slot vs the *x16* slot?

If you're talking about an *x1* card, that might not be the *best* option for an add-on graphics card--2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) . 

Read here:  What kind of expansion slot should you use for your video card?

Unfortunately, your user manual does not specifically say whether your PCIe slots are v2.x or v1.x!  Based on this thread, you probably have PCIe v1.x:  What pcie slot version i have? (Chipset:NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430) .  It talks about how to run software to determine what you have--but the system has to be up and running for this!





Quote:

b) Been up since 5a.m. searching for (examples!):

You might want to get a small brown paper bag, crumple up the opening, and hold it to your mouth--breath in and out slowly   ;D  --(just kidding  ;) !)  But, you often times sound like you're *hyperventilating* over things that you have not even began to do!  Sit back and relax--you can hook everything up, install Win7,.--you can set your system up *as is* and it will probably run without any additional intervention on your part.  And then, as time permits--do updates and upgrades--add various add-on cards, tweak the Win7 OS, etc., etc!

More to come later.

@ NightOwl

Correction first:

Quote:

Going to buy: malwarebytes backup software

wrong, must be *terabyteunlimited*  ::)

henriette wrote:

Quote:

a) I told you that I'll keep my present PC [DONALD] separate from the new one.

Quote:

we're talking about the *monitor* here--there's no system interaction between the two systems!  You unplug the monitor hooked up to the WinXP system, move it if needed to where the Win7 system is sitting, plug it in to the graphic's port of the Win7 system, use it until you're done on that system, then unplug and move it back to the other system!  *Sharing* doesn't mean the two systems access the same monitor at the same time in this case!  You will not have both systems up and running at the same time!

That's pretty clear, yes. If I had the space in my small room, I'd put up my 2nd monitor.

My apologies for my poor language:

Quote:

Sometimes I have no idea what you have just said   --*aso. aso. - EXCEPT BIOS upd nothing yet*--I'm sure this means (meant?) something to you--but I'm lost for what you're trying to tell us here! Had to do some searching--finally figured out that *graca* is slang for *graphics card*!

Explanation:
*graca* = graphic card
*aso* = and so on
*Except BIOS upd nothing yet* = I did not make it to download more than a BIOS update from ASRock homepage, yet.
..................................      ;D     .....................................................


Quote:

So, you already have a monitor that can only use digital input?

Not only > I use only the digital input. No analog cable is being connected. There's no need if I have a graphic card with digital output.


Quote:

I assume you are talking about PCIe v1.x vs v2.x vs 3.x--and not the *x1* slot vs the *x16* slot?

Well, well ... I received an email reply from ASRock support (my board). I will try to translate it into English - which isn't all that easy, since the guy who wrote it is from the Netherlands, trying his *best* German, including lingual mistakes that even I had problems to understand  ;D
So here we go:
"The board has a connection for IDE drives where you can connect master/slave = 2 drives.
The IDE cable has 3 connections: 1 for the board and 2 for the drives assuming he's talking about the CD+DVD drives here - and I would think that the floppy drive will be connected by the power supply, as well..
There's no new version of chipset. You can only update the BIOS I downloaded version 1.80, latest.
For the board you can only use PCI Express graphic cards - take older one - board has *PCI Express version 1.0*"

Useless to say that I wasn't able to find any graphic card PCIE 1.0 (x16) | DirectX 9.0 (!!)

It's high time to give you the url of the board manual (English.pdf):

http://www.asrock.com/mb/NVIDIA/ALiveNF6G-GLAN/?cat=Manual
---> just click > pdf will open. You may want to save it for later discussions.

There you'll find all infos available of board! Also see page 16 > expansion slots!
(Only available in English). Will have to print it, cause the *board manual* (multiligual) is just a quick install guide.

But, oh, I don't have any CD with the board!
IMO that would mean to download all I can get hold of (chipset, drivers .........) from the homepage. Correct ?

GERMAN boards (I don't trust them!) try to convince me to take Windows 7 64bit instead 32bit.
I read a lot about the *XP mode* and how to's. Not sure, though, if, when installing 64bit - XPmode will be 32bit.
Noone seems to be sure about that.

That's why I mention it here again. I rememeber well that you recommended me to install Win 7, 32bit.


Quote:

You might want to get a small brown paper bag, crumple up the opening, and hold it to your mouth--breath in and out slowly     --(just kidding   !)  But, you often times sound like you're *hyperventilating* over things that you have not even began to do!  Sit back and relax--you can hook everything up, install Win7,.--you can set your system up *as is* and it will probably run without any additional intervention on your part.  And then, as time permits--do updates and upgrades--add various add-on cards, tweak the Win7 OS, etc., etc!

;D ;D ;D You're quite right, provided that I DO already have all hardware stuff!
I still need a graphic card, a LAN card, cooler/fan for CPU [must fit into midi tower!]
http://www.thermalright.com/products/index.php?act=data&cat_id=38&id=178

My midi Tower:
http://www.xigmatek.com/product.php?productid=154

... and the confirmation that I definitely don't need any adapter for my E-IDE gear
> 2x HDD, 2x optical drive + 1x floppy drive (all E-IDE/PATA!).

henriette  :)

@ henriette


Quote:

Well, well ... I received an email reply from ASRock support (my board). I will try to translate it into English - which isn't all that easy, since the guy who wrote it is from the Netherlands, trying his *best* German, including lingual mistakes that even I had problems to understand

Made me laugh  ;D !


Quote:

Not only > I use only the digital input. No analog cable is being connected. There's no need if I have a graphic card with digital output.

I understand--but, you said you were limited by spending more $ on hardware and software for now--you have a motherboard that has a built in Graphics Chip, but it has only an analog output--so you do not have to buy a Digital Output Graphics card for now (although, you can probably get a good one for around $50.00 USD)--that could be a future upgrade.  If your current monitor will accept an analog connection--an analog cord is probably *cheap*!

In the past, I have tried both analog and digital outputs on the same system--honestly, I could not see a difference in quality or rendering speed.  Maybe there are some circumstances where one can see a difference--I couldn't!


Quote:

For the board you can only use PCI Express graphic cards - take older one - board has *PCI Express version 1.0*" Useless to say that I wasn't able to find any graphic card PCIE 1.0 (x16) | DirectX 9.0 (!!)

You should be able to use any 2.0 or 2.1 version of the PCIE (x16) graphics card--they are all supposed to be *backward compatible*--so should work fine on your motherboard--just won't have the v2.x capabilities--but, that's the limitation of the motherboard--not the PCIE card!


Quote:

It's high time to give you the url of the board manual (English.pdf):

I mentioned a link above--is this the correct one:


NightOwl wrote on Jul 16^th, 2012 at 9:59am:

This shows a pretty good outline of setting up the motherboard:  ALiveNF6G-GLAN User Manual

Quote:

"The board has a connection for IDE drives where you can connect master/slave = 2 drives. The IDE cable has 3 connections: 1 for the board and 2 for the drives.... assuming he's talking about the CD+DVD drives here - and I would think that the floppy drive will be connected by the power supply, as well..

Well, you switched from talking about the *communication* cable to the *power supply* cable for the floppy drive--two different things!  The floppy drive uses it own separate, specific *communication* cable--not the same as the HDD or optical drive  com cable--in older floppy drives, you could connect that cable either way in the receptacle--if you reversed it, you could fry the floppy drive and/or possibly the motherboard--newer floppy drive are *keyed* so the cable can only go one way--so be careful about that hookup!

Also, floppy drives have their own special power input connector--but most power supplies come with at least one power outlet connector for floppy drive type connectors.


Quote:

But, oh, I don't have any CD with the board! IMO that would mean to download all I can get hold of (chipset, drivers .........) from the homepage. Correct ?

Correct--you should be able to download everything that's needed.  Often older boards don't have any new drivers after a couple years on the market.


Quote:

GERMAN boards (I don't trust them!) try to convince me to take Windows 7 64bit instead 32bit. I read a lot about the *XP mode* and how to's. Not sure, though, if, when installing 64bit - XPmode will be 32bit. Noone seems to be sure about that. That's why I mention it here again. I rememeber well that you recommended me to install Win 7, 32bit.

Well, that's what I said I was going to do  ;)  --didn't necessarily mean you should:


NightOwl wrote on Jul 16^th, 2012 at 10:13am:

So, it's a tough decision--64 or 32 bit--I think I will stay with 32 bit for now, until I run into a *must have* feature or program that *requires* 64 bit--so I will have to be *pushed* !

Quote:

provided that I DO already have all hardware stuff! I still need a graphic card, a LAN card ... and the confirmation that I definitely don't need any adapter for my E-IDE gear > 2x HDD, 2x optical drive + 1x floppy drive (all E-IDE/PATA!).

You don't *need* a graphics card--that could be a later upgrade as mentioned before. 

You don't need a LAN card--that's also available as a built in on your motherboard!  Specifications


Quote:

LAN - Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s - Giga PHY Realtek RTL8211B

You can not hook up two PATA HDDs and two PATA optical drives--you have only one PATA communication cable hookup on the motherboard.  Each PATA com cable can have a max of two PATA devices--mix or match HDDs or optical drives.  You will have to use the 4 SATA ports for SATA devices if you want more than the two PATA devices.

Or, you could buy a PCI PATA controller and hook it up to one of the PCI slots to add additional PATA devices--there's always one more way to do things on a computer!

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Jul 21^st, 2012 at 10:18am:

GERMAN boards (I don't trust them!) try to convince me to take Windows 7 64bit instead 32bit. I read a lot about the *XP mode* and how to's. Not sure, though, if, when installing 64bit - XPmode will be 32bit. Noone seems to be sure about that.

The *XP Mode* is an emulator to run software on a Win7 64 bit system that would not otherwise run on a Win7 64 bit system.  WinXP is essentially a 32 bit system--so, yes the XP Mode will run those 32 bit programs. 

But, if you have older hardware, like scanners or printers, that do not have 64 bit drivers--even though the 32 bit XP software is running just fine in the Win7 XP Mode--you still will not be able to use those older pieces of hardware--when the XP Mode ports the output for those devices--they will have to have 64 bit drivers in Win7 if they are going to work!

@ NightOwl

Before I forget:
Terabyteunlimited sent an email reply >
"We don’t have a German manual, but there are translation services on the Net that may help."  >:(

Whattasupport!

Since there is no German board either, I'd prefer another reliable backup software. It's a *just in case* decision.

Can you think of any other easy to handle software ?

---

I've been busy searching, ordering etc., that's why I didn't reply earlier.  :-*

Your reply #13 - 21.07.12 at 18:37:38


Quote:

you have a motherboard that has a built in Graphics Chip, but it has only an analog output--so you do not have to buy a Digital Output Graphics card for now

I bought
*Sapphire Radeon HD5450 (ATI Radeon HD5000, 16x PCIe, 512MB, DDR3 cache)*

http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?cid=1&gid=3&sgid=917&pid=315&psn=&lid=1&leg=0

board manual (English.pdf):

Quote:

is this the correct one ?

YES :=)
ftp://174.142.97.10/manual/ALiveNF6G-GLAN.pdf


Quote:

you switched from talking about the *communication* cable to the *power supply* cable for the floppy drive--two different things!  The floppy drive uses it own separate, specific *communication* cable--not the same as the HDD or optical drive  com cable--in older floppy drives, you could connect that cable either way in the receptacle--if you reversed it, you could fry the floppy drive and/or possibly the motherboard--newer floppy drive are *keyed* so the cable can only go one way--so be careful about that hookup! Also, floppy drives have their own special power input connector--but most power supplies come with at least one power outlet connector for floppy drive type connectors.

Yes, I found out  ::) that the board has 2 connectors. 1 for the HDDs (master + slave) and 1 for the floppy drive.

For the optical drives (CD burner [Plexwriter 2] and DVD burner) [probably Benq or LG - will see] I bought:
*IDE ATA133 RAID Controller 2-port PCI card #n553*

Similar to this one:
http://www.logilink.eu/showproduct/PC0038B.htm?seticlanguage=de&seticlanguage=en

Got it from Ebay's, data somewhat different >
For 4 additional IDE devices, RAID is NOT for Wind 7, PCI 2.2 32bit card. Chipset = Silicon Image SIL0680.
Picture looks alike. 
Came with a tiny little wee driver CD ;D
Copied right to PC!
I just hope it's going to work reliable/bly ? < = reliably ?  ::)

Drivers etc for the board:


Quote:

you should be able to download everything that's needed.  Often older boards don't have any new drivers after a couple years on the market.

I downloaded the following (both for 32 bit and for 64bit Vista - no Win7 available - should work, don't you think ?):

----> 32bit:

° AUDIO_Vista64_RealtekHighDef. R2.08 (2009) > equal to vista32!
° HDD_Vista32_nonRAID SATA Drv 998 (2008)
° VGA_Vista32_VGA Drv 163.75 (2008)
° RAID_Vista32+64_NVIDIA RAID Treiber 1.12 (2008)
won't need that, would I ?

° Utility_Vista32_InstantBoot 1.13 (2008)
no idea what that's for

° Utility_Vista32_TLB Utility 1.03 (2008)
no idea

----> 64bit:

° AUDIO_Vista64_Realtek HighDef R2.08 [WDM] (2009)
° NVIDIA_Vista64_All-In-1 Drv F. NVIDIA-1111 (2008)
° VGA_Vista64_VGA Treiber 163.75 (2008)

° RAID_Vista32+64_NVIDIA RAID Treiber 1.12 (2008)
???

° Utility_Vista64_Instant Boot 1.13 (2008)
???

° Utility_Vista64_TLB Utility 1.03 (2008)
???

Now, don't ask me why, I thought I needed a driver for the chipset ...  :D ... finally found *something* - is display driver for NVIDIA, though ... NVIDIA graphics card ? (will insert here for you to check)  :-[----> Win7 32bit:

° GraphicsQuestDrv_Win7-32_NvidGef6150SE-nForce430 (2012)-pcpitstop

----> Win7 64bit:

° GraphicsQuestDrv_Win7-64_NvidGef6150SE-nForce430 (2012)-Pcpitstop

You will find more info here + release notes:

http://www.pcpitstop.com/drivers/download/NVIDIA~GeForce~6150SE~nForce~430.html

Win7 - 32bit or 64bit:


Quote:

it's a tough decision--64 or 32 bit ... that's what I said I was going to do -- didn't necessarily mean you should

So, what would you advise me   :-/


Quote:

You don't need a LAN card--that's also available as a built in on your motherboard!

Yes, I know. LAN + graphics onboard have crashed after a short time on 2 (two) of my boards. That's the main reason why I also bought:

*LogiLink Gigabit PCI Express Networkcard*

http://www.logilink.org/cmsfiles/modules/i-sell2u/showproduct.htm?isu_zeigeartikel=PC0029A&seticlanguage=en&seticlanguage=en&seticlanguage=en

Reply #14 - 21.07.12 at 18:47:24


Quote:

The *XP Mode* is an emulator to run software on a Win7 64 bit system that would not otherwise run on a Win7 64 bit system.  WinXP is essentially a 32 bit system--so, yes the XP Mode will run those 32 bit programs.  But, if you have older hardware, like scanners or printers, that do not have 64 bit drivers--even though the 32 bit XP software is running just fine in the Win7 XP Mode--you still will not be able to use those older pieces of hardware--when the XP Mode ports the output for those devices--they will have to have 64 bit drivers in Win7 if they are going to work!

:o :o :o

Have old printers (also in basement)- canon i560 etc., old hardware +++.
Did you mean I needed Win7 32bit to make it work ? Meaning XP32 ~ Win7 32 in XP-mode ??? Please explain ..

henriette *sold power supply & other stuff*  ;)

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Jul 27^th, 2012 at 10:40am:

"We don’t have a German manual, but there are translation services on the Net that may help." Whattasupport!

Don't be offended. TeraByte Support is superbly helpful. Although often cryptic.

@ Brian


Quote:

Don't be offended. TeraByte Support is superbly helpful. Although often cryptic.

Okay, Brian, but what about the _missing_ support in German  :-?

If there should be any questions [no German manual or phone support] while I need to create an image, and it doesn't work (because I can't handle it) ... where should I turn to ?

I will buy *Image for DOS* GUI version if you advise me to do so. I'll do it °blindfolded°  ;D

henriette  :)

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Jul 29^th, 2012 at 4:44am:

but what about the _missing_ support in German

There are no German language posts in this forum but you and I can communicate well in English.

Unlike many companies, I've found TeraByte Support will respond to questions on the same day. Usually within a few hours. There is also a TeraByte forum with helpful people.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/ucf/

Drive Snapshot is a German imaging app. But it has limited functions compared with TeraByte apps. It can't restore into a smaller partition, it can't resize a restored partition and it doesn't have a cloning function. I suggest you try IFD and Drive Snapshot. See which you prefer.

@ Brian


Quote:

Unlike many companies, I've found TeraByte Support will respond to questions on the same day. Usually within a few hours. There is also a TeraByte forum with helpful people.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/ucf/


Quote:

Drive Snapshot is a German imaging app. But it has limited functions compared with TeraByte apps. It can't restore into a smaller partition, it can't resize a restored partition and it doesn't have a cloning function. I suggest you try IFD and Drive Snapshot. See which you prefer.

I definitely won't try Drive Snapshot (crap).

Will buy *Image for DOS* after peeping into the forum there :=)

I'm positive they're nice, friendly & helpful people, as I have experienced in some other English speaking forums  :)

Thanks very much for helping me make a final decision.

henriette  :-*

@ henriette

To make an IFD (gui) boot disk for a WinXP system...

double click makedisk.exe, next
dot in I accept the agreement, next
tick in Image for DOS (GUI), next
tick in CD Boot Image Files, next
dot in Mouse Support Enabled, next
dot in VESA Video, next
dot in Video Mode 1024*768 - 64K Colors, next
tick in Enable USB 1.1 (UHCI), next
ignore Global Geometry and MBR Options, next
ignore Additional IFD.INI Options, next
enter Producy Key (if you have one), next
select your CD burner drive letter (you can use a CD-RW or a CD-R disc). Or USB flash drive. You can use a floppy but they are slow to load.
Finish


To create an IFD (gui) image and write it to a USB external HD

Backup
Full Backup
BIOS
Hard Drive 0 (if using a USB flash drive the flash drive might be HD0 so your first internal HD would be HD1)
select partition to backup
File Direct
USB
select partition on USB
select folder on USB and give the image a name (or accept the default name)
leave the ticks in Omit Page File Data, Omit Hibernation Data and Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
Compression Standard
File Size Max
Start



To create an IFL (gui) image and write it to a USB external HD

Backup
Full Backup
Linux
ATA ..... (sda)
select partition to backup
File Direct
Linux
select your USB HD. It will be last in the list
select partition on USB
select folder on USB and give the image a name (or accept the default name)
leave the ticks in Omit Page File Data, Omit Hibernation Data and Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
Compression Standard
File Size Max
Start


You also get IFL when you buy IFD. Some people find IFL works faster than IFD on their systems. I suggest you experiment with both.


To make an IFL (gui) boot disk for a WinXP system...

double click makedisk.exe, next
Default Settings
dot in I accept the agreement, next
enter Producy Key (if you have one), next
select your CD burner drive letter (you can use a CD-RW or a CD-R disc). Or USB flash drive.
Finish

To create an Entire Drive image and write the image to a USB external HD... Using IFL

Backup
Full Backup
Linux
ATA ..... (sda)
select Entire Drive
Single File Set
File Direct
Linux
select your USB HD. It will be last in the list
select partition on USB
select folder on USB and give the image a name (or accept the default name)
leave the ticks in Omit Page File Data, Omit Hibernation Data and Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
Compression Standard
File Size Max
Start

@ Brian

mpfffff ... Brian, since yesterday I'm trying to create a boot media for IFD!

Boot floppy/ies:

Manual instructions (makedisk) didn't work > asks for 2.88MB floppy!

> Knowledge base article.php?id=138 --> °How to Run IFD From a Bootable Floppy Disk° > wrote txt into notepad (Editor) as *AUTOEXEC.BAT* [instruction reads *A:\AUTOEXEC.BAT* ??] - tried both + copied files to floppy. *IFD.INI* < they say "if it exists" - it doesn't exist.

Been searching the knowledge base, found several ways how to do it, using 2 floppies > while in DOS, get message "unable to open IFD.DAT". < knowledge base article.php?id=222 -->
°Not enough space on MS-DOS Startup Diskette to Add Image for DOS°

Tried to create CD (Boot disk) - unsure what to check & what not, anyway: message: "Writing to disk did not complete successfully - there was an error *0h: 00 05 21 70*.

Had just registered in forum, when I found your notification mail  [smiley=thumbup.gif]


Quote:

You can use a floppy but they are slow to load.

That would be my least problem.

I will follow your instructions below.


Quote:

To make an IFD (gui) boot disk for a WinXP system... double click makedisk.exe, next dot in I accept the agreement, next tick in Image for DOS (GUI), next tick in CD Boot Image Files, next dot in Mouse Support Enabled, next dot in VESA Video, next dot in Video Mode 1024*768 - 64K Colors, next tick in Enable USB 1.1 (UHCI), next ignore Global Geometry and MBR Options, next ignore Additional IFD.INI Options, next enter Producy Key, next select your CD burner drive letter (you can use a CD-RW or a CD-R disc).

If that won't work, I need a real break from that program.

IF it works I'll let you know.

Thanks SO much for writing all the instructions for me - how did you know I was in trouble ...

My old printer - had to print the manual 159 pages!

note: DONALD is my old-fashioned PC ... I have no-name USB sticks that might not work. No time for experiments   :P

henriette  :-*

@ Brian

Creating disk (CD) worked right away - yayyyyyyyyyyy  ;D

(it's the °ticks°, you know :=))

Just to let you know before I create *full backup* = *whole drive backup*. Will see how to select ALL partitions of HDD0. Might take time - preparations & such ;)

Thanks you, thank you, thank you!

henriette *will report*

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Jul 27^th, 2012 at 10:40am:

Can you think of any other easy to handle software ?

I've been out of town--so I'm behind on this discussion--and I don't have time this morning for responding to all the questions--I'll work on those later, but....

Just to be clear...if you adjust the Win7 installation so the System Reserve Partition (SRP) is not created, and you *generalize* the new style boot files so Win7 boots like the old style WinXP mode--then DOS Ghost 2003 works exactly the same on a Win7 system, be it 32-bit or 64-bit, as is does on the WinXP system--without any further adjustments from that point on!

The Window's based portion of Ghost 2003 probably can not be installed and work correctly on Win7--might work to some extent if 32-bit, but probably not at all for the 64-bit version.

So, DOS Ghost 2003 can be used on Win7 systems and you do not have to purchase some other software.

Having said that, if you want to move on to newer imaging software that is DOS based as well as Windows based (and Linux as well), then TeraBytes Imaging programs seem to have the best reputation--but there are many others--just depends on what features and what costs you want to pay!  I will post some references later.

If I were you, I'd seriously consider getting the TeraByte *package* deal where you have all the imaging software, DOS, Linux, and Windows based--as well as the *Boot-it Bare Metal* program--for $49.98 USD--it will give you the greatest flexibility that covers all the bases for use on different types of equipment.

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Jul 30^th, 2012 at 8:16am:

Will see how to select ALL partitions of HDD0.

Just put a tick in the "Entire Drive" box.

To create an Entire Drive image and write the image to a USB external HD... Using IFD (gui)

Backup
Full Backup
BIOS
Hard Drive 0 (if using a USB flash drive the flash drive might be HD0 so your first internal HD would be HD1)
select Entire Drive
Single File Set
File (Direct)
USB
select partition on USB
select folder on USB and give the image a name (or accept the default name)
leave the ticks in Omit Page File Data, Omit Hibernation Data and Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
Compression Standard
File Size Max
Start

Are you using the trial IFD or have you made the purchase?


Quote:

I have no-name USB sticks that might not work.

Use CDs at this stage as the first HD will always be Hard Drive 0. It can get confusing when the USB flash drive is Hard Drive 0.

To restore an Entire Drive image stored on a USB external HD... Using IFL (gui)

Restore
Normal
File (Direct)
Linux
select your USB HD. It will be last in the list
select the partition
select the folder containing the image
select the image
tick in Entire Drive
Linux
ATA.... (sda) (Be careful here that you are restoring the image to the correct HD)
Yes to the Warning (There won't be a warning if the target HD is empty)
leave the tick in Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
First Track Sectors AUTO
Start

On my hardware, IFL is twice as fast as IFD when using USB external HDs. Your experience may be different. IFD is slightly faster than IFL when using internal HDs.

To restore an image stored on a Network Share... Using IFL (gui)

click net1
Auto Detect SMB Servers
select the remote computer
username
workgroup
password
select your "share" containing the image
exit menu
exit menu (again)
In IFL, select Restore
Normal
File (OS)
net1 (you might have to double click (or press Enter) this if Next doesn't work)
select your image
Linux drive interface
Target drive
etc

@ henriette

When you get more comfortable with IFD/IFL I can let you know how to install one or both to a USB external HD. Then you don't need a CD. Just boot from the external HD into IFD or IFL. Some people like this for its convenience but you get the same result as using a CD.

You can automate the process. Boot from the USB external HD and the imaging or restore starts on its own.

NightOwl
wrote Reply #24 - Yesterday at 16:56:38


Quote:

If I were you, I'd seriously consider getting the TeraByte *package* deal where you have all the imaging software, DOS, Linux, and Windows based--as well as the *Boot-it Bare Metal* program--for $49.98 USD--it will give you the greatest flexibility that covers all the bases for use on different types of equipment.

I've purchased IFD+Linux as you might have read.

@ Brian

I will report what I've done and experienced so far:

1. Tried an *entire drive* backup to external usb drive > WD 1.5GB, USB 2.0 ---> will take 23 hours - aborted.

2. created backup C:\ only, to external drive > aaah! think I had it °uncompressed°, not sure, though  ::)
> 1:05hrs | 1 file | 4000.800kB.

3. created backup C:\ only, to INTERNAL HDD > compression "standard" > 11mnts!
2 files | "1-file" + "TBI-file" | total size of both files = 401277.
Have to check °BIOS direct° to have internal drive displayed.

3. Wrote img to DVD > writing speed "optimal" > 1:10hrs + validade disk.
Is the DVD bootable ???

All of the above by using IFD.

Brian, you recommend me external drives. The support of my present board told me that - if I connect an external drive with a real USB 2.0 cable, it would definitely run under 2.0.
I doubt it. How come it takes that long ?

Looks rather like usb 1.1. (same with other external usb drives).
BIOS is set to usb "1.1 + 2.0".

Below the link to my external drive which I used (1.5TB, 3.5")
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=260

... and copying from my internal drive to external drive is "normal" speed for usb 2.0. It's just backing up that takes forever (entire drive). That's why I'd prefer to 1st backup my entire drive to internal 2nd drive, then copy the backup to external usb drive.

both Ghost and TeraByte show 23 hrs for *entire drive* backup to external USB.

Seperate questions:

° where are the *.logs saved to ?

° For backup *entire drive*:

If I include (check/tick) MBR - will I be able to resize when restoring to a new HDD of different size ?


Quote:

Are you using the trial IFD or have you made the purchase?

I purchased IFD/IFL. (shows the price without VAT, without "extended DL service" - for minor updates only - not allowed in Europe!).

It's a pain: each time I start IFD I have to enter my Product-key.
Should be auto-stored. I mailed to the support, because I can't seem to find anything about °registering° in the manual.


Quote:

Quote: I have no-name USB sticks that might not work. Use CDs at this stage as the first HD will always be Hard Drive 0. It can get confusing when the USB flash drive is Hard Drive 0.

Yeah, can't handle more confusion  ;D


Quote:

To restore an Entire Drive image stored on a USB external HD... Using IFL (gui)

> instructions.


Quote:

On my hardware, IFL is twice as fast as IFD when using USB external HDs. Your experience may be different. IFD is slightly faster than IFL when using internal HDs.

I will try IFL maybe tomorrow. [other things to be done - for a change, already late afternoon].
1st I'll create the CD. Then try.


Quote:

To restore an image stored on a Network Share...

  
No idea what's that to be ...  :P

Reply #28 - Today at 02:04:08


Quote:

When you get more comfortable with IFD/IFL I can let you know how to install one or both to a USB external HD. Then you don't need a CD. Just boot from the external HD into IFD or IFL. Some people like this for its convenience but you get the same result as using a CD. ????? You can automate the process. Boot from the USB external HD and the imaging or restore starts on its own.

Don't you overestimate my old board. In BIOS there are some options for 1st,2nd,3rd boot device. Don't know by heart.
We will see  ...

henriette  :)

P.S.:
Quite something different - don't want to start a new thread:

WHY install Windows 7 at all, when I can use XP-mode only & always! > XP-mode which I had to keep updated regularly, but no XP updates will be offered, anymore, then!
XP-mode has to be °handled° like XP. Most of my hardware AND software is incompatible to Wind 7 > I will never use it!

Now, please tell me what for  :-?

@ henriette

Maybe I misunderstood. I thought you wanted to create images to external USB HDs. I prefer imaging to a second internal HD.

You mentioned two file sizes, 4000.800kB and 401277. Do they mean 4000 KB?

You mentioned
Quote:

"1-file" + "TBI-file"

  I only get a .tbi. What is the "1-file"?


Quote:

Wrote img to DVD > writing speed "optimal" > 1:10hrs + validade disk. Is the DVD bootable ???

Yes.


Quote:

Looks rather like usb 1.1. (same with other external usb drives).

You need to try IFL. Sometimes IFD has poor performance with USB devices.


Quote:

where are the *.logs saved to ?

You can only save logs when using writable media such as a USB flash drive.


Quote:

For backup *entire drive*: If I include (check/tick) MBR - will I be able to resize when restoring to a new HDD of different size ?

Where is the MBR choice? I don't have that. There are two options to resize when restoring an Entire Drive image. The "Scale" options.


Quote:

It's a pain: each time I start IFD I have to enter my Product-key.

Sounds like you entered an incorrect key when you made the CD. It is in this format..

XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Your downloads and Product Keys are here...

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


Quote:

> instructions.

In Reply #26.

WinXP will be fine for a few years and maybe longer. I don't expect significant problems when Microsoft stops issuing updates. WinXP will still work.

Let us know if IFL creates images at appropriate speeds.

Quote:

If I include (check/tick) MBR

I see what you mean now. That's on the "Select Item to Backup from...." window. The "MBR" just refers to the type of HD present. It has nothing to do with saving the MBR. In IFD/IFL, HDs can be called MBR, EMBR or GPT.

If you like floppies you can create a 3 1/2" floppy with IFD gui by omitting to copy the CD Boot Image Files. An image written to DVD will suffer by the disk not being bootable. Images written to a HD will be fine. You can create a 3 1/2" floppy with IFD cui which contains the CD Boot Image Files.

@ Brian

Note:  the following still goes for IFD.


Quote:

I thought you wanted to create images to external USB HDs

Yes, but not with 'low speed' and ~23hrs!


Quote:

I prefer imaging to a second internal HD.

So do I. Not much space, though. Just enough for 1 *entire drive* backup.


Quote:

You mentioned two file sizes, 4000.800kB and 401277. Do they mean 4000 KB?

Sorry, dropped a "0" in the heat of the moment.
It's actually 4.001.277KB - on INTERNAL drive.

On EXTERNAL drive it's 4000.800KB | file name *Img_Z_30.07.2012.TBI* = 1 file.

How come the difference, both in size and in # of files ???


Quote:

You mentioned Quote: "1-file" + "TBI-file"   I only get a .tbi. What is the "1-file"?

° file name = *Img_Z_30.07.2012.1* | filetype = '1-file"| size = 1.904.125KB

° file name = *Img_Z_30.07.2012.TBI* | size = 2.097.152KB
---> makes 2 files, total size = 4.001.277KB.


Quote:

You need to try IFL. Sometimes IFD has poor performance with USB devices.

Just wrote both IFD and IDL boot CDs.
IFD because I must have made a typo when I entered product key, as I typed it in the 1st CD. --> *heat of the moment*  ;D

Wanted to write this reply before I'm going to try with IFL.


Quote:

You can only save logs when using writable media such as a USB flash drive.

Been asking because IFD 'told' me > "logs saved!" ...   


Quote:

For backup *entire drive*: If I include (check/tick) MBR - will I be able to resize when restoring to a new HDD of different size ? Where is the MBR choice? I don't have that. There are two options to resize when restoring an Entire Drive image. The "Scale" options.

Well, when it comes to select drive > I get the whole drive with all partitions.
° XP (= C:\)
° MBR
° D:\
° E:\
° F:\
° G:\
° Entire Drive [is either at bottom or at top, can't remember]

When I tick *Entire Drive* > everything will be ticked.
I can tick the offered partitions separately, and thus exclude  the MBR, if need be.

Don't ask me how I get the MBR and you don't.  ::)


Quote:

If I include (check/tick) MBR I see what you mean now. That's on the "Select Item to Backup from...." window. The "MBR" just refers to the type of HD present. It has nothing to do with saving the MBR. In IFD/IFL, HDs can be called MBR, EMBR or GPT.

I still have no idea if I had to tick or not  :-?


Quote:

If you like floppies you can create a 3 1/2" floppy with IFD gui by omitting to copy the CD Boot Image Files

   
Won't the Boot Image Files be needed for full function as boot floppy/ies :-?


Quote:

You can create a 3 1/2" floppy with IFD cui which contains the CD Boot Image Files.

That's what I've been trying. Over & over again. My floppies are 1.44MB size. Using "makedisk" asked for 2.88MB >> "your disk is too small .. blah"!
Other ways [see page 2] failed as well.
I really would love to be able making a 2-floppy-set that's working. Just without that blah.blah from the knowledge base with X tools etc.
On the other hand I have my CDs now.


Quote:

Images written to a HD will be fine

AH! How to do that ???

BTW: my BIOS > 1st boot device > *USB-HDD* IS available :=)))

USB ports:

I don't have a sound card anymore.
Instead there is a sound system connected to USB.

----> I will try creating images to external usb disk both with and without having the sound system connected.
That might speed up the connection.

Will see  ;)



Quote:

An image written to DVD (CD) will suffer by the disk not being bootable.

Are you talking about that *.iso file ?


Quote:

WinXP will be fine for a few years and maybe longer. I don't expect significant problems when Microsoft stops issuing updates. WinXP will still work.

Ahhhhhhhh, I'm relieved  :-*

henriette *going to prepare DONALD for IFL backup now*  :)

@ henriette

Boy--this thread has so many posts with so many questions--I'm not sure I can ever cover them all!  I will come back to at least some of the questions--but, for now....


henriette wrote on Jul 27^th, 2012 at 10:40am:

Before I forget: Terabyteunlimited sent an email reply > "We don’t have a German manual, but there are translation services on the Net that may help." Whattasupport!

I know that there might not be a *German language* User Guide, but do you have the German based Image for DOS program?

When I go to the *Your Product Download Links* using the link provided in the email purchase receipt with my purchase *Product ID* and my *Product Key*,:


Quote:

To obtain individual packages or future updates use the link below: https://www.terabyteunlimited.com/product-download.php

I find all the products that I purchased listed--in English and some other limited languages--and Image for DOS and Image for Linux both have German language versions listed for both the GUI and CUI versions.

Just wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

@ Brian


So far, I have only used the *Boot It Bare Metal* bootable CD for some partitioning projects.  I have not yet used the other programs.  I'm going to have to give the others a trial run....

But, how does Image of DOS provide external USB drive support?  Is there a separate DOS USB driver loaded in *config.sys* and/or *autoexec.bat*--or is the support built into the Image for DOS program itself?

Ghost 2003 uses DOS USB drivers loaded separately from the *ghost.exe* program by *config.sys* and/or *autoexec.bat*.  This means you have access to the external HDD in DOS as well as when you load *ghost.exe*.

Starting with the Corporate versions of Ghost after Ghost 2003 (i.e. 8.xx and beyond), the USB support was built into the *ghost.exe* program.  So, in this case, the USB external HDD shows up in the Ghost program, but can not be accessed while in DOS--similar to the support for NTFS partitions using DOS Ghost where you will see the NTFS partitions listed in Ghost--but you can not access the NTFS partitions in DOS.

@ NightOwl


NightOwl wrote on Aug 1^st, 2012 at 10:35am:

But, how does Image of DOS provide external USB drive support?

Through the BIOS and built in I assume. An IFD boot disk runs the TeraByte OS so there is no autoexec.bat or config.sys or USB drivers. IFD will read from and write to a USB NTFS external HD. The exe file, image.exe will run from a DOS disk too. In fact that's all you need to add to a DOS disk. The one file.

IFL accesses the USB external HD directly and not via the BIOS. USB is full speed with IFL.

You could try it with your latest BIBM CD. It contains IFD gui. See if it works OK with USB. Again, it depends on the BIOS. My Dell desktop freezes in BIBM if I have USB2 selected (in BIBM) and try to access USB. If I don't have USB2 selected then USB access is fine and at USB2 speeds. Weird. My test computer (different model Dell) works fine with USB2 selected. The advantage of having USB2 selected is you don't have to have the USB device connected at boot time for it to be recognized. But otherwise your USB device will work at USB2 speed no matter whether USB2 is selected or not.

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 1^st, 2012 at 6:44am:

file name = *Img_Z_30.07.2012 .1 * | filetype = '1-file"| size = 1.904.125KB ° file name = *Img_Z_30.07.2012.TBI* | size = 2.097.152KB ---> makes 2 files, total size = 4.001.277KB.

Is your target partition FAT32? Mine is NTFS so I don't get file splitting.


henriette wrote on Aug 1^st, 2012 at 6:44am:

Well, when it comes to select drive > I get the whole drive with all partitions. ° XP (= C:\) ° MBR ° D:\ ° E:\ ° F:\ ° G:\ ° Entire Drive [is either at bottom or at top, can't remember]

Are you sure? You shouldn't see any drive letters at all. Just partition names. Does it say MBR or MBR with a number after it?


henriette wrote on Aug 1^st, 2012 at 6:44am:

Won't the Boot Image Files be needed for full function as boot floppy/ies

You don't need these files if you are imaging to a HD.


henriette wrote on Aug 1^st, 2012 at 6:44am:

Are you talking about that *.iso file ?

The DVD is bootable and does an "auto" restore.

@ henriette

Have you labelled each partition with the same name as its drive letter? I guess that's why it looks like you have drive letters in IFD.

Would you mind posting a screenshot of Disk Management? That would be a big help in our understanding of your system.

Disc management (henriette)

attached.

reply to follow.

henriette  :)

---

@ NightOwl

Maybe you'll find some time to reply to this post (eventually):
http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1341770812/15

---

NightOwl
wrote Reply #34 - Yesterday at 17:17:53


Quote:

do you have the German based Image for DOS program?

Got 2 updates.
° IFD v1.99 (old version) > *Imagereg.de* = folder.

° IFD *ifd_de_gui* + *text.ansi*.

I prefer IFL now.

Thanks to Brian's excellent instructions I don't need German lang.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Tech questions would be the same, no matter if German or English  ;)

I LOVE Linux !

I think I've made beginner's faults, the last 2 days.

Before I come to reply to Brian's posts - this report about today's backups:

1. IFL (gui) backup (C:\ only) to internal drive.
> ~ 8GB | ~ 8mnts incl. validation byte for byte.

2. IFL (gui) backup (C:\ only) to external drive usb.
> ~ 8GB | ~ 8mnts incl. validation byte for byte.

3. IFL (gui) Img C:\ to DVD
> Speed: optimal | tick "validate disk" | UNtick "validate byte for byte [was ticked from backups above] | 23mnts incl. validating disk.

Yesterday I'd already created backup of Entire Drive with IFL to external drive usb.
> 4h 30mnts incl. validation byte for byte.

Before creating backups I create folders (of course).

I name the folders (targets) like this:
*Img_X_[ImgF.Linux]-date* (German order = e.g 02.08.2012).

I named yesterday's Entire Drive image *Img_GesMain_01.08.2012.tbi*

I named today's images *Z-FP268.tbi* < that's how I did it in Ghost.

The following happened:

All backups were created successfully (1 file).

But - the images (all of them) were backed up to the destination partition, not to the selected folder.
> I had to drag & drop the backups in(to?) the folders.

Same 'procedure' on internal and external drives.

How come  :-?

note: I don't like to take the *backup ... blah .. date* that's given by IFL.

I'm overwhelmed by the cute GUI, the speed & accuracy of IFL  :)

I wish TeraByte had *put* the penguin onto the screen, hehehe. (might only distract me).

And I almost need magnifying glasses, because the GUI is very small, at least for my old eyes.
Can't seem to resize the 'window'.

---

Brian
wrote Reply #37 - Yesterday at 21:15:02


Quote:

file name = *Img_Z_30.07.2012 .1 * | filetype = '1-file"| size = 1.904.125KB ° file name = *Img_Z_30.07.2012.TBI* | size = 2.097.152KB ---> makes 2 files, total size = 4.001.277KB. Is your target partition FAT32? Mine is NTFS so I don't get file splitting.

My HDDs are ALL NTFS. Was my mistake to 'forget' to add the file extension  :-[quote]Well, when it comes to select drive > I get the whole drive with all partitions.
° XP (= C:\)
°  MBR
° D:\
° E:\
° F:\
° G:\
° Entire Drive [is either at bottom or at top, can't remember]
Are you sure? You shouldn't see any drive letters at all. Just partition names. Does it say MBR or MBR with a number after it?
[/quote]
It says *MBR* without a number after it.

see attachment in my last post (disk management) - I've labelled each partition > you will see, that it's not the actual drives that are being displayed -
I used C:\, D:\ +++ thinking you might understand, sorry, my fault again  :-[

Of course, my partitions have *names* = volume names. Also when it's rather uncommon names - it works for me to differentiate and see what's what.

Not sure -- but all in all I think the questions are much less than it used to be  ;D

Thanks very much for now.

henriette  :-*

@ henriette

That is great news. Your times to image to an internal and an external HD with IFL are the same. Excellent.

The text on the IFL gui screen is small. When you have some spare time try the IFL cui version. The text is large but you can't use a mouse and you have to use the keyboard TAB in a few places. I prefer the gui version.

Your screenshot explains the MBR entry you saw. I don't use an extended partition with logical volumes but I created that setup and viewed it in IFD. On the Select Item to Backup from HD0 screen I saw...

MBR 1           Partition (02)           34162 MiB   Extended

So that MBR line is simply IFD's representation of an Extended partition. IFD uses MBR 0, MBR 1, MBR 2, MBR 3 to represent partitions without a label. But I don't understand why you don't have a number after MBR. Oh well.

I'm delighted IFL suits your needs. I've done a lot of work lately on automating IFL and getting it to boot with a menu of which partitions to backup or restore. If you are interested in the future (not now) let me know.

There are good tutorials related to IFD and IFL on this page.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/howto/index.htm



Quote:

But - the images (all of them) were backed up to the destination partition, not to the selected folder. > I had to drag & drop the backups in(to?) the folders. Same 'procedure' on internal and external drives.

You made a mistake. The images will go to the folder that is chosen. After selecting the Folder, double click it. Don't click Next until after the double click.

@ henriette

Now that you are confident in using IFL I can suggest some possible "improvements". I'll do this gradually. One suggestion at a time so you can decide if it suits you.

Instead of using Standard Compression, use Enhanced Speed - A

This is what a lot of us use. Imaging is much faster but at the expense of a slightly larger backup image size.

To restore a single partition image to the original HD using IFL gui.

Restore
Normal
File (Direct)
Linux
select your USB HD. It will be last in the list. (Or second internal HD if it contains the image)
select the partition
select the folder containing the image
select the image
tick in both boxes (the first line should finish with Partial)
Linux
ATA.... (sda)
select the partition to over-write
Yes
leave the tick in Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
Start

(even though we leave Log Results ticked, no Log is written when using a CD)

You can also restore a single partition from an Entire Drive image.
After selecting the Entire Drive image the next screen will be Select Item to Process. Select the desired partition and continue as above.

Restoring from an IFL image written to a DVD....

(don't take any notice of the .tbi size on the DVD. It always appears to "fill" the DVD no matter how small the source partition)

Boot from the DVD containing the image. If you do nothing at the "Press space bar" message you will next see a window labelled Warning. If you click Yes the restore will take place. Easy.

If you press Space bar you will get the menu interface and be able to do a manual IFL restore. I prefer the above auto restore however I don't create images on DVDs as I have plenty of HDs.

You can test both of the above options and then choose "No" to avoid the restore.

Edit.... I assume you worked out right clicking the IFL desktop gives you lots of options including Reboot.

@ Brian
wrote Reply #41 - Yesterday at 22:34:12


Quote:

Your times to image to an internal and an external HD with IFL are the same. Excellent.

Yeah, aren't they  ;) > all the credit is due to you  [smiley=thumbup.gif]


Quote:

The text on the IFL gui screen is small. When you have some spare time try the IFL cui version. The text is large but you can't use a mouse and you have to use the keyboard TAB in a few places.

I'd rather have my mouse :=)

---> will train my eyes  ;D


Quote:

But I don't understand why you don't have a number after MBR.

Maybe there is a number - just can't remember ...
Will let you know.


Quote:

I'm delighted IFL suits your needs.

I LOVE IFL - not willing to use IFD, anymore. > My poor old printer ,,,, 159 pages manual IFD  - hope I can use it also for IFL, if I'd ever need it after your excellent instructions  :-*


Quote:

automating IFL and getting it to boot with a menu of which partitions to backup or restore. If you are interested in the future (not now) let me know.

I will if I feel that it's nessecary. My future questions may show.

Ya know: I'm just happy as IFD runs now - it's a *cutie* :=)))))


Quote:

There are good tutorials related to IFD and IFL on this page.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/howto/index.htm

Thanks for the link, most helpful!


Quote:

Quote: But - the images (all of them) were backed up to the destination partition, not to the selected folder. > I had to drag & drop the backups in(to?) the folders. Same 'procedure' on internal and external drives. You made a mistake. The images will go to the folder that is chosen. After selecting the Folder, double click it. Don't click Next until after the double click.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
So that's it, thank you so much, Brian   
Ayayayay ... the *hounting me at nights* question IS BEING SOLVED   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Brian
wrote Reply #42 - Yesterday at 23:59:22


Quote:

I can suggest some possible "improvements". I'll do this gradually. One suggestion at a time so you can decide if it suits you.

Hehe, very kind of you, little by little is best for me.


Quote:

Instead of using Standard Compression, use Enhanced Speed - A This is what a lot of us use. Imaging is much faster but at the expense of a slightly larger backup image size.

I will try all of your new instructions above as soon as I've accomplished other 'duties' - such as *household* - for a change, lol.  [smiley=bath.gif] < No, I'm having my shower every day > it's basement, vaccuuming, laundry &&&.
And after weeks of working on my PC - 12-14hrs per day - I'm looking forward to listen to music for awhile & relax.

Thank you very much for the instructions:
*To restore a single partition image to the original HD using IFL gui.*
and *Restoring from an IFL image written to a DVD*

Those are most valuable to me, as you know.

---

There is a very handy feature in Ghost > *Ghost Explorer*.
You can open any older image and e.g extract files & add it to your present O/S.
Also: if you wonder "was that version/file/whatever already on my last image ?" >>> just open the last image & look.

I wouldn't think there's any way to have such a feature in IFL.  :-?

henriette

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 3^rd, 2012 at 8:28am:

Also: if you wonder "was that version/file/whatever already on my last image ?" >>> just open the last image & look

This can be done in IFL by using mnt and TBIView. But let's leave that to later because there is an easier way. Download and install TBIView™ with TBIMount™ from...

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/downloads-image-for-windows.htm

It's a free download and it lets you explore .tbi images and extract files.

Regarding the manuals. I've never printed any of them as I'm happy just viewing the PDF on the monitor. IFD/IFL are updated every few months and there is a new manual. The changes are usually minor. Such as someone has requested a feature which you will never use. But often there are really useful changes such as Enhanced Speed A. This has cut my imaging time in half.

When you have some spare time read about Differential images. They record what has changed since the last Full backup. For example, my full backup is 6 GB. I can create a differential backup image a month later which might only be 50 MB. (depends on what you have installed over the month of course) Not only are they a space saver on your HD but they are created in a third of the time of a full backup image.

@ Brian


Quote:

Download and install TBIView™ with TBIMount™... it lets you explore .tbi images and extract files.

What an amazing software --- I'm *sockless* again  ;D

Downloaded & installed it, works fine.
> *TBIView* > *Driver Setup* < anything to set up ?

Differential images/backups:
(is there a difference between 'image' and 'backup') ?

Now, that's great, and I'd like to try it as soon as possible + will create differential backups, depending on what I've installed/uninstalled over the month.

Since I've just installed *TBIView + TBIMount* = something new on my C: = XP partition.

I read the "ifl_en_manual" page 41-45:

*single pass* or *multi pass* ? - no idea, cause for the last image 1 DVD was (just) sufficient. Don't know when I'll need 2 DVDs. Won't be long, though.

The manual is very confusing, saying "IF you chose ... bla bla" > at some points referring to pages xxx ... and I still don't know what to select.

The folder(s)/names:

For a differential backup - could I enter the name of a newly installed software/whatever - like "*TBIView_TBIMount.tbi* (to know what has been °added°) or would I HAVE to use the given *backup .... date* < not being able to tell (by its name)  what's new ?

What about the destination folder - will the differential image be added to the °original° drive image (XP), which I had named *Z-FP268.tbi* {= FlashPlayer 11.3.300.268} ?

... Or will I have to create separate folders for each differential image ???

Oh, Brian, a lot of questions  :-[

You really must be tired to write instructions ... just (hopefully) this will be the last ... at least till you provide me with new °material°  :D

Well, that's what you get being a semigod, who knows all the answers ,,,,,

henriette   [smiley=engel017.gif]

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 4^th, 2012 at 7:11am:

> *TBIView* > *Driver Setup* < anything to set up ?

No, the Drivers are already installed. If you right click your .tbi and click Mount as Drive Letter the image will be mounted as Drive Z: which is slightly different than opening the image in TBIView. I use both methods. When you are finished using the Z: drive you can unmount it. (don't have the Z: drive open when you right click to Unmount. A restart unmounts it too)


henriette wrote on Aug 4^th, 2012 at 7:11am:

(is there a difference between 'image' and 'backup') ?

No, they are the same. I try to use the term Backup Image but sometimes forget either word.


henriette wrote on Aug 4^th, 2012 at 7:11am:

*single pass* or *multi pass*

I use *multi pass* although it probably doesn't matter which one you choose.

OK. Differential. From ver 2.71 onwards differential creation became faster. 3 to 4 times faster because of the creation of a Hash file. You get this file when you create a full backup image by ticking this Option, "Speed up Changes Only Backup". The Hash file is created in the same folder as the full image backup and you should create your Differential images in the same folder. All of the above in the same folder.

"Speed up Changes Only Backup" doesn't make creation of the Full backup image any faster. It's only the subsequent creation of the Differential image that will be faster.



To create a Differential backup image from an Entire Drive Image with IFL gui and write it to a USB external HD...

Backup
Changes Only
Multi Pass
File (Direct)
Linux
ATA ..... (sdc) (or sdb) This should be your external HD (or internal if that is where the image is stored)
select partition on USB
select folder on USB
select the full backup image
File (Direct)
Linux
ATA ..... (sdc) (or sdb) This should be your external HD (or internal if that is where the image is stored)
select partition on USB
select folder on USB
make sure you can see the full backup image (to confirm you are in the correct folder)
give the Differential backup image a name (your choice)
leave the ticks in Omit Page File Data, Omit Hibernation Data and Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
Compression Enhanced Speed - A
File Size Max
Start
     



To create a Differential backup image from a Partition Image with IFL gui and write it to a USB external HD...

Backup
Changes Only
Multi Pass
File (Direct)
Linux
ATA ..... (sdc) (or sdb) This should be your external HD (or internal if that is where the image is stored)
select partition on USB
select folder on USB
select the full backup image
File (Direct)
Linux
ATA ..... (sdc) (or sdb) This should be your external HD (or internal if that is where the image is stored)
select partition on USB
select folder on USB
make sure you can see the full backup image (to confirm you are in the correct folder)
give the Differential backup image a name (your choice)
leave the ticks in Omit Page File Data, Omit Hibernation Data and Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
Compression Enhanced Speed - A
File Size Max
Start
     


You can create as many differential images as you like in the same folder. Naturally each will need a different name. Once the differentials start to get larger than say 10 or 20% of the Full image size I suggest starting the sequence again with a Full image. But when to start again is up to you. Before you start Differentials I'd create another Full image (in a new folder) with these extra options..

Speed up Changes Only Backup
Compression Enhanced Speed - A

You are progressing nicely.

To restore a Differential backup image (of an Entire Drive) with IFL gui ...

Restore
Normal
File (Direct)
Linux
select your USB HD. It will be last in the list. (or internal HD if that's where the image is stored)
select the partition
select the folder containing the image
select the differential image
Multi Pass
tick Entire Drive (or if you only want to restore one partition, tick that partition)
Linux
ATA ... (sda)
Yes to over-write
leave the tick in Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
First Track Sectors AUTO
Start



To restore a Differential backup image (of a Partition) with IFL gui ...

Restore
Normal
File (Direct)
Linux
select your USB HD. It will be last in the list. (or internal HD if that's where the image is stored)
select the partition
select the folder containing the image
select the differential image
Multi Pass
tick Partial (both will be ticked)
Linux
ATA ... (sda)
select the partition to restore into
Yes to over-write
leave the tick in Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
Start



Note, in the above you don't have to select the Full image as it is in the same folder as the Differential image. IFL knows it is there and will use it.

I'm interested in hearing about your image creation times and the sizes of the backup images (.tbi).

A major point. Differentials reflect changed sectors, not just changed files. So don't do any defragmentaion after you have created a Full image backup as it will make the differentials huge. You can defrag just before creating a Full image backup if you desire.

@ Brian

I'm afraid things have to wait for a few days > "Duck got stuck" [see attachment = my DONALD = PC]  ;D

... insofar:
One of my external drives - supposed to become my 'main' external drive for Backup images only - has died after 2 years. > Western Digital [smiley=lipsrsealed.gif]

I had been busy over the weekend copying data from the above mentioned drive to a brandnew external drive. Including all Backup images < latter also copied to internal drive!
(So far the drive was still 'alive').

Then I re-partitioned etc., had a "nice" 2nd partition for Backup images only [1.26TB]  8-) < ... I thought.

This a.m. {thank goodness for the 'brainflash'!} I ran a DFT - quick test before I was going to copy data to the drive.  ;) ... Test failed!!.

Phoned WD support. WD will most certainly be accommodating and send a replacement  :)

Since that will take awhile (weeks/months) ... I just ordered a 2TB usb 2.0 external WD. For Backup images only !

AH! A very important question:
Should I ever defragment a drive/partition which holds backup images ???

I'm asking because I've defragmented the Image partition of my internal drive this morning. Took 'forever', and as a result > the FRAGmentation is now 2.2%! ---> vs.: when I just analyzed the partition before it was 0%!!!

So I will - for safety reasons - delete all backup images on that partition and copy the backup images back from External drive, again, to internal partition (the one that I defragmented).

I'd even format the partition  - using *disc management* before copying.

That copying procedure will take till late night again ... well, I'd better start right after this.

OOOOOOOOOH! Here is your answer:

Quote:

A major point. Differentials reflect changed sectors, not just changed files. So don't do any defragmention after you have created a Full image backup as it will make the differentials huge. You can defrag just before creating a Full image backup if you desire.

BUT: What does it mean for defragmenting backup images in general (as I asked above) ??? ... where to 'draw the line' ... NO defragment at all will be safer ???

{sorry, dog-tired}

---

Brian wrote Reply #48 - 04.08.12 at 22:13:38

differential images :


Quote:

Before you start Differentials I'd create another Full image (in a new folder) with these extra options.. Speed up Changes Only Backup Compression Enhanced Speed - A

Okay, will do so.


Quote:

You are progressing nicely.

Just you wait, my master  :-*

Usually Amazon delivers within 2 days > new 2TB external :=)))

Brian wrote Reply #49 - 04.08.12 at 22:36:37

Restore a Differential backup image (of a Partition) with IFL gui:


Quote:

in the above you don't have to select the Full image as it is in the same folder as the Differential image. IFL knows it is there and will use it.

Have to read your brilliant instructions, then I'll probably get it --- will go to bed early tonight  ;)


Quote:

I'm interested in hearing about your image creation times and the sizes of the backup images (.tbi).

Certainly, I will report.

Thanks, Brian, for the instructions.
As always I copy the instructions to notepad > format in big letters & print :=)

henriette  [smiley=dankk2.gif]

---

@ henriette

Regarding defragging. I was referring to the WinXP partition as I'm sure you understood. A defrag of WinXP every few months is sufficient. I never defrag the Backup partition at all. It is very time consuming if you do, there is a risk of damaging the backups and the backups don't restore any faster.

For what it's worth I only have a single partition on my 2 TB backup HD. I segregate data and images in folders.

Sorry to hear about your HDs. Your new 2 TB HD will undoubtedly be a 4k Advanced Format HD and the partition should be 2048 sector aligned for optimum performance. I'll get back to you with the best way to confirm the alignment. Don't put any data on the HD until you know the alignment is correct.

@ henriette

I'll get you to make a BootIt BM CD so we can sort out the partition or partitions on the 2 TB HD. It will probably arrive already partitioned as it's designed for USB usage.

Download BootIt BM. There is a 30 day trial usage. Unzip the file and make a boot CD.


double click makedisk.exe, next
dot in BootIt Bare Metal, next
dot in I accept the agreement, next
don't select Image for DOS (GUI), next
dot in Mouse Support Enabled, next
dot in VESA Video, next
dot in Video Mode 1024*768 - 64K Colors, next
dot in Partition Work (Don't put a dot in Normal), next
don't choose any Device Options, next
tick in Enable USB 1.1 (UHCI), next
tick in Align partitions on 2048 Sectors
ignore Additional bootitbm.ini Options, next
select your CD burner drive letter (you can use a CD-RW or a CD-R disc)
Finish


Boot from the CD with the USB HD connected

your BootIt CD boots to the Work with Partitions window
in the Bus field, choose USB and wait 10 seconds
click View MBR
can you let us know the LBA number (or numbers)
For a partition to be 2048 sector aligned this number must be divisible by 2048. The answer must be an integer. If the alignment isn't correct we can fix it. It's easy to do this if there is no data on the HD.

If you have trouble booting BIBM with the USB HD connected, try connecting the HD after BIBM has loaded.

WinXP Disk Management can't create 2048 sector aligned partitions. These partitions have to be created with other software.

@ Brian

wrote Reply #51 - Yesterday at 22:34:25


Quote:

I was referring to the WinXP partition as I'm sure you understood.

Yesssss  ;)


Quote:

never defrag the Backup partition at all. It is very time consuming if you do, there is a risk of damaging the backups

That's exactly what I thought each time I defragmented the Backup image partition!


Quote:

I only have a single partition on my 2 TB backup HD. I segregate data and images in folders.

That's how I do it, too. [NightOwl taught me  :-*].


Quote:

Your new 2 TB HD will undoubtedly be a 4k Advanced Format HD and the partition should be 2048 sector aligned for optimum performance.

Well, I searched WD + google:

Here's the 2TB HD:
http://www.lasystems.be/WesternDigital/WDBAAU0020HBK-EESN/ElementsDesktop2TB/product/203766.html

Specs:
http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/search/1/a_id/3776#

Installation:
http://support.wdc.com/product/install.asp?groupid=304&lang=en

Downloads:
http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?wdc_lang=en&fid=wdsfElements_Desktop

According to WD support (had the impression that he wasn't the brightest bulb  ::):

1. External HD comes NTFS formatted (knew that).

2. IS a 4k advanced format.

3. On the question "2048 sector aligned" the guy got *stuck* > said something about "2x2048" ... :P

4. The guy also said that WD-Tools are for INTERNAL HDs only .

---

Before I go on, was going to attach a tool *H2testw1.4* (.zip file) you might not know (?) [214kB = too big]. will attach *readme.txt* instead.

---

Brian wrote Reply #52 - Yesterday at 23:25:23


Quote:

I'll get you to make a BootIt BM CD so we can sort out the partition or partitions on the 2 TB HD.

Will leave it as 1 single partition.


Quote:

Download BootIt BM. There is a 30 day trial usage.

okay. Isn't there any other tool to do it ?

Asking because I'd have to uninstall after use, and most uninstallers don't do a clean uninstall (leave traces).

Isn't there a tool on UBCD:
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

... for example ?

But if you say so, I'll download BootIt BM = BIBM.


Quote:

Unzip the file and make a boot CD. double click makedisk.exe, next dot in BootIt Bare Metal, next dot in I accept the agreement, next don't select Image for DOS (GUI), next dot in Mouse Support Enabled, next dot in VESA Video, next dot in Video Mode 1024*768 - 64K Colors, next dot in Partition Work (Don't put a dot in Normal), next don't choose any Device Options, next tick in Enable USB 1.1 (UHCI), next tick in Align partitions on 2048 Sectors ignore Additional bootitbm.ini Options, next select your CD burner drive letter (you can use a CD-RW or a CD-R disc) Finish Boot from the CD with the USB HD connected your BootIt CD boots to the Work with Partitions window in the Bus field, choose USB and wait 10 seconds click View MBR

Quote:

can you let us know the LBA number (or numbers)

:-? where will I see the LBA number/s -- right at this point  :-?

... and WHEN exactly to tell you  :-?


Quote:

For a partition to be 2048 sector aligned this number must be divisible by 2048. The answer must be an integer. If the alignment isn't correct we can fix it. It's easy to do this if there is no data on the HD. If you have trouble booting BIBM with the USB HD connected, try connecting the HD after BIBM has loaded.

Quote:

WinXP Disk Management can't create 2048 sector aligned partitions. These partitions have to be created with other software.

Yes, Sir  :)

HD will be delivered tomorrow. Received notice from Amazon.

henriette

---

@ Brian

Phoned WD support again because I found something about *4k Advanced Format* + tools on WD site (as I know now - for internal drives, only).

Support can't tell if *Digital Elements 2TB external 3.5" usb 2.0*
series actually is 4k advanced format or not.

They don't have any data (!).  ::)

"As a matter of fact:
external usb drive has its own controller. Conforming the alignment is NOT possible. Will most certainly destroy the usb drive.
Apart from that - usb drive would not be recognized by any software trying to *conform the alignment*.

It is possible only with INTERNAL SATA drives.

It doesn't make any sense to conform the alignment.
usb drive runs fine as is."

Support staff agreed to the above. 

I know, there are supports and *supports*.
Why don't we leave it as is, Brian ?

You may want to explain it to me > pros & cons <  :-?
Is it 'just' for the performance ? How will the difference show between 512 and 2048 in 'practice' ?  :-[

henriette 

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 7^th, 2012 at 6:43am:

Asking because I'd have to uninstall after use, and most uninstallers don't do a clean uninstall (leave traces).

BIBM isn't installed. It runs from the CD and is the best tool for the job.


Quote:

Conforming the alignment is NOT possible. Will most certainly destroy the usb drive. Apart from that - usb drive would not be recognized by any software trying to *conform the alignment*.

I have a 2 TB WD external HD and I created a 2048 sector aligned NTFS partition with BIBM. No problems.

Here is the TeraByte web page on Advanced Format drives so you can make up your own mind. The HD will work whether the partition is 2048 sector aligned or not. But it is so much easier to do the alignment now rather than later when the HD contains data.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/kb/article.php?id=546

@ henriette

I found this which indicates WD has been selling Advanced Format external HDs for almost 3 years. Strange that WD Support didn't know. I was amused by the comment that alignment would destroy the USB HD particularly as the HD probably sells with a 2048 sector aligned partition. I must have a lot of destroyed HDs!

http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3876

@ Brian

wrote Reply #55 - Yesterday at 19:46:03


Quote:

BIBM isn't installed. It runs from the CD and is the best tool for the job.

Fine. But since it's a 30 days trial, I'd have to delete BIBM after having created the Boot-CD successfully.
Don't you think  ?


Quote:

I have a 2 TB WD external HD and I created a 2048 sector aligned NTFS partition with BIBM. No problems.

Great  :)


Quote:

Here is the TeraByte web page on Advanced Format drives so you can make up your own mind. The HD will work whether the partition is 2048 sector aligned or not. But it is so much easier to do the alignment now rather than later when the HD contains data.

Thanks for explaining & for the link  ;)

Brian wrote Reply #56 - Today at 05:30:45


Quote:

I found this which indicates WD has been selling Advanced Format external HDs for almost 3 years. Strange that WD Support didn't know. I was amused by the comment that alignment would destroy the USB HD particularly as the HD probably sells with a 2048 sector aligned partition.

I trust that you understand that I had to let you know about the support's "statements".
The 2TB WD I ordered seems to be a _phase out model_ . No idea what's the date of manufacture.
So I wasn't sure about 4k or not > as were the support staff  ::)

http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3876

The above link shows that WD don't know they're own products - yes, it's amusing  ;D ... not strange at all, to my experience with "support" in general!


Quote:

... I must have a lot of destroyed HDs!

LOL, Brian, so let's give it a try.

I'll expect the drive to be delivered today or tomorrow.

Then I'll start 1. DLGDIAG > quick test, 2. DL BIBM, 3. create Boot-CD.

Just 1 question (again) you did not answer:


Quote:

Quote: can you let us know the LBA number (or numbers) where will I see the LBA number/s -- right at this point  ? ... and WHEN exactly to tell you ?

No idea of the above - it's the 1st time I do it  :-[

henriette

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 8^th, 2012 at 5:12am:

I'd have to delete BIBM after having created the Boot-CD successfully.

You will only need the CD for one day. After 30 days you start to get warnings if you are still using the CD.


henriette wrote on Aug 8^th, 2012 at 5:12am:

No idea of the above - it's the 1st time I do it

Just follow my instructions. You can't miss the LBA. Actually you can try the BIBM CD before the external HD arrives. Have a look at your internal HD LBA.

There is a good chance the alignment is correct. If not it can be fixed in a few minutes. Don't worry as it is easy.

@ Brian

wrote Reply #58 - Today at 13:05:12


Quote:

You will only need the CD for one day. After 30 days you start to get warnings if you are still using the CD.

hmmmm ... if I ever needed the CD again, could I download the trial version again ?  ;)

HA! Brian,,,,, Terabyte's software is the finest I ever had  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

So here you are (in short):

Reveived the HD (deleted the "autorun.inf" + ico! - never had that before on an external drive) > drive letter "Q" > created CD > ... LBA = 2048.

What's next ?

henriette  :)

@ henriette

Your LBA is 2048. Perfect. The partition is already aligned. Just start using the HD as a backup destination. You will have great fun with that HD and IFL.

Can you use the same CD after the trial finishes? According to the license agreement, you shouldn't. Can you download another trial? I'm not sure if that is appropriate but practically you could.

As far as the drive letter is concerned, if Q: is OK with you, fine. But you can change the drive letter to whichever letter you prefer.

@ Brian

wrote Reply #28 - Jul 30th, 2012 at 7:04pm   


Quote:

@henriette When you get more comfortable with IFD/IFL I can let you know how to install one or both to a USB external HD. Then you don't need a CD. Just boot from the external HD into IFD or IFL. Some people like this for its convenience but you get the same result as using a CD. You can automate the process. Boot from the USB external HD and the imaging or restore starts on its own.

one or both ? WHAT - but we'd better leave it to later.
{sorry, lots of instructions - I've lost track}.

note: I will use IFL (GUI) ONLY, no more IFD.

Brian wrote Reply #60 - Yesterday at 21:30:38


Quote:

Your LBA is 2048. Perfect. The partition is already aligned. Just start using the HD as a backup destination

Will do so  ;)

Before I start > a few questions:

°Do I need writing Backup images to a DVD at all ? - in other words: would I ever need a Boot-DVD with an image on it ? I can boot into DOS with the CD (IFL GUI) & restore an image. So what a DVD for :-?

From manual: "Speed up Changes Only Backups ... is only available when creating a full image that is NOT being saved to DVD ...""

---> My new HD ext. 2TB is STILL EMPTY!

I intend to create a full image [XP partition] with this extra options:
° "Speed up Changes only Backup"
° "Compression enhanced speed-A"

After that - from time to time - Differentials.

Are 'ordinary' Full Images still necessary, anyway ???

Then how to write which backup image on DVD ?
(s. above!).

What should be the order _after creating a full image with this extra options:
° "Speed up Changes only Backup"
° "Compression enhanced speed-A"
+ Differentials_

... what to continue with ?

I would also like to create an Entire Drive image, later on.
Can't use "Speed up Changes only Backup"
nor "Compression enhanced speed-A" for doing so --- as I understand it.

Need your most valuable advice. ,,, ~~~"I'd be nothing if I didn't have you" ~~~

henriette  :-*

BTW: 2TB drive letter now "L" = Linux  :)

The 400GB external 'sound machine (!) - extremely slow - guy#7 gave it to me - disconnected for good >>> basement!
(was drive letter 'L').

Damaged "EXT2" 1.5TB disconnected, still waiting for email from WD support > hopefully replacement.

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 9^th, 2012 at 6:00am:

Do I need writing Backup images to a DVD at all ?

I don't create images on DVDs. I don't trust optical media.


henriette wrote on Aug 9^th, 2012 at 6:00am:

Are 'ordinary' Full Images still necessary, anyway ???

I create a full backup image every month and start differentials again but others might go for several months before creating a new full backup image.


henriette wrote on Aug 9^th, 2012 at 6:00am:

I would also like to create an Entire Drive image, later on. Can't use "Speed up Changes only Backup" nor "Compression enhanced speed-A" for doing so --- as I understand it.

Yes, you can use both Options and I suggest you do.


henriette wrote on Aug 9^th, 2012 at 6:00am:

BTW: 2TB drive letter now "L" = Linux

Interesting choice. You make a great Padawan Learner.

Have fun! After you have created your Full images, try some differential images so you can see how the procedure differs from a full image. Your 2 TB of storage will allow lots of play time.

@ henriette

The USB interface might not allow you to see the full speed potential of Enhanced Speed - A.  Using that compression setting I found creating an image to a second internal HD was almost twice as fast as creating an image to a USB external HD. Let's see how your times compare as Standard compression was the same speed to both of your devices.

@ Brian


Quote:

The USB interface might not allow you to see the full speed potential of Enhanced Speed - A.  Using that compression setting I found creating an image to a second internal HD was almost twice as fast as creating an image to a USB external HD. Let's see how your times compare as Standard compression was the same speed to both of your devices

Let's keep that for later.

IFL is going on my last nerve:

No matter what name in IFL I chose, I ALWAYS get 2 files  >:(

Yes, I double clicked to *get* the img into the folder.

Folder name (ext drive) = "Img_A_Full_XP_Incl_Differentials-09.08.2012".

Tried (within IFL):
"Full_C_Incl_Differentials-09.08.2012.tbi"
"XP-09.08.2012.tbi"
"FlashPlayer270.tbi" ... and several others.

What I get in the folder is:
2 files. 1 = ok. 2. = '2012-file' | '#0-file | +++
Latter when I accepted the default name.

Icons of the 2nd file are 'unknown' > can't rename, since same name as the *TerabyteImageFile*.
Can't drag & drop, either.

Before I used the default name - I thought it might be the different way of German/English date --> German = DDMMYYYY
English/American = MMDDYYYY.
That can't be ittttt, either.

Now please tell me what to do!

btw: can I do a quickformat on the 2TB drive ? After all the *works* ?

henriette  :(

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 9^th, 2012 at 11:58am:

No matter what name in IFL I chose, I ALWAYS get 2 files

You are supposed to get 2 files when you select "Speed up Changes only Backup". The second is the Hash file to speed up creation of the subsequent differential images. I did mention the Hash file in an earlier post. See Reply #48.


henriette wrote on Aug 9^th, 2012 at 11:58am:

can I do a quickformat on the 2TB drive ? After all the *works* ?

Yes, but why would you want to do that? If you want to delete files, just delete them. A format is not necessary.


henriette wrote on Aug 9^th, 2012 at 11:58am:

Icons of the 2nd file are 'unknown' > can't rename, since same name as the *TerabyteImageFile*.

That's how it should be. Those 2 files should stay together.

@ Brian

wrote Reply #65 - Yesterday at 22:33:34


Quote:

You are supposed to get 2 files when you select "Speed up Changes only Backup". The second is the Hash file to speed up creation of the subsequent differential images.

Quote:

Icons of the 2nd file are 'unknown' > can't rename, since same name as the *TerabyteImageFile*. That's how it should be. Those 2 files should stay together.

Ok, I just can't believe the file extension to be:
'2012-file' | '#0-file --- for example.
Or are you saying either were correct  :-?

What is the correct file extension to be ???
(What file extension for the Hash file do you get ?)

henriette

@ henriette

You are doing really well. All of your images are fine. Worth keeping.

My hash file is

WinXP.#0

and the full image is

WinXP.TBI

I know the hash file looks strange but the format is correct. The Type column in Windows Explorer says #0 File. Just like yours.

@ Brian


Quote:

All of your images are fine. Worth keeping. My hash file is WinXP.#0 and the full image is WinXP.TBI I know the hash file looks strange but the format is correct. The Type column in Windows Explorer says #0 File. Just like yours.

note: to get the '*.#0' extension I had to accept the default "backup .... date .. time" (so it seems).

Will try if it works when avoiding numbers at the end (###) - next time.
 
And as I can tell from your file names: they must be the same - that might have been my mistake.

... so I can go on now with a *differential backup*.

Will let you know the details (file size etc.) when done.

Thanks a lot!

henriette  :)

henriette wrote on Aug 10^th, 2012 at 4:33am:

note: to get the '*.#0' extension I had to accept the default "backup .... date .. time" (so it seems).

I can use any name. Whatever name you use for the Full image will be adopted by the hash file.

Brian wrote Reply #69 - Today at 11:37:16


Quote:

I can use any name. Whatever name you use for the Full image will be adopted by the hash file.

No matter what file extension (hash file) ????

henriette

@ henriette

In certain situations the file extension may be .#1. It doesn't matter what it is!!!

You are just getting confused. I suggest that you completely ignore the hash file as it will take care of itself. Name your full backup image in the usual fashion while in the IFL app. Whatever name you like. Don't try to rename it later. Use IFL as you did before and don't even look at the hash file as you are having a negative experience by trying to make it something which it isn't. Relax.

Quote:

The hash file will be limited to the max file size and have the same file name as the backup with an extension starting at .#0 followed by .#1, .#2, etc. as needed.

@ Brian


Quote:

In certain situations the file extension may be .#1. It doesn't matter what it is!!! You are just getting confused. I suggest that you completely ignore the hash file as it will take care of itself. Name your full backup image in the usual fashion. Whatever name you like. Use IFL as you did before and don't even look at the hash file as you are having a negative experience by trying to make it something which it isn't. Relax.

That's it, my master, I will (just) ignore it  ;)

henriette *keeping master busy*  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

My Padawan Learner is on the right track now.

@ henriette

Today is the big day. After you have done a few differentials and understand the concept you will be ready to teach others. It's the same every time and the backup always works.

When you do a multi-pass differential you will see "Analyzing" where IFL is working out what has changed since the last Full image. Then IFL writes the differential image and does a Validate. Analyzing takes up most of the backup time and is the component that is assisted by having the Hash file. If you delete the Hash file you can still create a differential image but Analyzing will take longer.

@ Brian

wrote Reply #75 - Today at 00:28:02


Quote:

Today is the big day... It's the same every time and the backup always works. When you do a multi-pass differential you will see "Analyzing" where IFL is working out what has changed since the last Full image. Then IFL writes the differential image and does a Validate. Analyzing takes up most of the backup time and is the component that is assisted by having the Hash file. If you delete the Hash file you can still create a differential image but Analyzing will take longer.

AH!,,, but please hold it, hold it  ::)

I'm still sorta °fighting° to find out WHAT and WHEN exactly to select/double click/highlight to get the correct  DESTINATION folder/file :-[

When creating backup image (full/entire) - I get "folder not found" - till I select/double click/highlight the correct file (maybe ?) --> meaning the file below the folder (latter says <DIR> = directory)  :-?

Happened when I started with *differential backup* > selected *... <Dir>* = wrong.

Selected *[file ..... ~4K]* --> seemed wrong to me, since I can't possibly add a backup INto an existing file! {understand my way of thinking ?}.

Furthermore: Within IFL the option 'file name' will only be given/offered when in correct folder/file (?) ,,, so I assumed.

---> Wrong again, cause when creating *EntireDrive image* - I picked created folder on usb external drive.
IFL started creating ...
After creating was successful, I found the 2 files in the path, not in folder ---> had to drag & drop.

There is a general problem which I don't seem to get right [how to - what - when - WHERE TO pick destination!].

Now, it doesn't matter as long as I can drag & drop the files into the appropriate folder.

But what when the external HD has quite a number of folders/files !!!

To Master Brian:
I've searched the manual + the knowledge base for a most similar screenshot/pic - to no avail.
This problem has to be solved in the first place.

I'm scared what might happen if I'd pick the wrong file when it comes to RESTORING  :o

---

Now, here's what I did yesterday (report):

1. Create Differential Backup image from a Partition Image:

Folder on external HD "Img_A_Full_XP_Incl_Differentials-09.08.2012" < = original folder already including full image XP.

IFL: file size: 8,981MiB (analyzing) | time: 2:35mts (creating)

2. Create Entire Drive Backup Image :

Folder on external HD "EntireDrive_C_Main-10.08.2012"

5 items (= partitions), showing [XP] as *partition 01* + [MBR 1] as *partition 02*.
Actual partitions are: [XP], [Music], [Emails], [Exe's+Drvs], [Videos] - make 5.

{question in between: [Music] = biggest partition (data).
IFL shows "volume (2EB) < what does EB mean ??}

IFL: file size 143,661MiB | time 2:13:13
IFL: 287,312 incl. validation  | 4:26:26 incl. validation

External drive (destination):

file size *Full Backup 08/09/2012* = 4,247,776 KB.
file size *HashFileFullBackup 08/09/2012* = 52,860 KB.
file size *DifferentialBackupFromPartitionImage 08/10/2012* = 456,332 KB.
file size *EntireDriveBackup 08/10/2012* = 142,115,548 KB.
file size *HashFileEntireDriveBackup 08/10/2012* = 1,149,349 KB.

henriette *pondering learner* 

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 11^th, 2012 at 5:01am:

I'm still sorta °fighting° to find out WHAT and WHEN exactly to select/double click/highlight to get the correctDESTINATION folder/file

Let's say my target HD has a partition with the drive letter of D:
I'll now create multiple folders in D:   
Folder 1 first. Open 1 and create 2, open 2 and create 3, open 3 and create 4.
I'd like to create my images in folder 4. So the path is D:\1\2\3\4

Now I'll boot into IFL and create an Entire Drive image, writing the image to the 4 folder.

Backup
Full Backup
Linux
ATA ..... (sda)
select Entire Drive
Single File Set
File Direct
Linux
select your USB HD. It will be last in the list
select partition on USB (you will see the partition label)
double click 1
double click 2
double click 3
double click 4
at the bottom right of the window you will see /1/2/3/4/*.tbi    (so you know you are in the correct folder)
in the Name field, delete the default name and type in your own name. You don't have to type .tbi as that will be filled in automatically by IFL.
click Next
leave the ticks in Omit Page File Data, Omit Hibernation Data and Log Results to File
put a tick in Validate Byte-for-Byte
put a tick in Speed up Changes Only Backup
Compression Enhanced Speed - A
click Next
click Start




henriette wrote on Aug 11^th, 2012 at 5:01am:

IFL shows "volume (2EB) < what does EB mean ??}

It is a Partition ID. Ignore it. You don't need to know about it at this stage.


henriette wrote on Aug 11^th, 2012 at 5:01am:

I'm scared what might happen if I'd pick the wrong file when it comes to RESTORING

After you sort out the double clicking you CAN'T make that mistake.

Thanks for posting the times. I'd now like to see a time for a differential of your Entire Drive image.

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 11^th, 2012 at 5:01am:

[MBR 1] as *partition 02*

I note you do have a number after "MBR".

MBR 1 is an Extended partition. It contains your four logical volumes.

@ Brian

Couldn't reply yesterday > PC had a short circuit, no more switching on possible ... not a quack from DONALD!
Unplugged peripherals 1-by-1, opened case, found a srew beneath mainboard (must have been there for ages) --- plugged peripherals 1-by-1 .... Donald worked again  ;D
[May as well have been a plug, no idea ....]

Brian wrote Reply #77 - Yesterday at 12:35:47


Quote:

double click 1 double click 2 double click 3 double click 4

AH! Like subfolders ---> click till end of tail, so to speak, right ?
Thanks for the detailed instruction.


Quote:

IFL shows "volume (2EB) < what does EB mean ??} It is a Partition ID. Ignore it.

I'm just curious. What does the abbreviation EB stand for ? You don't have to explain what it's all about.

Brian wrote Reply #78 - Yesterday at 21:37:20


Quote:

[MBR 1] as *partition 02* I note you do have a number after "MBR". MBR 1 is an Extended partition. It contains your four logical volumes.

I wrote it because lately you wondered if I had a number after *MBR* ;)


Quote:

I'd now like to see a time for a differential of your Entire Drive image.

Here you are:

IFL name *Differential_1_EntireDrive.tbi*

File/time --> analyzing ...

IFL: File size Diff incl. validation = 146,767 MiB
       Time = 33:58 sec

On external drive *Differential_1_EntireDrive.tbi*:

file size = 644.572 KB

henriette  :)

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 12^th, 2012 at 2:27am:

found a srew beneath mainboard

You are clever!


henriette wrote on Aug 12^th, 2012 at 2:27am:

I'm just curious. What does the abbreviation EB stand for ?

Every partition has an ID. It is a random hexadecimal number but once assigned, the same number persists. It could have been BA, DD, BE, etc. But EB it is.

Thanks for the numbers. What do you think about IFL at present?

I'm confused as to where you are getting your MiB numbers. Not from IFL I hope. Those numbers you see on the left in IFL aren't related to image size. They are related to sectors in use and are best not recorded. Get the file size from Windows Explorer.

@ Brian

wrote Reply #80 - Today at 10:02:05


Quote:

I'm confused as to where you are getting your MiB numbers. Not from IFL I hope. Those numbers you see on the left in IFL aren't related to image size. They are related to sectors in use and are best not recorded. Get the file size from Windows Explorer.

Well, when creating a differential backup image from an Entire Drive image, IFL starts analazing .

In my case there are 5 items (partitions).

IFL showed an estimated size/time [I'd guess] at the very beginning of ~ 318 MiB | time ~ 1:10:xx hrs.

IFL then analyzes partition by partition for changes, with changing displayed sizes/times per partition. Hard to °follow°.

So I took the file size/time at the end (assuming to be 'creating incl. validating') - to give you an idea.

I also gave you the file size from Windows Explorer, when I wrote:


Quote:

On external drive *Differential_1_EntireDrive.tbi*: file size = 644.572 KB

   
I admit, IFL sizes/times are confusing in that case.
Wanted to let you know, anyway :=)

Brian wrote


Quote:

What do you think about IFL at present?

It's a fine software!
"practice makes perfect"  ;) 


Quote:

You are clever!

~~~"every duck has 'its' day" ~~~ LOL

henriette

@ henriette

Thanks. The file size on the backup HD in Windows Explorer is the one to quote.

In round figures, an Entire Drive image backup is.....
144 GB
4 1/2 hours to create

In round figures, an Entire Drive Differential image backup is.....
0.6 GB
1/2 hour to create

Is this correct?

Here is why you don't want to record the MiB figure seen in IFL. I imaged the same partition twice with Validation. With Enhanced Speed - A and with Nil Compression. IFL reported 3329 MiB Transferred on both occasions. The actual image sizes in Windows Explorer were....

996 MB
1640 MB

I just regard the MiB Transferred as a guide to progress. I don't really understand what it means. If you don't do a Validate the number is halved.

@ henriette

We talked about an IFL log. As IFL runs in RAM the log disappears when the computer restarts. But you can get IFL to email you the log when the Backup or Restore has completed. When you boot back into Windows there will be an email waiting, describing the procedure.

But the email procedure is too complicated for you at this stage. Later. On the other hand, when you see Backup Completed Successfully you don't really need a log.

@ Brian

wrote Reply #82 - Yesterday at 23:22:38


Quote:

In round figures, an Entire Drive image backup is..... 144 GB 4 1/2 hours to create In round figures, an Entire Drive Differential image backup is..... 0.6 GB 1/2 hour to create Is this correct?

correct  :)

Reply #83 - Today at 01:06:18

Quote:

I just regard the MiB Transferred as a guide to progress. I don't really understand what it means. If you don't do a Validate the number is halved.

I don't think we'll have to give attention to the *MiB* IFL tells us.
The only important size is the one in Windows Explorer > target drive.

Reply #84 - Today at 09:32:03

Quote:

We talked about an IFL log. As IFL runs in RAM the log disappears when the computer restarts. But you can get IFL to email you the log when the Backup or Restore has completed. When you boot back into Windows there will be an email waiting, describing the procedure. But the email procedure is too complicated for you at this stage. Later. On the other hand, when you see Backup Completed Successfully you don't really need a log.

I agree, too complicated for me and not really needed.
I'm (almost always) *thinking positive*, meaning the backup will be successful :=)

If not successful, I wonder if I could tell from the email what's wrong. That again might be something as attachment for you to encipher  ;D

I just finished creating a differential backup from partition image. Had new software versions.

IFL: time = 2:51 mts
External Drive (target): file size = 613,032 KB.

General question (External drives & deactivating):
I only plug my external drives when needed for backups.
Usually I deactivate external drives before shutting down PC - because of possible loss of data!
This once I forgot to deactivate > shut down PC > unplugged drive.

Reason for asking:
I once had an external drive. According to the manual one HAD to deactivate the drive BEFORE unplugging because of possible loss of data.

Are the external drives nowadays different  :-?

henriette

AH: would you tell me please where in Australia you live ? So I might find out the time difference  :)

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 13^th, 2012 at 6:14am:

According to the manual one HAD to deactivate the drive BEFORE unplugging because of possible loss of data.

I always use the Safely Remove icon before unplugging USB devices in Windows.


henriette wrote on Aug 13^th, 2012 at 6:14am:

where in Australia you live

Eastern NSW. UTC +10. We are 8 hours ahead of your Summer time.

@ Brian

Reply #86 - Yesterday at 13:31:53


Quote:

I always use the Safely Remove icon before unplugging USB devices in Windows.

Glad I asked  :)


Quote:

Eastern NSW. UTC +10. We are 8 hours ahead of your Summer time.

Hehe, my Master from Down Under is ahead of time  [smiley=cool.gif]

Usually Germany is ahead of time > America for example, where some of my friends live --> Geography!

---

I wonder if I had to create a new *FullBackupImage* (partition XP) next time.
*Full Backup* = 4,3 GB | 2nd Differential = 0,6 GB

You said: "once the differentials start to get larger than 10 or 20% of the *Full Image* size, I suggest starting again with a *Full Image*."

I don't think that the size of an additional differential would be much larger - upcoming patch day (WED = tomorrow for me) - might increase the size, though.

What would you advise me  :-?

henriette

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 14^th, 2012 at 3:32am:

You said: "once the differentials start to get larger than 10 or 20% of the *Full Image* size, I suggest starting again with a *Full Image*." I don't think that the size of an additional differential would be much larger - upcoming patch day (WED = tomorrow for me) - might increase the size, though. What would you advise me

When to create a new Full Entire Drive image is a personal decision. But to help out with a guideline let's do this. Continue with the same Full image if the Differential image size is less than 15 GB. If 6 months has passed and the Differential image is still less than 15 GB, create a new Full image.

I just noticed your example for the WinXP image. Start a new Full image if the Differential image is greater than 1 GB.

@ Brian

Reply #88 - Yesterday at 11:28:54

Quote:

When to create a new Full Entire Drive image is a personal decision. But to help out with a guideline let's do this. Continue with the same Full image if the Differential image size is less than 15 GB. If 6 months has passed and the Differential image is still less than 15 GB, create a new Full image.

Quote:

for the WinXP image. Start a new Full image if the Differential image is greater than 1 GB.

Thanks for the above guidelines. Very helpful  ;)

---

Just to let you know:
I've written 2 *.docs > "IFL CREATE Backup Images + Differentials" + "IFL RESTORE".

Now it's °neatly° put together in order.

Had been a lot of paperwork I'd copied to several folders (your instructions).

henriette  :)

@ henriette

You are very confident now and that is great to hear. There was a lot to learn.

When you can do these "backups in your sleep" let me know if you are interested in an automatic method. You can actually do an automatic backup at 3 am while you are asleep. At 3 am the computer would restart into IFL, run the backup and either restart or shutdown. Your choice. A log would be written to your HD so you could confirm everything happened correctly. No CD is needed. This would be ideal for a 4 hour entire drive image.

@ Brian

I just created a new XP (full) backup image.
"Img_B_Full_XP_..... date" (folder on external drive).

time = 8 minutes
file size on ext. drive (target) = 4,4 GB.
BUT: I forgot to tick the option "Speed up Changes Only Backup", so I have no Hash file  ::)

Shall I delete the backup and create it again ? > easily done.
Or leave as is ?
Will the backup be ok without hash file ?

note: In my *.doc the option is even marked!!!   ;D
Found several steps that need to be altered there, as the *.doc is still in its 1st edition. *Subject to modifications* ;)

Brian wrote Reply #90 - Yesterday at 22:44:27


Quote:

When you can do these "backups in your sleep" let me know if you are interested in an automatic method. You can actually do an automatic backup at 3 am while you are asleep. At 3 am the computer would restart into IFL, run the backup and either restart or shutdown. Your choice. A log would be written to your HD so you could confirm everything happened correctly. No CD is needed. This would be ideal for a 4 hour entire drive image.

I'd say we'd better wait for some time till I've tried all "variations" of backups on my *.doc list.

That will take some time! I also have to make alterations [cut shorter, more precisely/customized] in the *.doc + print etc.

Please remind me in 2-3 months, maybe  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

henriette   :-*

@ Brian

I just noticed:


Quote:

automatic backup at 3 am while you are asleep. At 3 am the computer would restart into IFL, run the backup and either restart or shutdown

That won't be 'possible' because I'm living in a small room, where I sleep, eat, work, &&&!

I can't sleep - or will wake up - when the computer is ON.  ::)

henriette 

henriette wrote on Aug 16^th, 2012 at 3:27am:

Shall I delete the backup and create it again ? > easily done. Or leave as is ? Will the backup be ok without hash file ?

You can create a hash file now with a batch file but the simpler solution for you is to delete the backup image and do it again.

The backup is OK without a hash file. It is just the future differential images will take longer to create.

@ Brian

Brian wrote Reply #93 - Today at 14:50:49


Quote:

You can create a hash file now with a batch file but the simpler solution for you is to delete the backup image and do it again. The backup is OK without a hash file. It is just the future differential images will take longer to create.

AH! I actually °forgot° what the Hash file was for. Just knew I needed it. Thanks for reminding > will add it to the *.doc  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

So I'm going to delete the last backup and create a new one.

henriette *learning never ends* 

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 16^th, 2012 at 8:28am:

So I'm going to delete the last backup and create a new one.

That is the easiest method.

I know you don't want to do this but to create a hash file without creating another backup you could do something like this from Terminal...

/tbu/imagel --hash --f:l1@0x1:"/your_folder/your_image.tbi"


Or you could mount the backup drive using the mnt icon. Then...

/tbu/imagel --hash --f:"/tbu/mnt1/your_folder/your_image.tbi"

I think the second one is easier as you don't need to confirm if l1@0x1 is correct.

@ Brian


Quote:

/tbu/imagel --hash --f:l1@0x1:"/your_folder/your_image.tbi"

Oh...now you're just showing off  :) !

@ NightOwl

I wish I was able to show off. It is pretty much a copy/paste from the user-guide.

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 16^th, 2012 at 8:28am:

Brianwrote Reply #93 - Today at 14:50:49 Quote: You can create a hash file now with a batch file but the simpler solution for you is to delete the backup image and do it again. The backup is OK without a hash file. It is just the future differential images will take longer to create.

Not sure if you know, but you may be working too hard!  You can have the forum software do this quoting for you automatically without having to type in the details manually like the *Reply #93 - Today at 14:50:49*.

See the row of buttons in the upper right hand corner of each post?  The first one says *Mark & Quote*.  If you highlight what you want to quote in a specific post, and then click the *Mark & Quote* button, the forum software will reference the author and show a direct link to the quoted information so if anyone wants to see where it came from, they can click on the link.  The forum software will put that in the reply box at the bottom of the page.

You can also reference posts in other threads as well.  I will often open a second instance of the forum, go to a different thread that has information I want to reference in the other thread that's open in my first instance of the forum.  I will highlight the information, use the *Mark & Quote* button which puts the information in the reply box at the bottom of the page in that second instance of the forum.  I then highlight that information in the reply box, and either *copy* or *cut* it, and then return to the first forum instance, and then *paste* that *Marked and Quoted* reference to the first thread.  Now, if someone clicks on that link, they will be taken to that other thread if they want to read more.

@ Brian


Brian wrote on Aug 16^th, 2012 at 11:50pm:

I wish I was able to show off. It is pretty much a copy/paste from the user-guide.

Shhh...don't tell people--that's how I usually *show off*  ;) !

@ Brian


Brian wrote on Aug 16^th, 2012 at 3:47pm:

That is the easiest method.

So it was :=)


NightOwl wrote on Aug 16^th, 2012 at 11:58pm:

@Brian Brian wrote on Today at 06:50:46: I wish I was able to show off. It is pretty much a copy/paste from the user-guide. Shhh...don't tell people--that's how I usually *show off* !

IF it were *only* copy/paste from user-guides - even in my native language - I wouldn't have come to even create the IFL-CD!
You guys are excellent in teaching tech stuff! Be it NightOwl who taught me [for years!] how to get *command* over Ghost ,,, or Brian who's providing support & guidance for IFL. ... Both of you with an extraordinary patience  [smiley=dankk2.gif]

---

@ Brian

Is there any limitation of characters regarding  the file name length IN IFL ?

@ NightOwl


NightOwl wrote on Aug 16^th, 2012 at 11:55pm:

@ henriette henriette wrote on Aug 16th, 2012 at 8:28am: Brianwrote Reply #93 - Today at 14:50:49 Quote: You can create a hash file now with a batch file but the simpler solution for you is to delete the backup image and do it again. The backup is OK without a hash file. It is just the future differential images will take longer to create.  Not sure if you know, but you may be working too hard!  You can have the forum software do this quoting for you automatically without having to type in the details manually like the *Reply #93 - Today at 14:50:49*. See the row of buttons in the upper right hand corner of each post?  The first one says *Mark & Quote*.  If you highlight what you want to quote in a specific post, and then click the *Mark & Quote* button, the forum software will reference the author and show a direct link to the quoted information so if anyone wants to see where it came from, they can click on the link.  The forum software will put that in the reply box at the bottom of the page. You can also reference posts in other threads as well.  I will often open a second instance of the forum, go to a different thread that has information I want to reference in the other thread that's open in my first instance of the forum.  I will highlight the information, use the *Mark & Quote* button which puts the information in the reply box at the bottom of the page in that second instance of the forum.  I then highlight that information in the reply box, and either *copy* or *cut* it, and then return to the first forum instance, and then *paste* that *Marked and Quoted* reference to the first thread.  Now, if someone clicks on that link, they will be taken to that other thread if they want to read more.

Now, that was absolutely new to me  ;D
Hope I got it right now > another lesson learned!

henriette  :)

@ henriette

I can't speak for others, but on my computer--using the *dark blue* color for the font is impossible for me to read.  I have to *highlight* the text so the background is changed to light blue and the letter are then a white color.

I would recommend using the *default* white color on the *grey* background for better readability.  (Though, you may not be using the *default* forum colors--in your *Control Panel*, you can choose other options--if you have done this, then you may not see that the colors are hard to see in the *default* color scheme.  But, my guess is that using the *default* color in whichever forum scheme you are using will allow for better readability.)

@ NightOwl


NightOwl wrote on Aug 17^th, 2012 at 9:51am:

on my computer--using the *dark blue* color for the font is impossible for me to read.

Modified my post. Better now ?

henriette

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 17^th, 2012 at 6:06am:

Is there any limitation of characters regardingthe file name length IN IFL ?

As a test I just created an image with 100 characters in the filename.

@ Brian


Brian wrote on Aug 17^th, 2012 at 3:51pm:

I just created an image with 100 characters in the filename.

Great! That way I can name all new apps/versions/changes  ;)

henriette

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 17^th, 2012 at 11:59am:

Modified my post. Better now ?

Perfect!  Thank you.

For emphasis, you can use the highlight function--you highlight the text you want to include using the mouse, and then click on the formatting button that's above the text box--the one with the capital *H* in it surrounded by yellow--5th button over from the right in the second row.

Or, using light blue shows up well--like the blue that the forum uses for showing a link.  Or light aqua.  Reds usually show well.  And, yellow would be okay on the forum's default light/dark grey background--but, if you use one of the other forum's color schemes, yellow can be a problem to see.

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Aug 18^th, 2012 at 6:14am:

That way I can name all new apps/versions/changes

If you desire you can also use an up to a 511 character "Description". This box is on the Options window. See pages 41 and 94 in the Userguide. Ignore the command line aspects. To view a Description in IFL GUI you would select the tbi file (start with the Restore menu) and click Information.

@ henriette

In an earlier post you mentioned the IFL text was rather small. When the CD first boots you are given the choice of four graphics modes. Try <3> or <4> and see which one you prefer. My guess is you will prefer <3>. But let us know your choice.

@ NightOwl


NightOwl wrote on Aug 18^th, 2012 at 8:52am:

For emphasis, you can use the highlight function--you highlight the text you want to include using the mouse, and then click on the formatting button that's above the text box--the one with the capital *H* in it surrounded by yellow--5th button over from the right in the second row. Or, using light blue shows up well--like the blue that the forum uses for showing a link.Or a light aqua. Reds usually show well. And, yellow would be okay on the forum's default light/dark grey background--but, if you use one of the other forum's color schemes, yellow can be a problem to see.

Hope I picked the ones you were talking about, although I'm not sure about *light aqua*
Thank you :=)

@ Brian


Brian wrote on Aug 18^th, 2012 at 4:43pm:

If you desire you can also use an up to a 511 character "Description". This box is on the Options window. See pages 41 and 94 in the Userguide. Ignore the command line aspects. To view a Description in IFL GUI you would select the tbi file (start with the Restore menu) and click Information.

I don't think I'll ever need 511 characters - up to 150 at best would do. For today's Differential I used 50.
Apart from that I keep a daily record of what I'm doing. So just a few infos + page# + date will do.


Brian wrote on Aug 18^th, 2012 at 9:39pm:

In an earlier post you mentioned the IFL text was rather small. When the CD first boots you are given the choice of four graphics modes. Try <3> or <4> and see which one you prefer. My guess is you will prefer <3>. But let us know your choice.

Yeah, that's what I see every time I boot from the CD.
I just let it run ....................................... lol.

Miss the Linux penguin --- would be cute  ;D

Will try <3> and <4>. There's something like "optimal" or so ...
Will try and let you know.

Two questions:

1. Is it ok to copy IFL backup images from external HD to internal HD (instead of creating twice) - or is there any possible loss of data ?

2. Do you ever defragment your external drives ?
---> asking because I have been warned of defragmenting big HDs  ::)

Ok, my mentors, *long time no see*, eh ?
Finished a differential an hour ago. All well, as you might have gathered from my *being silent*.

Had been busy also disabling Java > *the monster bug* ... wasn't all that easy with IE.

----> never saw adds on this forum before! Also the color palette takes long to load ...
How come ?

henriette  :)

@ henriette

Good to see you back here. I was getting concerned.


henriette wrote on Aug 30^th, 2012 at 8:03am:

Is it ok to copy IFL backup images from external HD to internal HD (instead of creating twice) -

No problems at all. Or internal to external. Creating images on an internal HD is faster than creating them on an external HD.



henriette wrote on Aug 30^th, 2012 at 8:03am:

Do you ever defragment your external drives ?

Never.



henriette wrote on Aug 30^th, 2012 at 8:03am:

Will try <3> and <4>.

I think you will like them. One or the other. My eyes are good and I use <1>. With <4> the IFL windows fills the monitor screen.

@ Brian


Brian wrote on Aug 30^th, 2012 at 2:14pm:

Good to see you back here. I was getting concerned.

You're always in my thoughts ,,,, don't worry about me ... until I'll try my 1st restore, LOL  ::) ... no, think it'll be ok. 
Ya know, I had an excellent Master ;)


Brian wrote on Aug 30^th, 2012 at 2:14pm:

henriette wrote on Yesterday at 15:03:12: Is it ok to copy IFL backup images from external HD to internal HD (instead of creating twice) ? No problems at all. Or internal to external. Creating images on an internal HD is faster than creating them on an external HD.

I'm aware of that, just too little free space on internal to keep all backup images there.


Brian wrote on Aug 30^th, 2012 at 2:14pm:

henriette wrote on Yesterday at 15:03:12: Do you ever defragment your external drives ? Never.

Good to know, thanks  [smiley=thumbup.gif]


Brian wrote on Aug 18^th, 2012 at 9:39pm:

@henriette In an earlier post you mentioned the IFL text was rather small. When the CD first boots you are given the choice of four graphics modes. Try <3> or <4> and see which one you prefer. My guess is you will prefer <3>. But let us know your choice.

I prefer <3> - as you guessed  ;)
<4> is too big and *blurred* - might be my "poor" graphiccard.

Thanks a lot

henriette   :-*

@ henriette

Just to let you know a new version of IFL was released a couple of days ago.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/upgradehist-image-for-linux.htm

I don't think the changes apply to you so it's not essential for you to download the new version. Unless you want to. I always get the latest version.

@ Brian


Brian wrote on Aug 31^st, 2012 at 3:51pm:

Just to let you know a new version of IFL was released a couple of days ago.

Brian wrote on Aug 31^st, 2012 at 3:51pm:

I don't think the changes apply to you so it's not essential for you to download the new version. Unless you want to. I always get the latest version.

I receive the newsletter too. ...
So when you think the changes don't apply to me I don't have to download the new version  ;)
(hard for me to judge by reading newsletters)  :-/

Thanks very much for letting me know.

henriette  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Hiya  :)

Since the subject is IFL images, I hope you allow me to post here:

2 weeks ago I was prompted to re-activate XP (1st time since I have XP!).
---> I afterwards found out that the ethernet card had died.

Meanwhile I saved the wpa.dbl file [C:\Windows\System32] to floppy AND I made a backup to a partition on 2nd HD, too.

My question now is:
When I restore an older image using IFL, will I be prompted again (re-activating) ?

If so - will it work to copy the wpa.dbl file to ... system32

AND check regedit >
LocalMachine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion
---> "RegDone" = "1" ?

Or won't that procedure be necessary  :-?

After re-activating XP I noticed that M$ had enabled 'this & that' - which I had tweaked/altered before  >:(

I'm still searching my computer for possible causes, cannot find everything though!

I also disabled *dumprep* (on startup) > see links below:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/899870/en-us

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-files/several-problems-including-auto-open-path-on/29ab105b-d2d6-4c81-a9b1-377147b1a287 < see reply #3

Still my computer behaves somewhat slower in booting into windows (and such  ;D) since the re-activation, which I did via phone.

Forgot that possible 'workaround' in the heat of the moment  ::)

Yaya, that's M$. Should have known better!

henriette  :-/

@ henriette

Weird. An activation out of the blue. I've no idea whether an image restore would lead to the same issue but if it was my computer I'd restore an image taken prior to the suggested activation. That's my approach, something goes wrong, restore an image. You commented your computer isn't as fast now as it was prior to 2 weeks ago. Restore an image.

Brian wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 10:54pm:

@ henriette Weird. An activation out of the blue. You commented your computer isn't as fast now as it was prior to 2 weeks ago. Restore an image.

Maybe M$ took it for a major modification when the network adapter was busted  (at least I did, cause the LED was still working - was right after I had turned on my computer in the a.m.)  ::)

I won't restore an image for the time being, although it may be interesting to see what will happen.

It's time for an Entire Drive Backup image, too.

On the other hand I don't want to wait too long with restoring ... will be too much work to get up-to-date.

I will let you know. Just give me some time. Will do further 'investigations' on DONALD  ;)

FYI: Doing welllll ... me and IFLLLLL  :)

henriette  :-*

@ henriette


Brian wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 10:54pm:

Weird. An activation out of the blue.

Well, probably not so *weird*!  Here's the best guide I've seen regarding Windows Product Activation (WPA):  Windows Product Activation (WPA) on Windows XP

If the NIC died, you loose *3 yes votes* that your copy of Windows is still on the same machine.  If a couple other things have been changed in the past, then loosing the NIC could be the *last straw that breaks the camel's back*!

But, what I see as possible even more *weird* is:


henriette wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 9:25am:

After re-activating XP I noticed that M$ had enabled 'this & that' - which I had tweaked/altered before

That doesn't seem reasonable or expected!  Was anything else going on at the same time just before or after the *Activation*?  Were you experimenting and making changes?


henriette wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 9:25am:

My question now is: When I restore an older image using IFL, will I be prompted again (re-activating) ?

Most likely the answer is *Yes*.  The WPA file that has the 3 votes from the old NIC card will not match the new setup with the new NIC card--so the same reactivation will be triggered.


henriette wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 9:25am:

If so - will it work to copy the wpa.dbl file to ... system32

Probably not--for the same reason above!  Restoring the old WPA file works if you make changes that would trigger a reactivation that are temporary in nature.  If you restore to the old setup after triggering a reactivation event, then restoring the previous WPA file should cancel the requests for reactivating.

I have some other thoughts on this, but no time right now--I'll be back........

NightOwl wrote on Oct 30^th, 2012 at 9:01am:

Brian wrote on Yesterday at 05:54:03: Weird. An activation out of the blue.

Quote:

Well, probably not so *weird*!Here's the best guide I've seen regarding Windows Product Activation (WPA): http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

Thanks for the link - much appreciated ... WOW!!!

I purchased the WinXP-CD. The copy I use is an OEM, however.
Can't remember .. but think I've added SP3 to the original CD, which made it an OEM!
The only 'thing' I don't quite get in the link above is the paragraph about OEM  ... e.g if my present board dies > I have 'exactly' the same board + CPU in store ::)

** see below I replaced the (dead) NIC by an *identical* (same model) Realtek.
--> Same driver [plug & play], IP-address / subnet mask / standardgateway were already configured like before
(ipconfig /all).

note: I'm not very familiar to network tech. I have a WLAN router (WLAN > *tethered* (?) = disabled) + NIC.

---> WAN-IP address is different. To my knowledge given by my ISP. Does THAT fact make it - most likely - impossible to:
to copy the wpa.dbl file to ... system32

AND check regedit >
LocalMachine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion
---> "RegDone" = "1" ?

I also checked the wpa.dbl:
Originally it was 14kB. The *new* wpa.dbl is 2kB (steady).

I'd changed a lot of hardware in the past (HD, optical drive, graphics card, power supply < latter doesn't count according to the list). Never more than 2 at a time.


Quote:

Was anything else going on at the same time just before or after the *Activation*?  Were you experimenting and making changes?

Not really, I had opened the computer case, fumbled a bit - by that the NIC must have puffed its last puff  :P
No hardware changes made  >:(
You might call that fumbling *making changes* - if you will  ;D

Henriette wrote:
When I restore an older image using IFL, will I be prompted again (re-activating) ?

Quote:

Most likely the answer is *Yes*.The WPA file that has the 3 votes from the old NIC card will not match the new setup with the new NIC card--so the same reactivation will be triggered.

Despite what I wrote above ** ???

henriette wrote:
If so - will it work to copy the wpa.dbl file to ... system32 ?

Quote:

Probably not--for the same reason above!Restoring the old WPA file works if you make changes that would trigger a reactivation that are temporary in nature.If you restore to the old setup after triggering a reactivation event, then restoring the previous WPA file should cancel the requests for reactivating.

Quote:

I have some other thoughts on this, but no time right now--I'll be back........

Thank you so much. I'll wait patiently.

henriette  :-*

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 7:54am:

I'll wait patiently.

I was rushing around yesterday getting ready for a 5 day trip out of town--hoped to have time to add my additional thoughts--but, just didn't get everything done as quickly as hoped--packing this morning--so will have to wait until next week for my additional comments.

Hope that doesn't try your patience too much!

NightOwl wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 10:18am:

I was rushing around yesterday getting ready for a 5 day trip out of town--hoped to have time to add my additional thoughts--but, just didn't get everything done as quickly as hoped--packing this morning--so will have to wait until next week for my additional comments. Hope that doesn't try your patience too much!

There's no rush.
I created an up-to-date XP image today.
An Entire Drive Image is to follow.

Have a safe trip!

henriette  :)

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 7:54am:

I purchased the WinXP-CD. The copy I use is an OEM, however. Can't remember .. but think I've added SP3 to the original CD, which made it an OEM!

Not sure what you are trying to say here!?  OEM = original equipment manufacturer.  So, if you buy a brand name computer from Dell, or Sony, or Gateway....etc., you are buying an OEM type of system.  The Windows installed on that type of machine by the OEM is considered an OEM Windows license and is often *locked* to that hardware--especially to the motherboard and its BIOS which has a specific motherboard ID associated with it.  You can buy a *retail* copy of Windows that will have its own product activation ID, and that can be installed on an OEM machine--that will work fine.  But, you can not transfer the OEM Windows to another system using the OEM license.  And you can not replace the motherboard on an OEM system with an *identical* motherboard and still use the OEM Windows license--because the replacement motherboard will have a different BIOS ID and will not match the original equipment *lock*.


henriette wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 7:54am:

I replaced the (dead) NIC by an *identical* (same model) Realtek.

Components may have the same *specifications*--but they are not *identical*.  Each NIC will have a specific MAC address that is unique to that particular NIC.  Each new NIC that you purchase and replace will have a different MAC address, and will be seen as a *different* NIC even if all other specifications are the same.

Same thing for CPU's--each will have a unique serial number ID, same for motherboard and its respective BIOS--unique ID's, HDDs will have unique IDs, etc.


henriette wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 7:54am:

I'd changed a lot of hardware in the past

So, these changes are additive.  When you changed the NIC, you finally had made enough hardware changes that your system now no longer had enough *Yes* votes saying that it was the same system--and it triggered an activation event.


henriette wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 9:25am:

Still my computer behaves somewhat slower in booting into windows (and such) since the re-activation, which I did via phone.

Did you re-activate by phone by choice?  It sounds like you probably activated your original installation some time ago (greater than 120 days?)--if so, you should have been able to do the re-activation via the internet *automatically*--because after 120 days, you should not have been required to use the phone re-activation method.


henriette wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 9:25am:

After re-activating XP I noticed that M$ had enabled 'this & that' - which I had tweaked/altered before

As I mentioned before, this doesn't sound like what *normally* happens when an activation is done.  Activation for me has never done something like this!  All's that occurs is a file is placed on the machine that shows it's a valid WinXP installation--no settings are changed during the activation process.


henriette wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 9:25am:

Still my computer behaves somewhat slower in booting into windows

So, the most common reason a computer boots slower is because something has changed as to what's being loaded during boot up--the more that is being loaded during boot, the more the system is being used and the CPU is being tied up with whatever is involved in the loading of those additional startup programs.

You mentioned: 


henriette wrote on Oct 29^th, 2012 at 9:25am:

I also disabled *dumprep* (on startup) > see links below: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/899870/en-us

Are you getting a *Dumprep.exe error messages*?  Or, why did you mention this?

If you want to see what program(s) during boot are taking up the most time during boot, you can use that same tool mentioned in the above link: 


Quote:

Method 1: Use the System Configuration Utility to disable the Dumprep.exe tool 1.Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 2.Click the Startup tab.

In that *Startup Tab*, you can look through the list of programs being loaded and see if they are really needed or not.  If you don't recognize a program, you can Google it and find out it's function--often you can tell what the program is for by looking at it's path listed in the *Command* column.  You can temporarily disable the program during startup by unchecking it, appling the change, and then rebooting (you will get a message on the next re-boot that you have used the *msconfig* program to disable one or more programs to remind you that you have done this--if you don't want to see the reminder anymore, check the *don't remind* me box).  Many programs are not needed to be loaded during boot.  They often are being loaded to make starting a related program more quickly if you ever need it.  But, often times we never use the program that the startup program is for--at least not often.  So, it can be a waste of boot up time vs being able to load a program you rarely use faster.  Common examples are graphics card control programs and Adobe Reader.

If you want to re-enable the program(s), just run the msconfig program again and re-check the box(es) for those programs you want to load during startup.

NightOwl wrote on Nov 18^th, 2012 at 2:02am:

OEM = original equipment manufacturer.

I'm somewhat confused:
I purchased "Windows XP Professional Edition OEM incl. SP3" - with sticker (Certificate) + Product Key (~ $ 140.- in 2009!).
I installed XP on my self built computer, after I had replaced the (main) HDD with W2k by a brandnew HDD.

Now: if the board and the CPU will fritz out, I have the 'same' [not *identical* < that's why I used the **] board & CPU in store.
Will the below apply in that case ???


NightOwl wrote on Nov 18^th, 2012 at 2:02am:

you can not replace the motherboard on an OEM system with an *identical* motherboard and still use the OEM Windows license--because the replacement motherboard will have a different BIOS ID and will not match the original equipment *lock*.

According to the above: Worst case > My board & CPU would be dead one fine morning!
What am I supposed to do then ???
NO replacement possible | NO more *retail* XP available  :o
What *XP* do I really HAVE  :-?


NightOwl wrote on Nov 18^th, 2012 at 2:02am:

Did you re-activate by phone by choice?It sounds like you probably activated your original installation some time ago (greater than 120 days?)--if so, you should have been able to do the re-activation via the internet *automatically*--because after 120 days, you should not have been required to use the phone re-activation method.

That's a misunderstanding.
---> AFTER I had turned on my computer, I got the "good morning"  ;D message that I had to re-activate because my system had changed significantly.

T'was THEN that I noticed that I had no access to the internet, and something must be wrong "networkwise".
I was given the choice to re-activate via internet (which of course didn't work)  and using the phone re-activation method.
I had to choose the latter.

Note: I NEVER had to re-activate XP before that day since the original activation in 2009.

AFTER the re-activation I detected that the NIC was dead - although the LEDs was still working. < hence the delay in finding out!
It's been the dead NIC that had triggered an activation event !!


NightOwl wrote on Nov 18^th, 2012 at 2:02am:

no settings are changed during the activation process.

I dunno why a few settings had changed. Maybe TuneUpUtilities ^didn't like it^  ;D
Meanwhile it's all *repaired*.  ;)


NightOwl wrote on Nov 18^th, 2012 at 2:02am:

Are you getting a *Dumprep.exe error messages*?Or, why did you mention this?

No errors. I mentioned the deactivation since I've read that it causes high HDD activity (e.g.) - it's recommended to disable it.

I used *msconfig* to accomplish that.

By now I've created backup images of XP AND an up-to-date Entire Drive Image.

I cannot tell for sure (who can ?) if my present system is absolutely clean of viruses and bugs.
That's why I kept all images, of which the older ones (prior to the re-activation) cannot be used anymore  :(

On the other hand - the system works fine for the time being, particularly since the November Patch Day:
2 patches > they fixed the icons in the taskbar - don't ask me how come ;) [had been wrong icons every now & then, could fix it temporarily (= till reboot) only with TuneupUtilities]

henriette  :)

@ henriette


henriette wrote on Nov 18^th, 2012 at 5:58am:

I purchased "Windows XP Professional Edition OEM incl. SP3" - with sticker (Certificate) + Product Key (~ $ 140.- in 2009!). I installed XP on my self built computer, after I had replaced the (main) HDD with W2k by a brandnew HDD.

Well, if the label says its an OEM version--I'm not sure what to say--the fact that you have a Product Key that allowed you to install Windows on your self built system, and it was activated way back when without a warning that your copy of Windows was not *Genuine*--your description is that of a *retail* version of Windows.

So, I would not worry about your motherboard dieing.  You should be able to re-install Windows and activate it without worry.  An OEM version of Windows has one or more files that *locks* the OEM version of Windows to the motherboard BIOS--the OEM manufacturer would have to *change the lock* if you were having to replace the motherboard that came on an OEM system.  But, your system is *NOT* an OEM system!  The OEM manufacturer has to make specific changes to establish the *lock*--and you are not in that situation.

Besides, if you have a recent Ghost backup, and if the replacement motherboard has the same specifications (not *identical*--it will have a unique BIOS ID)--you should be able to simply attach you current HDD and all should continue to run well--may just need to re-activate again.

If your HDD died along with the motherboard, then you would restore the Ghost backup after replacing everything, and everything should be okay.

If you replace with a substantially different motherboard (especially changes to the HDD controller type or brand--then things get more difficult.  If you have a new HDD and new controllers, you can transfer the Ghost image to the new HDD, and you can attempt a *repair* install to get Windows to detect and update the software needed to communicate with the new hardware.  This is full of potential pitfalls--success is questionable at best.  I have done it twice--once successfully and the other *not so much*--I now know that I might have been successful if I had tried a different series of steps--but I never went back to see if I could be successful with that different set of steps.  There's some information that says if you have updated your Internet Explorer above v6.xx, the repair install may fail--the repair install software (it's on the installation CD--so one would have to update the CD--and Microsoft doesn't do that!) has not been updated by Microsoft to take into account the more recent Internet Explorer versions.

But, you are now using Image for DOS.  There is a *bare metal* re-install of its image file that can address installing to another motherboard that has different drivers required compared to the original source motherboard system that the image was taken from.  So, you can probably transfer your current system to the new motherboard using their repair software that can add the needed drivers for the new motherboard system.

All of the this is *advanced* stuff--and you probably will never need to use it.  Don't worry about it for now!  If it becomes necessary--we can probably walk you through the necessary steps. 

Just keep making your regular image backups!


henriette wrote on Nov 18^th, 2012 at 5:58am:

T'was THEN that I noticed that I had no access to the internet, and something must be wrong "networkwise". I was given the choice to re-activate via internet (which of course didn't work)and using the phone re-activation method. I had to choose the latter.

My mistake!!!  You had already explained that, but I was focused on the other aspects of the problems you were mentioning--and it just did not register in my foggy brain!

NightOwl wrote on Nov 20^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

the fact that you have a Product Key that allowed you to install Windows on your self built system, and it was activated way back when without a warning that your copy of Windows was not *Genuine*--your description is that of a *retail* version of Windows. So, I would not worry about your motherboard dieing.You should be able to re-install Windows and activate it without worry.

That's wonderful news <relieved>

---> wondering, anyhow, how OEM could be RETAIL at (more or less) the same time ---  but there was no manufacturer who made any changes to establish the *lock*, in my case  ;)
That should explain it.


NightOwl wrote on Nov 20^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

if you have a recent Ghost backup, and if the replacement motherboard has the same specifications (not *identical*--it will have a unique BIOS ID)--you should be able to simply attach you current HDD and all should continue to run well--may just need to re-activate again.

   
[smiley=thumbsup.gif]


NightOwl wrote on Nov 20^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

If your HDD died along with the motherboard, then you would restore the Ghost backup after replacing everything, and everything should be okay.

   
[smiley=thumbsup.gif]


NightOwl wrote on Nov 20^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

you are now using Image for DOS.

I've been using IFL (Linux) for some time now.


NightOwl wrote on Nov 20^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

If you replace with a substantially different motherboard ...

If the "same" motherboard (got it from Ebays) works, I would not have to replace the present one by a different motherboard.

I really do hope that my present motherboard will be o.k. for another x years. You never know ...  ::)


NightOwl wrote on Nov 20^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

All of this is *advanced* stuff--and you probably will never need to use it.Don't worry about it for now!If it becomes necessary--we can probably walk you through the necessary steps.

IF it becomes necessary ... I could not ask you, since NO Windows, no second computer ,,,, that's why I posted possible (future) problems in advance  ;)


NightOwl wrote on Nov 20^th, 2012 at 9:44am:

Just keep making your regular image backups!

Will do  :)

Thank you SO much for making me feel lots better now.
I had been really concerned.

henriette  :-*  :-*  :-*