Image HDD, automated restore....

[randomlinh]

Basically, what I want to do is to be able to image a HD, and burn a bootable restore DVD. I've done it with ghost before, but I want to be able to do it with the following:

1) be able to create the image of a partition on the fly and burn it straight to dvd (so has to be bootable, and restorable from it. I'd like to avoid using a second HD/partition.
2) not use the floppy drive at all
3) span if necessary.
4) needs to work with NTFS (this is going to be the killer for keeping it free...)

I'm not even sure I can get away w/ this using ghost or any other retail software.

Does this solution exist?

 

[JustMike]

You may want to have a look at Partimage. It's a Linux based disk imaging tool. I am not sure if it has all the features you're looking for, though.

 

[powerMarkymark]

Norton Ghost 9 can do most of what you ask, although not sure about "bootable, and restorable from it.".

 

[JustMike]

Ghost will create a bootable CD/DVD (or a compatible drive!!! Had problems with that before) and restore from that without requiring a temp partition. I have Ghosted to a DVD-RW and restored very quickly to a new drive from it.

 

[randomlinh]

ah, but ghost isn't free.. blast. I remember it still wanted a floppy drive to create a bootable image though.. did 9 change that?

 

[powerMarkymark]

Originally posted by: lnguyen
ah, but ghost isn't free.. blast. I remember it still wanted a floppy drive to create a bootable image though.. did 9 change that?

Yes, Ghost 9 changed that.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: powerMarkymark

Originally posted by: lnguyen
ah, but ghost isn't free.. blast. I remember it still wanted a floppy drive to create a bootable image though.. did 9 change that?

Yes, Ghost 9 changed that.

good to know. may have to break down and buy it then