Acronis True Image 8

[LyNX31]

BlueWeasel posted this in another thread and it got me thinking:

"One thing that haven't figured out is the accuracy of an image file of the OS partition (ie, C when created in Windows. I installed TI and the first thing I did was make an image of my C:\ drive from within Windows. I was under the impression that imaging the boot partition in Windows was impossible since many of the file are in use."

Is it safe to make an image of your c: drive when in windows? or should you run True Image from the boot cd and make the backup there?

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: LyNX31
BlueWeasel posted this in another thread and it got me thinking:

"One thing that haven't figured out is the accuracy of an image file of the OS partition (ie, C when created in Windows. I installed TI and the first thing I did was make an image of my C:\ drive from within Windows. I was under the impression that imaging the boot partition in Windows was impossible since many of the file are in use."

Is it safe to make an image of your c: drive when in windows? or should you run True Image from the boot cd and make the backup there?

<--- is blushing

It seems as though I read somewhere (maybe this forum) that True Image uses some kinda of technology that allows it to make a complete backup of the C: drive even while within Windows. Apparently, it can backup files that are open or running during the image process.

I tried it that one time just for kicks and haven't tried to restore it to verify if it truely works. Regardless, I just use the boot CD when backing up or restoring the C: drive, as I know it works fine.

 

[LyNX31]

hehe thanks weasel.

did you use the secure zone feature before you did your backup?

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: LyNX31
hehe thanks weasel.

did you use the secure zone feature before you did your backup?

I don't even know what that is.

Care to elaborate?

 

[dunkster]

Programs that image the Windows OS partition from within Windows produce a 'snapshot' of the OS partition (or the whole disk if it's a single large volume) - just like setting a restore point 'snapshot'. The backup image is generated from that 'snapshot'.

A 'safe zone' is entirely different. Safe zones are used to store backup images on another portion of the HD. The stored backup image is protected within this 'safe zone'.

Preferences differ, but I avoid snapshots, safe zones and Windows-involvement completely by imaging my OS partition directly to DVD media from a DOS-based program. It ain't flashy and trendy, but it's absolutely reliable.

Hope this helps!

 

[LyNX31]

thanks for the helpful input dunkster!

 

[Jeff7]

Didn't work for me. It resulted in an Unmountable Boot Volume BSOD when Windows tried to boot. The files were there, but it just wasn't bootable.

I had no choice but to do it in Windows - it was of a RAID 5 array, and the bootable CD couldn't see the Promise SX4000 that the array was on.

 

[JackDanielsDrinker]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel

Originally posted by: LyNX31
BlueWeasel posted this in another thread and it got me thinking:

"One thing that haven't figured out is the accuracy of an image file of the OS partition (ie, C when created in Windows. I installed TI and the first thing I did was make an image of my C:\ drive from within Windows. I was under the impression that imaging the boot partition in Windows was impossible since many of the file are in use."

Is it safe to make an image of your c: drive when in windows? or should you run True Image from the boot cd and make the backup there?

<--- is blushing

It seems as though I read somewhere (maybe this forum) that True Image uses some kinda of technology that allows it to make a complete backup of the C: drive even while within Windows. Apparently, it can backup files that are open or running during the image process.

I tried it that one time just for kicks and haven't tried to restore it to verify if it truely works. Regardless, I just use the boot CD when backing up or restoring the C: drive, as I know it works fine.

Here is the quick and dirty version of how True Image backs up a system partition that is in use (the c: drive usually).

First, it flushes all pending writes to the disk. Then it makes a bitmap of all sectors on the disk. It then starts backing up these sectors. When it has backed up one, it flips the bit. If the user does something to cause a disk write on a sector that has already been backed up, no problem. If the user causes a write to a sector that has not been backed up, True Image caches that sector BEFORE the write happens. It then backs up the cached sector. So it can truthfully take a 'snapshot' of the drive using this algorithm.

This is a fairly complicated procedure, so if you want the ultimate in reliability, you can still boot DOS or boot the True Image bootable CD-ROM (which I believe runs Linux) to do the backup.

I have used Ghost 9 for about 4 months. It is now throwing the invalid PQI error for some unknown reason. I am really close to dumping it and getting True Image 8.

 

[JackDanielsDrinker]

BTW, the best price I can find for True Image 8 is on Newegg for the downloadable version. $34 I believe.

Anyone know where I can get it cheaper? Or is there a rebate?

Thanks.