Imaging software question

Do disk imaging programs such as Acronis, Image for Windows,and DriveImage XML, etc., require that the user has a Windows CD in order to function? I only have the restore CD's that came with my Dells and not actual Windows CDs. I have never used an imaging program before so I am quite ignorant concerning them but I am interested in learning more... if they will work for my situation.

Thanks

 

Thanks for the information Peter2150. Yes, I do have the i386 folder. I am glad to hear that I am not out of luck if I want to try an imaging program.

 

Firebytes,

if you are interested you can use XPIsoBuilder to convert your recovery cds to a full valuable windows disc.

It is usefull if you want to setup a clean OS without all the crap that comes with the preinstalled OEM's.

Panagiotis

 

Hello pandlouk,
is there a english version of that website?
also can i also use it to convert my oem vista dvd to a proper vista dvd?

 

What about drivers?

What about NLite? I know it is used to slim down XP but u can also make an XP OEM Install CD using it from pre-installed XP thus avoising the crap. How u will compare the both in this regard?

Thanks

 

Hi Lodore,

the website is only in german except maybe some pages like the english version for XPIsoBuilder. http://winfuture.de/xpisobuilder3_en
But they do have an english forum.

For Vista you could try these instructions:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=145748
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=2738751#post2737939
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228
I have not tested the myself and cannot give any feedback, but probably you will need Microsoft Automated Installation Kit and maybe Vlite

Panagiotis

 

Thanks, I will have to look into doing that. I am sure I will have to do a lot of reading all around before I attempt an imaging program.

 

for vista you definitely need a "vista installation dvd", there are situations when the restored drive won't boot unless you use the vista installation dvd to run a repair.. If your "vista oem dvd" can bootup the computer and get you to the "repair" screen, then you don't need to convert that dvd.

with xp, you only need the "xp installation cd" if you are using a "free" imaging software that requires you make a "bartpe".

Most of the mainstream imaging software (true image/ghost/paragon/easyimage etc) don't require that you have the installation cd/dvd.

http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Recovering the Vista Bootloader from the DVD

 

Hi aigle,

you will find the drivers in your recovery cds and at the manufacturer support site. It is always better to download the latest from your manufacturer site.

I do not like nlite because it does not use microsoft's standards for integrating the drivers. XPIsoBuilder creates the iso following microsoft's instructions for oem manufacturers.


Panagiotis
ps. Before using any modified iso from either XPIsoBuilder or Nlite it is wise to first take an image of your current system, just in case the iso is problematic.

 

I don,t know how it can work. My recovery CD( all Toshiba laptops I see now a days) is basically a ghost image and it can,t be used to make an XP Disk? Am i right?

 

If you have a i386 directory just point XPIsoBuilder to that directory. It should be enough.

edit: I just checked and it will not work with only the i386 directory. you should try to mount the image as a virtual drive or restore it to a different partition and point there. For the files needed to create a converted cd check here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa460091.aspx
http://i.msdn.microsoft.com/Aa460091.rcvrcont(en-us,MSDN.10).gif

If you see them in the extracted ghost image you should not have any problem.

 

I used the following instructions to make my own XP CD from my OEM emachines installation .
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19133441-Make-your-own-Windows-XP-CD

 

Yes, it worked perfectly.

Thanks