I was testing the HDM 14 boot DVD that I created from the .iso file (32 bit version). It boots fine and brings up HMD 14 for backup/restore. However, I can't figure out how to restore just a single file or files or a selected folder for restore. I can navigate to the external hard drive backup image ok. It's a new format backup (VD). but the only option seems to restore the ENTIRE partition, which is what I don't want to do. In the Windows mode, I mount the archive as a drive-letter and select the files/folders I want to copy from the backup image. How can I do this (or something similar) from the stand-alone boot DVD?
I think the VD format doesn´t support file backup, only sector (partition) backup and restore. Try the traditional .PBF format. For backing up files, I don´t use imaging programs but a file synchonizer.
I use HDM 14 Suite for backing up the entire hard drive image (all partitions), not for files. But what if can't boot, and need to restore just a single file or folder that I changed? I should be able to boot from the DVD, select the partition-image, and restore that file/folder, not have to restore the entire partition just for the sake of recovering an individual file. I recently changed to the new VD format but I'll test the same scenario with a older .pdf backup image as well. But I don't think that restore file-capability is there either.
You could try the File Transfer Wizard from a Linux boot medium. I think it´s not available in WinPE boot media built with HDM 14. The File Transfer Wizard can also be used from WinPE or Linux media built with the free Rescue Kit 14, http://www.paragon-software.com/home/rk-free/. This Kit also includes a new and much better Recovery Media Builder. I found problems in the Linux medium, but you could try it for your specific needs. Edit: I just tried the File Transfer Wizard from a WinPE boot medium built with the Rescue Kit 14. I tried to "open" a pVHD backup I had created some months ago, to select a file to transfer. It didn´t work, couldn´t open the backup. So, this is not an option. Edit 2: I also tried with a Linux boot medium and got the same result. So, going back to your original question: so far my conclusion is that is not possible to restore individual files from a VD backup.
Thanks for the helpful suggestions. I agree: You can restore individual files/folders from a arc image. And you can use the Restore Wizard for arc or mount the archive. But, it is not possible to restore individual files/folders from a pVHD backup (except in the Windows environment where you can mount the archive: Archives/show VD containers/show partitions, select partition, then mount archive). Also, the transfer file wizard, while nice for copying files when using the boot DVD, doesn't allow you to select a file within an archive to copy. In case a developer is reading this: My suggestion is that we need the same or at least similar functionality in the boot DVD as the Windows. At least some "backup image browser" capability where you can select a backup image (arc or VD) partition and then select files/folders to restore. Also, we need the "Restore from VD" function to allow files/folders selection just like the arc Restore wizard. P.S. I tried out the Rescue Kit 14 -- nice collection of boot utilities! (except again File Transfer of files within archive).
Yep, strange that facility is missing. Long standing paragon weirdness, they don't provide mounting from rescue media.
In my opinion, full mounting from the rescue media isn't needed as much as just the capability to selectively select and restore files/folders when booting from rescue DVD. Seems like the only work-around would be to connect a spare blank hard drive into the pc, boot from rescue DVD, then restore the entire partition onto the spare, then copy (file transfer wizard) the files or folders needed. I really like Paragon software and have never had it fail me in several tough scenarios. Hopefully this capability will be added.
Irrespective of the fact that it can or cannot be done, I don´t like the idea of restoring individual files to the Windows partition. What happens if the restored file is an old version of a file that was updated after the backup was created? Can´t this damage the OS integrity, or cause instability? Also, if Windows doesn´t boot, how do you know what files to restore? Or are you thinking of something different and I have misunderstood you?
Robin, I agree with your analysis and concerns. Mine was more of a question (restoring) rather than an immediate disaster requirement need. Whenever I create a boot CD or DVD for some software, I try to test it. For imaging programs I like to first, make sure I can boot from the CD/DVD and open the program ok. Then I try to restore something from a backup image: I select the image and try to test restore a file or folder, and then restore it back to the c:\temp folder or d:\temp folder. If all goes well, then after I reboot, I check to make sure the restored file is in the temp folder. I don't want to restore an entire partition backup for a test. That's what I was trying to accomplish after burning the HDM 14 boot DVD. My "test" accomplishes several things: 1. Verifies that I can boot from the DVD. 2. Verifies that the software sees the external hard drive. 3. Verifies that I can select an archive and actually restore a file. 4. Verifies that the file is there after rebooting. It's not comprehensive and not nearly as complete as a full test with a new blank hard drive, but it gives me assurance that I've burned a working boot CD/DVD. That's how I stumbled upon the fact that you can't restore an individual file/folder using the HDM 14 boot DVD.
I've also been trying to restore a single file from a Virtual Disk. I don't think it can be done. In my windows version "10.1.21.638 (09.05.14 ) Free" there is no "show partition" in the archive manager. The "mount Archive" is greyed out and when I double click the pvhd nothing happens. It doesn't open the archive as per the documentation. The advertisement says that restoring a file is possible in this version. It isn't actually possible as far as I can tell.
My problem was/is with attempting to restore a single file after booting from the boot DVD (HDM 14 Suite). It works fine from within Windows. Be sure to select "Show VD containers" (see below), and "Show partitions". Then right-click-select the partition (I selected DATA) and you should see the 4 options below. You can mount the partition and then copy the file(s) you want to restore. Maybe it is different in the free version but this is what I get in the full HDM 14 Suite version.
