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Ghosting an HD

M

multiband8303

Senior member
If I ghost my Windows Server 2003 HD, and move it to another HD - all my windows registry, documents under all my accounts, etc, will be saved and resume as normal correct? I shouldn't have to reinstall anything as it is a perfect image of the drive?
 
Yes.

If you use a DOS version, or other HD maker utilities booting from a floppy, your chances for a trouble free cloning are better, just stop short of switching the clone as the boot drive.
 
The problem is that there are files on this server 2003 HD that I need to retrieve for certain user accounts, since they are read only if the user is not logged in I cannot retrieve them. The OS became corrupt and was not getting past the splash screen. How do you recommend I retrieve these files?
 
Remember Ghost is a partition/disk image backup not data backup. It is designed for quick replication of multiple computers with same configuration/software within a company. And in personal level, when your working computer gets messud up, then for you to quick restoration of that partition/disk.

If I remember correct, there was a windows version (version 7) that you can install within your OS and it has a ghost file/directory browser. I never used it to replace any particular file, but I think it will let you browse and select individual file from your ghosted image and copy/move.

 
I doubt that problem at the boot has to do with users files; it seems as a corrupt cloning.

However since you did not explain how, and with what you used for the Ghosting, I do not have any suggestion.

:sun:
 
IF you can't get past the splash screen, you could attempt to do a repair installation(if you have the original windows CD). In my experiences with Ghost that usually will help fix the problem. It can be really picky when it comes to ghosting another HD with partitions and the MBR(master boot record?). It will rewrite the windows folders so that everything is original so if something got corrupted it will be replaced. Maybe not all of your settings will remain intact, but all of the files will be there. Including the user files you are trying to get ahold of.

To get the files from those folders of users that aren't logged on, as an administrator you should be able to take "ownership" of those folders and then you can get whatever you need from them.

This may help with that last part: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421
 
When Cloning Windows Hard Drive, if it is a legal installation, after cloning, Windows needs to be reactivated.

Many times reactivation problems occur at the Splash screen.

I do not know what you use for Ghosting, but Acronis True image and similar programs, when used correctly, Ghost perfectly to the last bit. Unless there is activation or other security issues concerning the info to the OS about the new Hard Drive nothing get messed up.

If the Cloned Drive is put on another computer with different chipset it getting messy.

Solving such a problem is long story and solutions can be found by Googling.

:sun:
 
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