Changing sector offset when restoring

Discussion in 'backup, imaging & disk mgmt' started by Brian K, Mar 26, 2009.

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  1. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    This is an offshoot of..

    https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?p=1432510#post1432510

    I imaged a 2048 sector offset partition with IFD and was able to restored it as either a 2048 sector offset or a 63 sector offset partition. Here are the details.

    I set BING to "Align 2048" and deselected "Align on End" and "CHS alternative"
    I then created a 1004 MB NTFS partition
    The starting LBA was 24563712 (24563712/2048=11994)
    Sectors in the partition 2056192 (2056192/2048=1004)
    Using IFD, I created an image of the partition
    Then booted into BING and deleted the partition
    Using IFD, the image was restored to the unallocated space, the geometry settings being
    (Align on End)
    (Align End by Resizing)


    The restored starting LBA was 24563385 (24563385/16065=1529)
    Sectors in the partition 2056320 (2056320/16065=128 )

    I could also delete the partition and restore the image using the geometry setting of
    (Use 2048 Sector Alignment)
    and it happened. You could use whichever alignment you liked as long as the partition was deleted prior to the restore.

    I realize Goldorak will be starting with a 63 sector offset partition but I'm sure the method will work.
     
  2. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    Goldorak,

    I think you should create 20 to 30 MB of unallocated space following your partition before you create the image. This allows for resizing when you restore. You probably need the (Align End by Resizing) choice as well as (Use 2048 Sector Alignment).
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2009
  3. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    I just did an exercise starting with a 63 sector offset partition and finishing with a 2048 sector offset partition. It works. You need to select all three options mentioned above.
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2009
  4. Goldorak

    Goldorak Registered Member

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    Hi,

    Question: what are "IFD" and "BING" you mentioned above? The partition offset needs to be 128 in my case, is that supported or only the 2048 option is available?

    Thanks.
     
  5. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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  6. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    This is how the geometry menu appears...
     

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  7. Goldorak

    Goldorak Registered Member

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    For my SSD the optimal offset is 128 sectors, so that tool will not solve my problem. I will have to try something else.

    Thanks for all the help.
     
  8. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    That's bad luck. Let us know what tool you find.
     
  9. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    Mark,

    What do you make of the 128 sector offset story? For example, say you had a second OS starting at LBA-24563712. That is a 2048 sector offset partition. It's also a 128 sector offset partition. Is that OK for a SSD? The OS doesn't have to start at LBA-128, does it?
     
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