disk imaging software and boot ready cloned disk

Hi,

Just wanted to know of any disk imaging software outh there that you
have use and would recommend. Specially, I need to know that what
extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to work both as
secondary (slave) disk while in operation, but in the event of primary
(Master) disk disaster, could also act as master disk (after changing
jumper/cables settings of course). I have a vague understanding that I
need to do some sort of partitioning, but wanted to know if there is
an imaging software that will take care of all of it and make the
cloned disk as boot ready with everything on it as original disk.

thanks in advance.

Aamir Ghanchi wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Just wanted to know of any disk imaging software outh there that you
> have use and would recommend. Specially, I need to know that what
> extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to work both as
> secondary (slave) disk while in operation, but in the event of primary
> (Master) disk disaster, could also act as master disk (after changing
> jumper/cables settings of course). I have a vague understanding that I
> need to do some sort of partitioning, but wanted to know if there is
> an imaging software that will take care of all of it and make the
> cloned disk as boot ready with everything on it as original disk.
>
> thanks in advance.
Acronis True Image and Casper 4.0 Seem to be the leading votes.
Ghost is close 3rd.

I use Acronis. You can either clone to the drive, and it will allow you
to clone between different drive sizes, or you can just write out an
image file that then can be restored to any disk later. Usually the
clone disk is used when you change the drive. The image is used for
backup. If you follow all this you're 90% there.

Acronis® True Image 11 Home, Download Free Trial
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...IlFQo dLG49Gw

--
www.paulsxp.com
www.paulsxp.com/forums

"Aamir Ghanchi" <aamirghanchi@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:7a11b080-3c11-420c-a1a2-388db824c16c@p25g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> Just wanted to know of any disk imaging software outh there that you
> have use and would recommend. Specially, I need to know that what
> extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to work both as
> secondary (slave) disk while in operation, but in the event of primary
> (Master) disk disaster, could also act as master disk (after changing
> jumper/cables settings of course). I have a vague understanding that I
> need to do some sort of partitioning, but wanted to know if there is
> an imaging software that will take care of all of it and make the
> cloned disk as boot ready with everything on it as original disk.
>
> thanks in advance.

>>Aamir Ghanchi wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> Just wanted to know of any disk imaging software outh there that you
>> have use and would recommend. Specially, I need to know that what
>> extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to work both as
>> secondary (slave) disk while in operation, but in the event of primary
>> (Master) disk disaster, could also act as master disk (after changing
>> jumper/cables settings of course). I have a vague understanding that I
>> need to do some sort of partitioning, but wanted to know if there is
>> an imaging software that will take care of all of it and make the
>> cloned disk as boot ready with everything on it as original disk.
>>
>> thanks in advance.


"Big Al" <BigAl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:MqaLj.8695$BT1.1000@trnddc04...
> Acronis True Image and Casper 4.0 Seem to be the leading votes.
> Ghost is close 3rd.
>
> I use Acronis. You can either clone to the drive, and it will allow you to
> clone between different drive sizes, or you can just write out an image
> file that then can be restored to any disk later. Usually the clone disk
> is used when you change the drive. The image is used for backup. If you
> follow all this you're 90% there.


Aamir Ghanchi:
Based upon your objective (as I interpret it from your post) I think you
might be more interested in using a disk-to-disk cloning type of program
rather than a disk imaging type of program.

You indicate that you want to "make the cloned disk as boot ready with
everything on it as original disk." So that in effect the cloned HDD would
be a precise copy of your "source" HDD and as such be immediately bootable
with all data immediately accessible. That's what you want, right?

If that *is* the case a disk-cloning program might better serve your needs
than a disk-imaging type of program. The programs that "Big Al" mentions can
do the job for you. The Acronis & Ghost programs also have disk-imaging
capability while the Casper 4 program has only disk-cloning capability. You
can use disk imaging to create a comprehensive backup copy of your system to
your secondary HDD, however, a restoration process is basically necessary to
achieve a bootable state for that HDD. It's not particularly difficult but
it's another step.

(You might want to do a Google search on "disk cloning disk imaging" to
learn more about these processes).

Our preference is for the Casper 4 disk-cloning program. It's simple to use,
reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. It's particularly useful
where the recipient of the clone - the "destination" drive - is another
internal HDD as apparently you're contemplating.

Trial versions of the Acronis True Image & Casper 4 programs are available.
Use a Google search to their websites.

BTW, you mention " what extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to
work both as secondary (slave) disk while in operation," I'm not sure I
understand what you mean by that. I'm assuming you want to use that
secondary HDD to receive the cloned contents of your source HDD. Are you
planning to use that secondary HDD for other purposes as well? If that is
so, depending upon what other use(s) you're contemplating, a disk-imaging
program might be
more appropriate for your needs.

Normally you need not undertake any partitioning/formatting processes re the
secondary HDD (the recipient of the clone) when using a disk-cloning
program.

Presumably the secondary HDD will remain connected as such following the
disk-cloning operation. Obviously you'll be booting to your primary HDD. And
if & when the time comes that you need that cloned HDD to serve as your boot
drive, you'll simply connect it as your primary HDD.

And you are planning to use whatever type of program you choose as a routine
backup system, right?
Anna

Hello Anna (and others) for the in detail suggestions.

Anna you got it right. I need to make the secondary disk the exact
copy of the primary disk I am working on and be a boot ready at the
same time. Casper sounds like a good choice. What I meant by "using
the cloned disk as a secondary disk" is exactly what it says. While
the backups are being made to the clone disk, I was wondering if I can
use it as an extra virtual drive (say F on the extra space available
on it. I am hoping there should be a way for doing that so that a
partition of the secondary disk is an exact clone of the primary disk
and additionally the secondary disk also has a partition that can
serve as a virtual drive. I hope I was able to make sense this time.

thanks again for all your help!

aamir.

On Apr 9, 9:20*pm, "Anna" <myn...@myisp.net> wrote:
> >>Aamir Ghanchi wrote:
> >> Hi,
>
> >> Just wanted to know of any disk imaging software outh there that you
> >> have use and would recommend. Specially, I need to know that what
> >> extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to work both as
> >> secondary (slave) disk while in operation, but in the event of primary
> >> (Master) disk disaster, could also act as master disk (after changing
> >> jumper/cables settings of course). I have a vague understanding that I
> >> need to do some sort of partitioning, but wanted to know if there is
> >> an imaging software that will take care of all of it and make the
> >> cloned disk as boot ready with everything on it as original disk.
>
> >> thanks in advance.
> "Big Al" <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote in message
>
> news:MqaLj.8695$BT1.1000@trnddc04...
>
> > Acronis True Image and Casper 4.0 Seem to be the leading votes.
> > Ghost is close 3rd.
>
> > I use Acronis. You can either clone to the drive, and it will allow you to
> > clone between different drive sizes, or you can just write out an image
> > file that then can be restored to any disk later. * Usually the clone disk
> > is used when you change the drive. *The image is used for backup. * If you
> > follow all this you're 90% there.
>
> Aamir Ghanchi:
> Based upon your objective (as I interpret it from your post) I think you
> might be more interested in using a disk-to-disk cloning type of program
> rather than a disk imaging type of program.
>
> You indicate that you want to "make the cloned disk as boot ready with
> everything on it as original disk." So that in effect the cloned HDD would
> be a precise copy of your "source" HDD and as such be immediately bootable
> with all data immediately accessible. That's what you want, right?
>
> If that *is* the case a disk-cloning program might better serve your needs
> than a disk-imaging type of program. The programs that "Big Al" mentions can
> do the job for you. The Acronis & Ghost programs also have disk-imaging
> capability while the Casper 4 program has only disk-cloning capability. You
> can use disk imaging to create a comprehensive backup copy of your system to
> your secondary HDD, however, a restoration process is basically necessary to
> achieve a bootable state for that HDD. It's not particularly difficult but
> it's another step.
>
> (You might want to do a Google search on "disk cloning disk imaging" to
> learn more about these processes).
>
> Our preference is for the Casper 4 disk-cloning program. It's simple to use,
> reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. It's particularly useful
> where the recipient of the clone - the "destination" drive - is another
> internal HDD as apparently you're contemplating.
>
> Trial versions of the Acronis True Image & Casper 4 programs are available..
> Use a Google search to their websites.
>
> BTW, you mention " what extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to
> work both as secondary (slave) disk while in operation," I'm not sure I
> understand what you mean by that. I'm assuming you want to use that
> secondary HDD to receive the cloned contents of your source HDD. Are you
> planning to use that secondary HDD for other purposes as well? If that is
> so, depending upon what other use(s) you're contemplating, a disk-imaging
> program might be
> more appropriate for your needs.
>
> Normally you need not undertake any partitioning/formatting processes re the
> secondary HDD (the recipient of the clone) when using a disk-cloning
> program.
>
> Presumably the secondary HDD will remain connected as such following the
> disk-cloning operation. Obviously you'll be booting to your primary HDD. And
> if & when the time comes that you need that cloned HDD to serve as your boot
> drive, you'll simply connect it as your primary HDD.
>
> And you are planning to use whatever type of program you choose as a routine
> backup system, right?
> Anna

"Anna" <myname@myisp.net> wrote in message
news:O$LDAGrmIHA.2304@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl:

> >>Aamir Ghanchi wrote:
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> Just wanted to know of any disk imaging software outh there that you
> >> have use and would recommend. Specially, I need to know that what
> >> extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to work both as
> >> secondary (slave) disk while in operation, but in the event of primary
> >> (Master) disk disaster, could also act as master disk (after changing
> >> jumper/cables settings of course). I have a vague understanding that I
> >> need to do some sort of partitioning, but wanted to know if there is
> >> an imaging software that will take care of all of it and make the
> >> cloned disk as boot ready with everything on it as original disk.
> >>
> >> thanks in advance.
>
>
> "Big Al" <BigAl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:MqaLj.8695$BT1.1000@trnddc04...
> > Acronis True Image and Casper 4.0 Seem to be the leading votes.
> > Ghost is close 3rd.
> >
> > I use Acronis. You can either clone to the drive, and it will allow you to
> > clone between different drive sizes, or you can just write out an image
> > file that then can be restored to any disk later. Usually the clone disk
> > is used when you change the drive. The image is used for backup. If you
> > follow all this you're 90% there.
>
>
> Aamir Ghanchi:
> Based upon your objective (as I interpret it from your post) I think you
> might be more interested in using a disk-to-disk cloning type of program
> rather than a disk imaging type of program.
>
> You indicate that you want to "make the cloned disk as boot ready with
> everything on it as original disk." So that in effect the cloned HDD would
> be a precise copy of your "source" HDD and as such be immediately bootable
> with all data immediately accessible. That's what you want, right?
>
> If that *is* the case a disk-cloning program might better serve your needs
> than a disk-imaging type of program. The programs that "Big Al" mentions can
> do the job for you. The Acronis & Ghost programs also have disk-imaging
> capability while the Casper 4 program has only disk-cloning capability. You
> can use disk imaging to create a comprehensive backup copy of your system to
> your secondary HDD, however, a restoration process is basically necessary to
> achieve a bootable state for that HDD. It's not particularly difficult but
> it's another step.
>
> (You might want to do a Google search on "disk cloning disk imaging" to
> learn more about these processes).
>
> Our preference is for the Casper 4 disk-cloning program. It's simple to use,
> reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. It's particularly useful
> where the recipient of the clone - the "destination" drive - is another
> internal HDD as apparently you're contemplating.
>
> Trial versions of the Acronis True Image & Casper 4 programs are available.
> Use a Google search to their websites.
>
> BTW, you mention " what extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to
> work both as secondary (slave) disk while in operation," I'm not sure I
> understand what you mean by that. I'm assuming you want to use that
> secondary HDD to receive the cloned contents of your source HDD. Are you
> planning to use that secondary HDD for other purposes as well? If that is
> so, depending upon what other use(s) you're contemplating, a disk-imaging
> program might be
> more appropriate for your needs.
>
> Normally you need not undertake any partitioning/formatting processes re the
> secondary HDD (the recipient of the clone) when using a disk-cloning
> program.
>
> Presumably the secondary HDD will remain connected as such following the
> disk-cloning operation. Obviously you'll be booting to your primary HDD. And
> if & when the time comes that you need that cloned HDD to serve as your boot
> drive, you'll simply connect it as your primary HDD.
>
> And you are planning to use whatever type of program you choose as a routine
> backup system, right?
> Anna

Hi, Anna:

I wanted to thank you for your suggestion to use Casper 4 for my
backups. It has performed well and is straightforward to use. The only
downside is that the data transfer from the internal HD to the external
HD in a USB enclosure is slow--usually less than 800mb/s. My question
is--is that normal?

LeRoy

> >>Aamir Ghanchi wrote:
> >> Hi,
>
> >> Just wanted to know of any disk imaging software outh there that you
> >> have use and would recommend. Specially, I need to know that what
> >> extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to work both as
> >> secondary (slave) disk while in operation, but in the event of primary
> >> (Master) disk disaster, could also act as master disk (after changing
> >> jumper/cables settings of course). I have a vague understanding that I
> >> need to do some sort of partitioning, but wanted to know if there is
> >> an imaging software that will take care of all of it and make the
> >> cloned disk as boot ready with everything on it as original disk.
>
> >> thanks in advance.


> "Big Al" <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:MqaLj.8695$BT1.1000@trnddc04...
> > Acronis True Image and Casper 4.0 Seem to be the leading votes.
> > Ghost is close 3rd.
>
> > I use Acronis. You can either clone to the drive, and it will allow you
> > to
> > clone between different drive sizes, or you can just write out an image
> > file that then can be restored to any disk later. Usually the clone disk
> > is used when you change the drive. The image is used for backup. If you
> > follow all this you're 90% there.


On Apr 9, 9:20 pm, "Anna" <myn...@myisp.net> wrote:
> Aamir Ghanchi:
> Based upon your objective (as I interpret it from your post) I think you
> might be more interested in using a disk-to-disk cloning type of program
> rather than a disk imaging type of program.
>
> You indicate that you want to "make the cloned disk as boot ready with
> everything on it as original disk." So that in effect the cloned HDD would
> be a precise copy of your "source" HDD and as such be immediately bootable
> with all data immediately accessible. That's what you want, right?
>
> If that *is* the case a disk-cloning program might better serve your needs
> than a disk-imaging type of program. The programs that "Big Al" mentions
> can
> do the job for you. The Acronis & Ghost programs also have disk-imaging
> capability while the Casper 4 program has only disk-cloning capability.
> You
> can use disk imaging to create a comprehensive backup copy of your system
> to
> your secondary HDD, however, a restoration process is basically necessary
> to
> achieve a bootable state for that HDD. It's not particularly difficult but
> it's another step.
>
> (You might want to do a Google search on "disk cloning disk imaging" to
> learn more about these processes).
>
> Our preference is for the Casper 4 disk-cloning program. It's simple to
> use,
> reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. It's particularly
> useful
> where the recipient of the clone - the "destination" drive - is another
> internal HDD as apparently you're contemplating.
>
> Trial versions of the Acronis True Image & Casper 4 programs are
> available.
> Use a Google search to their websites.
>
> BTW, you mention " what extra do I need to do to make the cloned disk to
> work both as secondary (slave) disk while in operation," I'm not sure I
> understand what you mean by that. I'm assuming you want to use that
> secondary HDD to receive the cloned contents of your source HDD. Are you
> planning to use that secondary HDD for other purposes as well? If that is
> so, depending upon what other use(s) you're contemplating, a disk-imaging
> program might be
> more appropriate for your needs.
>
> Normally you need not undertake any partitioning/formatting processes re
> the
> secondary HDD (the recipient of the clone) when using a disk-cloning
> program.
>
> Presumably the secondary HDD will remain connected as such following the
> disk-cloning operation. Obviously you'll be booting to your primary HDD.
> And
> if & when the time comes that you need that cloned HDD to serve as your
> boot
> drive, you'll simply connect it as your primary HDD.
>
> And you are planning to use whatever type of program you choose as a
> routine
> backup system, right?
> Anna


"Aamir Ghanchi" <aamirghanchi@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:a825030f-d488-4d4d-90a1-ab75fa4bc292@m71g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
Hello Anna (and others) for the in detail suggestions.

Anna you got it right. I need to make the secondary disk the exact
copy of the primary disk I am working on and be a boot ready at the
same time. Casper sounds like a good choice. What I meant by "using
the cloned disk as a secondary disk" is exactly what it says. While
the backups are being made to the clone disk, I was wondering if I can
use it as an extra virtual drive (say F on the extra space available
on it. I am hoping there should be a way for doing that so that a
partition of the secondary disk is an exact clone of the primary disk
and additionally the secondary disk also has a partition that can
serve as a virtual drive. I hope I was able to make sense this time.

thanks again for all your help!

aamir.


aamir:
Yes, this is easily done with Casper 4. When you clone the contents of your
source HDD to your secondary HDD you can simultaneously create one or more
additional partitions on that secondary HDD. (They're not "virtual drives" -
they're actual partitions just like you would create on any HDD).

All that is necessary, of course, is that the first partition of the
recipient HDD is large enough in allotted disk space to contain the contents
of the drive you are cloning.

So you could use the additional partition(s) on your secondary HDD just like
you would use any HDD partition(s) to store data, programs, etc.
Anna