I just read the guide for Ghost. I already ordered Ghost and should be getting it soon. Now I just have to learn to master it. Whoa!

Here is a question I have already after reading the guide.

I am upgrading to a WD 20 Gig HDD. So far this will be the only one I will have until I can get a second one (putting the other one in another computer).

So I can use Ghost, I plan on making two 10 Gig partitions using the second one for Ghosting the first one.

Now from what I got from the guide, it says to never overwrite where you put the image. Well if I keep putting the images (probably the whole 1st partition) in the same place (second partition), I would have to be overwriting the previous one or I would run out of room. Are you saying I shoudn't do that? That I should delete the older one first before putting newer ones in?

If I understand your question correctly, you'll simply give each subsequent image a different name. The overwrite thing comes into play when you *restore* the image.

I suggest you keep at least two generations of images on hand at all times. In other words, say you image once a month, on the 1st of the month.

Your 1st image would be named (something like) img_0801.gho. Then, next month, when you make another image, your next one would be named img_0901.gho.

Before you make you third (img_1001.gho), delete the 1st one you made.

With only 29-gigs, you don't have a lot of room to keep more than two images.

Rad

Where do you get 29 Gigs at? The HDD will be 20 Gigs, split into two partitions (approx 10 Gig each). At 70% compression (70% of original size), of entire first partition, seems I would only have room on the second partition for 1 image at a time.

the 9 key is next to the 0 key. i mistyped. either way, it doesn't matter.

r u gonna have the entire 10-gig partitio full of data?

1 image is better than no images.

::)I have the problem that Ghost will not see the multiple (2) partitions on my hard drive.  I tried the download from the the Rad tutorial with ghostpe added, but it still sees it as one hard drive only.  DOS sees the extended partition with two logical drives just fine.  What can I do?  Thank you.

I dunno.

Try the boys at Symantec. Lemme know if what they say works & I'll include it in the guide.

:-[Am I the only one with the invisible partitions in Ghost problem?  It doesn't make any sense to me, since Ghost 2001 is a DOS based program and DOS sees the partitions with no problem.

I'll keep you informed when Symantic replies.  Thanks again.

Are they FAT32 or NTFS partitions?

I've been making ghost images for some time now on an old ghost version (5.1b). Never felt the need to upgrade since the one I'm using works good for me.

Have 2 hard drives ( 2nd is all extended with logical partitions).

Question: Since my 1st HD is a little old (2 years), and if it fails one day, will a ghost image of my system restored into 2nd HD retain ALL pertinent info (i.e. MBR)?

I realize I will have to redo my 2nd HD partitions to include an active primary partition.

It should .. after you make the new boot partition ACTIVE.

Altho I have never actually done this myself.

What I *have* done (and know that it works) .. is to *replace* the old/broke drive with a new/faster drive, partition the new drive like the old drive (same # & type of partitions), set new boot partition as ACTIVE (using FDISK: http://fdisk.radified.com/ ), restore the image and go on like nothing ever happen.

I know for a fact that it will work that way.

Thanks for the info. Came across some undocumented FDISK  parameters ( AXCEL216's MAX Speeed MSDOS secrets) and wonder if they may be relevant if Ghost doesnt boot from 2nd HD.

FDISK /CMBR x [MS-DOS 6.00 and above ONLY]
-------------------------------------------------------
FDISK /CMBR x must be used together for proper operation. Recreates the boot
sector of the second, third... etc hard disk(s) (if any) overwriting it (them)
with a fresh copy, by writing a new Master Boot Record (MBR) based on existent
disk structure, without altering the partition table information.
Valid values for x:
- 1 = first (bootable) physical hard disk (same as using FDISK /MBR):
FDISK /CMBR 1
- 2 = second (not bootable) physical hard disk (if any):
FDISK /CMBR 2
- 3 = third (not bootable) physical hard disk (if any):
FDISK /CMBR 3
- ... etc.
Can be used to repair a damaged/corrupted MBR (i.e. by a virus).
----------------------------

I would still go with your recommendation to get new faster HD as replacement for 1st HD to restore Ghost to, but its nice to know ones options. Thanks.