Image based backup is a pain

Panagiotis,

I did it again a different way and although there is no "Only restore system drives", the files in the data partitions were not deleted.

I had been ticking the "Format and repartition disks" box so I could exclude HD1 from being formatted. This time I disconnected HD1 to play safe. I didn't tick the box and the C: drive was restored while leaving the data partitions intact.

Thanks for correcting me.

 

Okay good, because I thought when I test-restored my daughter's laptop system partition back in April last year it didn't delete the other partitions or data within them, and then just minutes ago I tested on my spare h/drive on my desktop and left the remove partitions checkbox cleared, and only the system partition restored with my extended part and storage part left alone. Good news

However, i would say this could cause some problems with someone completely new and unversed in image/restore procedures, where they might check the box (can't remember if it was enabled by default??) and then lose all other data and partitions they might have, especially if they have one with those typical recovery partitions that are so common in new windows pre-loaded machines.

 

You lost all your data?

 

Noob,

That's right.

But it was a test computer and all my data was a few empty text files.

 

Weeew, i though you got in serious trouble

 

My only concern on that test computer is HD1. It contains image backups of my various OS partitions. I can boot from a CD, see a list of about 10 OS to restore, select a number from the list and that OS is restored. I love automation.

But I do have a backup of that backup HD1.

 

Dear Brian,

If it is not too personal, then can you answer some questions:

1. Is the CD based on Gurb4DOS?

2. Can you please post how you have achieved this?

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,

KOR!

 

Might be a pain at first, but more than worth it in the long run.

 

KOR!,

It is a DOS CD based on Win98 SE. The two menus are run by choice.com. A batch file is run when I select a numbered option. The batch file contains an IFD command line which causes IFD to initiate a restore from an image stored on HD1 and restore the image to HD0.

So the CD contains DOS files, batch files and image.exe (the IFD app)

I've cobbled a few of these CDs together over the last year but I haven't made any changes for a while so I must be fairly happy with what I've got.

As soon as the restore commences the CD can be removed. The restore continues to completion, the computer restarts and the new OS boots. After the CD is removed I don't need to be there until the restored OS has booted to the desktop.

 

It's a terrific skill - and probably one of the most underrated - to learn and employ as part of a routine pc security approach.

 

If you know, then it's not a pain.
If you don't know, then it's a pain.

Basically, GUI-Based imaging softwares will be more suitable for general users, but they may not know which one is suitable for them.

 

Reinstall Windows then add backed up files.

 

I can restore an image in 5 minutes. Reinstalling Windows, installing my many apps and tweaking them, adding backed up files. That would take at least several days.

I'd restore an image of my OS every week or two. For example, a minor software problem that isn't easily correctable. Just restore yesterdays image. Fixed. Or a virus that you can't eliminate. Restore an image taken before the computer became infected. There are lots of uses for images apart from HD failure.

 

It sounds like the problem is simply PC illiteracy. I know that may be harsh, but PC's really weren't made for the masses. The masses may have embraced them, but they were never designed to be easy. There are simply some technical things you need to know if backups are part of your process.

People buy cars all the time and know how to drive. But you can't expect every person who knows how to drive to know how to repair a car if there is a problem. I know how to live in a house too, but it doesn't mean I know how to build one.

 

Hi Brian,

Thank you once again to reply in detail and teach.

Best regards,

KOR!

 

It usually takes me around four hours. For some reason, I actually like the process.

(P.S. Good to see another Aussie on the forum. I'm from Adelaide, been over here for five years.)

 

It's about the only place here that hasn't flooded lately. But there is plenty of water in the river for Adelaide. That is a plus.

 

You are welcome.
The "Only restore system drives" option appears only, if you have the system reserved partition.

Panagiotis

 

I always thought that a backup/restore system built into a BIOS would be a winner. Some small storage space built into the motherboard to store a program of your choice but most likely a custom backup program would have to be made, kind of like Ezflash now. You would press a function key and it boot the feature or program stored there possibly. That way if any or all of the hard drives went down, the restore would always be there. And you wouldn't have to rely on another restore device.

 

How about the motherboard damaged? If you do not buy one use the same program, you cannot restore.
Also, I think not all motherboard will use the same program

 

The last time I tried Windows built in image backups, it was not able to selectively restore my OS partition while leaving the data partition intact, on a different hard disk. I think it may be an isolated incident though. I'm also not sure it supports restoring to a drive with more partitions than the source.

Here is the setup I use these days and advise other people -

1. Make a Windows install disc (actually usb) with all updates integrated, and a folder which contains links to frequently used programs, as well as copies of installers for software which user wants to keep (e.g. freeware that became paid)

2. Make 2 partitions - c: (40gb) and d: (remaining). Install on C
2(a). move all user profile folders to D:\<username>

3. Backup D:\<username> regularly to external drive using whatever program you like (I prefer a sync program, also keeps native files)

4. Backup any important data to cloud as well using multiple free services

4. For disaster recovery, if OS is damaged, install a fresh copy of Windows on c:\ and repeat 2a, then reinstall all needed software, and usually you get newer versions.

This is neither elegant nor simple, but it is basically foolproof and there is almost no chance of things going bad. For most cases, chances of an OS being damaged is quite slim if you have proper security, and if it does, it doesn't take that long to reinstall everything compared to an image restore. It also gives you a chance to re-evaluate software, re-organize data etc.

Bootloader is an archaic concept that is no longer needed. EFI Bios has the means to display a nice graphical GUI and communicate with the host OS, so that's where things should reside.

 

Have you ever restored an image? My times vary between 2.5 and 6 minutes, depending on the software used.

 

Robin A.

I'm with you. I can restore an image in 5 minutes. If I used Defcon's method on my computer I'd be tied up for days. At least!

 

I guess I am a simple man. I keep one HDD for the OS, and generally make it a small one. I make sure it is on the primary channel so it is always found first, as c: . All my data is stored on other drives/media. Imaging is a breeze with no confusion, as all I need to image is the OS drive.

Sul.

 

Sully,

I do much the same. My multiple independent OS are on HD0 and my common data partition is also on HD0. I don't keep data files in the OS. The OS is just for apps.