Creating an EXACT replica of HDD contents.

[MrPig]

Hello all,

Is there any way that I can replicate the current contents of my HDD, so that when re-formating (for whatever reason) I can simply copy the replica onto the blank drive and not have to re-install all the programs again?

Thanks for any help

 

[Lucifudge]

take a ghost image of it

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
Perhaps Ghost wil do what you want?

http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/

 

[ceh4702]

The question is where will you store it?

If it is on the same hard drive and you get a virus it may be destroyed. Also if the hard drive it is on crashes it is worthless.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[MrPig]

Well - the computer is networked, so would it be possible to store the 'Ghost' image of the hard drive on another hard drive, and then just transfer it back across? Or would acquring an external HDD (USB perhaps) and storing the copy on that be a better idea?

I've no experience with anything of this ilk, so forgive me if I'm asking silly questions.

 

[Turkbear]

Hi, go to the Ghost site ( in my previous post) for ideas about where and how to store the image..CD/RW CD/R, DVD/RW, local disk, network disk are all possible..

 

[MrPig]

I started to look through the site just after I posted, it looks like it's what I'm after - is there any alternatives? or known problems?

 

[micker377]

If you use Ghost (very good program, I had to restore with it once) you have to disable "Go-Back" before using.

 

[MrPig]

I've been reading up on my programs since my original post - and there seems to be problems that can be experienced with all of them (Drive Image, Ghost..)

Has anyone had experience of using -

http://www.acronis.com/products/trueimage/

?

If so, any comments?

 

[willdwilly]

MrPig: Iv'e had problems with them Goback,Ghost and Drive Image , but Ghost seems to give the least problems. Kelly

 

[ShadowYF21]

I personally think that ghost is the best.... but driveimage is not far behind. They both create boot disks on floppies than you can use to automate the process.. But if you want to store your backup onto CD it's easier to use Driveimage.

 

[scilogic]

yeah I like driveimage. You can create a restore disk set like any manufacturer makes quite easily