Creating Rescue CD

Been reading the threads on this oft heard problem, and am experiencing the same, but I have begun to wonder if I must use a CD, or may I use a DVD. I have been trying to burn the ISO to a DVD.

What say you collection of experts?

Doc

 

After you install the True Image program and run it, there is a menu item for creating the Rescue CD - an iso file does not enter into the picture at all. Just insert your cd in the burner and click on the said menu item.

 

I understand that -I guess I used the term iso loosely - but that is not what I asked.

I asked if one could use a DVD disk rather than a CD - I just don't happen to have any unformatted CDs on hand.

Doc

 

It's not possible to create a bootable DVD directly from True Image, however some of our very clever forum members (the legendary Menorcaman and others) have worked out a way to do it. Work you way through this very long thread for the solution https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=48186

 

Thanks, Oz!

Doc

 

In my experience DVDs are not as reliable as CDs. I have some DVDs from a couple of years back that are unreadable today. Most of the problem as I understand it is that DVD media were primarily designed for video/music and if a few bits bit get droped etc no one will notice - which is not the case with data. I have 3 DVD units 1 Samsung and 2 NECs - the newest being an NEC DL. I find using them in CD mode to be rock solid but still not so for DVD data. Not trying to create a controversy - but would be interested in any opinions - an important consideration given the subject of this thread.

 

Hi btimms,

Good point! There are some really dodgy DVDs out there and yes, they were not really designed for the application though they have improved out of sight in recent times. I looked into this very closely a year or so ago and came to the conclusion that Verbatim had the longest life for sound technical reasons to do with the type, quality and thickness of the coating they use. There may be other excellent brands now, but that was my finding at the time. I also never use DVD-R or -RW. DVD+R and especially +RW are by far the best. Nothing to do with longevity, but you may be interested in this article I came across http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113

 

Hi Oz,

Many thanks for the link - a most interesting article. It re-enforces my experience that burning large "data" files to DVDs, be they "-" or "+" format, is always going to be iffy at best. Hence reason I've always recommended burning at around half the rated speed of the recorder or the optical media, whichever is the lesser.

By the way, after many years of CD/DVD recording, I too have settled on Verbatim Datalife disks. For me they are the least imperfect and most compatible brand available at the moment (I cannot speak for Dual/Double layer disks).

Regards

 

Hi Menorcaman,

Yes, that article is an excellent argument quasher. Glad to see that we agree on the DVD media issue and I am totally with you regarding burning speed.

Oz