Kitz Forum

Computer Software => General software => Topic started by: feliscatusx2 on November 19, 2006, 08:48:22 PM

Title: Backups
Post by: feliscatusx2 on November 19, 2006, 08:48:22 PM
I would like to create an image of C:\ (Approx 15Gb with 1Gb used).

As far as I can see most Imaging software will image the whole partition, so that you end up with a 15Gb file most of which is blank space.

Does anybody know of a programme that will just image (or backup by another method) the data?

What I want to achieve is to be able to restore Windows & programme files when it all goes pear shaped again, without re-installing everything from scratch.

Data files are on D:\ and so are unaffected unless the HD actually dies :-X ( my old Fujitsu actually did die, luckily it was in somebody else's PC at the time  >:D )
Title: Re: Backups
Post by: mr_chris on November 20, 2006, 11:24:42 AM
Contrary to what you said, most imaging software will only backup the data, so your file will be 1GB large, not 15GB. Symantec Ghost definitely works that way, and you can even compress the image, so depending what's on the disk, you might save 10-20% space.

Newer versions of Ghost have the ability to directly back up to CD / DVD from your hard drive, which could be handy.
Title: Re: Backups
Post by: feliscatusx2 on November 20, 2006, 08:27:50 PM
I'm used to Everex tape backup, went bust years ago.  If you specified an image backup the tape would grind away for hours, then inform you that the image was too big to fit the tape  :-X

Found Ghost 2003 on Amazon for about ?9 new.  I don't need the later versions for W98.  Will give it a try.

Thanks
Title: Re: Backups
Post by: tickmike on November 20, 2006, 11:48:14 PM
Hello
Ghost should work ok (yes like Chris said it only copies what's on the disk and not the empty space), But there are some Free ones ( Linux based) .Try 'goolge' for them.
From Michael. 
Ps. If you have not used Ghost before you should find there is a Tutorial on the cd of how to use it.