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Recommendations needed (Backups)

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by savagcl, 2004/05/18.

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  1. 2004/05/18
    savagcl Lifetime Subscription

    savagcl Geek Member Thread Starter

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    I just had to install WinXP (Home). It wouldn't boot into any mode because of a critical file (NTLDR) missing.

    To avoid this in the future, whats the best software, procedure to follow?

    I have an external, USB hard drive with enough room to hold all my stuff
    including windows (except you cannot copy windows to it, of course).
    After the re-install of windows, i found out that not everything can be just copied back to the C: drive (including program files folder) because windows has no record of it ever being installed.

    I want to be able to put everything back to the way it was, , assuming that windows (XP) cannot boot. I'm comfortable with using DOS, if needed.

    My internal HD is partitioned into C:, G:, H:, and I:. These have a general
    breakdown as : C: - Windows, Program Files, Drivers. G: - Utilities, Zips, Personal stuff. H: Work in progress, downloads. I: - Games.

    I dont have any backup software as of now but dont mind buying it.

    Thank you,
    savagcl
     
    savagcl,
    #1
  2. 2004/05/18
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Look at Norton Ghost for the OS partition and Dantz Retrospective Backup for the rest.

    I use both on a Maxtor One Touch USB2 External drive. Dantz is supplied with the drive, but can be purchased separately.
    Dantz
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2004/05/18
    Newt

    Newt Inactive

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    For that specific issue (missing ntldr), boot to the recovery console and run the fixboot command.
     
    Newt,
    #3
  5. 2004/05/19
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    I prefer Ghost for backing up a drive or partition. See the Ghost page re supported CD Burners and Drives. Ghost cannot copy the disk inmage to any and all external media. (a usb external drive is considered external media, just like CDR and zip & floppy).
    Ghost Compatability
     
    TonyT,
    #4
  6. 2004/05/19
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    PeteC,
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  7. 2004/05/19
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    I too use Ghost and I create my Images to a second harddisk. Whichever software You decide on, put on the good old "think-cap" and find a strategy that suits Your needs.

    I have moved all "user data" to a different partition, e.g. My Documents, Favorites, E-mail Storage and Address Book. That leaves the Operating System and Applications on the system partition. If I have to restore an Image, I don't have to worry about my "user data" being rolled back to a previous state. Of course, I backup important "user data" separately to the second harddisk.

    I create five Images during the installation:

    #1 -> Windows XP only, directly after the setup is complete.
    #2 -> + Service Packs and Critical Updates but no Recommended Updates. The SP's and CU's have been downloaded and burnt to CD's prior to all this.
    #3 -> + Applications that I know I want to keep long term, including Critical Updates, e.g. Office XP and Adobe Acrobat. If there are Recommended Updates that You need, then install them before creating this Image.
    #4 -> + FireWall and AntiVirus, including Updates. This is the first time I connect to the Internet.
    #5 -> + Applications which either come in new versions more often than the FW and AV or those that I'm not sure that I will keep long term.

    In addition to those five:

    #6 -> The current Image which is replaced on a regular basis. NOTE: I don't replace this Image until some time after a Windows Update. If one of those doesn't work well on my computer ...... :cool: ...... I simply roll back to #6. When they are verified to work well, I create a new #6.

    This strategy allows me to roll back to the state of any of these Images.

    It works for me,
    Christer

    I forgot:

    RADIFIED - Guide to Norton Ghost
     
    Last edited: 2004/05/19
    Christer,
    #6
  8. 2004/05/19
    CharlieJ

    CharlieJ Inactive

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    100% agree with PeteC and TonyT! Norton Ghost is the way to go -- and a good solution for your situation. :cool:
     
    CharlieJ,
    #7
  9. 2004/05/19
    savagcl Lifetime Subscription

    savagcl Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Was just reading the "ratified" pages from above.
    Seems like Ghost is the thing i need so i dont have to do a full re-install
    of winxp anymore.

    First things first, need to get my sys back to OEM specs. Not an easy
    thing to do when all you have is the "System Disks" provided by gateway
    and not a "real" winxp cd.
    Their support folks say its the same but i can tell you - its not! After using
    their cd's, and doing a full (clean) install, I have a different folder structure and am only getting about 3/4 of the speed i had before re-installing.

    To me, this makes it obviously clear that their system cd's dont do everything needed to restore a system. Trying to tell them that is like trying to pull your own tooth.

    Thanks for the input,
    savagcl
     
    savagcl,
    #8
  10. 2004/05/19
    JSS3rd Lifetime Subscription

    JSS3rd Geek Member

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    Well, now that everyone else has recommended Ghost, let me suggest Drive Image 7 as an alternative. Symantec (Ghost) bought PowerQuest (Drive Image) last December, but promotes DI as "the premier computer backup solution ", which should tell you something.

    In all fairness, I have no experience with Ghost, but I've used DI through several iterations, and v7 is by far the easiest to use, for both backup and restoration. I've been very satisfied with it.
     
    JSS3rd,
    #9
  11. 2004/05/19
    savagcl Lifetime Subscription

    savagcl Geek Member Thread Starter

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    I havent bought anything yet. But this thread get more interesting as time
    passes.

    Ghost or Drive Image 7 - looks like its time to start doing some research.


    Thanks for the input
    clif
     
    savagcl,
    #10
  12. 2004/05/19
    JSS3rd Lifetime Subscription

    JSS3rd Geek Member

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    Just to muddy the waters even more :))), there's also Acronis True Image 7. MSRP is $20 less than either Ghost or DI.
     
    JSS3rd,
    #11
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