Backup failure due to Windows "protection"?

[chicagofan]

My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user* guide],
says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:

c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system directory
is not supported]

So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup right?

If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my original EOM
DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor drive?

Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was led to
believe elsewhere.

It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep looking
for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any responses.

Barbara

 

[Guest]

My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user* guide],
says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:

c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system directory
is not supported]

So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup right?

If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my original EOM
DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor drive?

Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was led to
believe elsewhere.

It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep looking
for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any responses.

Barbara

Hi Barbara,
If you are using MS Backup utility, you can't do Backup direct to the CD/DVD
disk, you need a third party Backup Utility to do that, if you want to use
Windows Backup utility you need to create a Backup Folder and save to the
desktop then you can copy or move it to the CD/DVD to be copied.
Third party like Niero is good backup Utility (for me personally).
HTH
Please let us know.
Regards,
nass

 

[Robert Moir]

My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user*
guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:

c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
directory is not supported]

So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
right?

Of course you can. Just for some reason not with the software that ships
with this maxtor hard drive, for some reason. Is NTBackup installed on
your computer? (start, run, type NTBackup, hit enter). That'll work just
fine for backing up to an external hard disk.

If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
drive?

Sounds like it as things stand. Actually this isn't so bad, it's a slight
pain in the neck to restore your operating system, sure, but its your
*data* that is irreplacable. If I could only choose one to backup I know
what I'd pick.

Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
led to believe elsewhere.

It's a good thing you asked. Either the software you're using has a
problem or it is very inadequate (in fact, I'm having so much trouble
believing a backup program would do this by design, I'm very much inclined
to it being a problem with the backup software).

It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
responses.

No surprise there. If (one way or another) you are only getting your data
backed up this file isn't really relevant.

--
--
Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for Security
Blog Site - http://www.robertmoir.com
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ -
http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked:
"Have you checked (event viewer / syslog)".

 

[chicagofan]

My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *User*
Guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:

c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
directory is not supported]

So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
right?

Of course you can. Just for some reason not with the software that ships
with this maxtor hard drive, for some reason. Is NTBackup installed on
your computer?

Yes, I have the Windows NT backup that came with my system, but I'm
reluctant to use it, if I can make this drive's software work. I'm only
"semi-literate" when it comes to today's computers.

(start, run, type NTBackup, hit enter). That'll work just
fine for backing up to an external hard disk.




Sounds like it as things stand. Actually this isn't so bad, it's a slight
pain in the neck to restore your operating system, sure, but its your
*data* that is irreplacable.

Thanks, that's useful info to have; and the fact that this drive *should* be
able to backup everything.

It's a good thing you asked. Either the software you're using has a
problem or it is very inadequate (in fact, I'm having so much trouble
believing a backup program would do this by design, I'm very much inclined
to it being a problem with the backup software).

I'm thinking now, it probably has to do with the *operator* of this pc...
[moi].

No surprise there. If (one way or another) you are only getting your data
backed up this file isn't really relevant.

That's good to know.

I'm thinking that file may be *why* it isn't working correctly. For some
reason [I just discovered] my "ntuser.dat" file is set to Open With: "Media
Player Classic". I don't know how that happened, but what should it open
with? Could that have caused the "Internal Error" message that I got from
Maxtor?

TIA for additional help...

Barbara

 

[Anna]

My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user*
guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:

c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
directory is not supported]

So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
right?

If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
drive?
Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
led to believe elsewhere.
It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
responses.

Of course you can. Just for some reason not with the software that ships
with this maxtor hard drive, for some reason. Is NTBackup installed on
your computer? (start, run, type NTBackup, hit enter). That'll work just
fine for backing up to an external hard disk.

Sounds like it as things stand. Actually this isn't so bad, it's a slight
pain in the neck to restore your operating system, sure, but its your
*data* that is irreplacable. If I could only choose one to backup I know
what I'd pick.

It's a good thing you asked. Either the software you're using has a
problem or it is very inadequate (in fact, I'm having so much trouble
believing a backup program would do this by design, I'm very much inclined
to it being a problem with the backup software).

No surprise there (re the "ntuser.dat" file mentioned by the OP). If (one
way or another) you are only getting your data backed up this file isn't
really relevant.
--
Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for Security
Blog Site - http://www.robertmoir.com
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ -
http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked:
"Have you checked (event viewer / syslog)".

chicagofan:
In addition to the recommendations provided you by Rob Moir concerning a
backup strategy, let me give you another option to consider...

You indicate that you're interested in backing up your system in a
comprehensive way -- you say "...backup my *entire* C drive for a complete
backup..." and that "If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc.
....". I take it from your statements that you're looking for a backup
program that will do more than merely backup up your created data, i.e., the
files & folders you have created (as important as that might be!). That you
do have an interest in also "backing up" your operating system, together
with the programs/applications residing on your computer so that in the
event of your system becoming non-functional (for one reason or another) you
would be able to *completely* restore the system to a functional state and
do so in a reasonably simple & straightforward manner.

If that is indeed your goal, let us know and I (and I'm sure others) can
give you some specific details about another more comprehensive approach. On
the other hand, if your principal (if not exclusive) interest is backing up
your "created data" as mentioned above, then Bob's suggestion re using the
XP NTBackup program should suit you fine.
Anna

 

[chicagofan]

My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user*
guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:

c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
directory is not supported]

So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
right?

If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
drive?
Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
led to believe elsewhere.
It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
responses.

chicagofan:
In addition to the recommendations provided you by Rob Moir concerning a
backup strategy, let me give you another option to consider...

You indicate that you're interested in backing up your system in a
comprehensive way -- you say "...backup my *entire* C drive for a complete
backup..." and that "If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc.
...". I take it from your statements that you're looking for a backup
program that will do more than merely backup up your created data, i.e., the
files & folders you have created (as important as that might be!). That you
do have an interest in also "backing up" your operating system, together
with the programs/applications residing on your computer so that in the
event of your system becoming non-functional (for one reason or another) you
would be able to *completely* restore the system to a functional state and
do so in a reasonably simple & straightforward manner.
EXACTLY.....


If that is indeed your goal, let us know and I (and I'm sure others) can
give you some specific details about another more comprehensive approach. On
the other hand, if your principal (if not exclusive) interest is backing up
your "created data" as mentioned above, then Bob's suggestion re using the
XP NTBackup program should suit you fine.
Anna

Oh, I definitely want to back up my *entire* system, and that's why I bought
this external hard drive. I don't want to be *at the mercy* of another PC
shop, as I was last year. I thought the Maxtor would help me do that... simply.

I have an 80 GB hard drive, but only have 10 GB in use [including MS XP OS
and other stuff]. The Maxtor is 60 GB. I'll appreciate any advice on how
to do this... hopefully without buying additional backup software. TIA...

Barbara

 

[Anna]

chicagofan wrote:
My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user*
guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:

c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
directory is not supported]

So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
right?

If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
drive?
Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
led to believe elsewhere.
It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
responses.

chicagofan:
In addition to the recommendations provided you by Rob Moir concerning a
backup strategy, let me give you another option to consider...

You indicate that you're interested in backing up your system in a
comprehensive way -- you say "...backup my *entire* C drive for a
complete backup..." and that "If my pc crashed, I would have to restore
Windows, etc. ...". I take it from your statements that you're looking
for a backup program that will do more than merely backup up your created
data, i.e., the files & folders you have created (as important as that
might be!). That you do have an interest in also "backing up" your
operating system, together with the programs/applications residing on
your computer so that in the event of your system becoming non-functional
(for one reason or another) you would be able to *completely* restore the
system to a functional state and do so in a reasonably simple &
straightforward manner.

EXACTLY.....

If that is indeed your goal, let us know and I (and I'm sure others) can
give you some specific details about another more comprehensive approach.
On the other hand, if your principal (if not exclusive) interest is
backing up your "created data" as mentioned above, then Bob's suggestion
re using the XP NTBackup program should suit you fine.
Anna

Oh, I definitely want to back up my *entire* system, and that's why I
bought this external hard drive. I don't want to be *at the mercy* of
another PC shop, as I was last year. I thought the Maxtor would help me
do that... simply.

I have an 80 GB hard drive, but only have 10 GB in use [including MS XP OS
and other stuff]. The Maxtor is 60 GB. I'll appreciate any advice on how
to do this... hopefully without buying additional backup software. TIA...

Barbara

Barbara:
Everything was going fine until the final part of your last sentence when
you said "hopefully without buying additional backup software.". While there
are some "freebie" programs available that purport to do what I'm about to
describe to you, based on the experience we've had with them we cannot
recommend them because of their excruciatingly slow performance and frequent
erratic behavior.

The kind of program we are recommending is usually called a disk imaging
program. Using this type of program you can, in effect, clone the contents
of your day-to-day working HD to your USB external HD. Through this direct
disk-to-disk cloning operation, the recipient of the clone, i.e., your USB
EHD will be, for all practical purposes, a bit-for-bit copy of your "source"
disk, your internal HD. As such it will contain the operating system, all
your programs & applications, all your created data - in short, everything
that's on your internal HD. What better backup system can one have?

So if & when the day comes when your system is no longer functional because
of some aspect of system files corruption that simply can't be internally
"fixed" or because your internal HD just fails for one reason or another,
you can easily restore your system from the cloned contents residing on your
external HD. You would do this by simply reversing the cloning operation -
this time cloning the contents of the external HD to your internal HD (or
possibly a new HD should the original one have failed). Again the process is
simple & straightforward. Obviously you would be using this disk imaging
program on a routine & systematic basis.

Using a disk imaging program to perform the direct disk-to-disk cloning
process is relatively simple to undertake, reasonably quick, and best of
all -- most effective. You mention that your system contains only 10 GB of
data at this point. Assuming you have reasonably modern computer components
(which I'm sure you now have in your system) you could figure on the disk
cloning operation to take somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes - give or take
a few minutes. Obviously as your data increases so will the disk cloning
operation take somewhat longer.

There are a number of commercially available disk imaging programs
available. One of the more popular ones is the Acronis True Image program
(Home Edition) - see
http://www.acronis.com . I see Newegg
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832200204) is selling
a boxed version for $30 (incl. shipping). The program is quite easy to use
along the lines I described above. Acronis has a 15-day trial version
available for download - see
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/download/trueimage/

There are other disk imaging programs commercially available as well. A
Google search will lead you to them; many of which will have a demo version
available for download.

Unless you're "dead-set" against purchasing a backup program, give the
Acronis program a try. If you want, I can provide you with step-by-step
instructions to use this program for direct disk-to-disk cloning.
Anna

 

[chicagofan]

Oh, I definitely want to back up my *entire* system, and that's why I
bought this external hard drive. I don't want to be *at the mercy* of
another PC shop, as I was last year. I thought the Maxtor would help me
do that... simply.

I have an 80 GB hard drive, but only have 15* GB [*corrected]... in use.
The Maxtor is 60 GB. I'll appreciate any advice on how to do this
... hopefully without buying additional backup software. TIA...

Barbara:
Everything was going fine until the final part of your last sentence when
you said "hopefully without buying additional backup software.". While there
are some "freebie" programs available that purport to do what I'm about to
describe to you, based on the experience we've had with them we cannot
recommend them because of their excruciatingly slow performance and frequent
erratic behavior.

Using a disk imaging program to perform the direct disk-to-disk cloning
process is relatively simple to undertake, reasonably quick, and best of
all -- most effective. You mention that your system contains only 10 GB of
data at this point. Assuming you have reasonably modern computer components
(which I'm sure you now have in your system) you could figure on the disk
cloning operation to take somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes - give or take
a few minutes. Obviously as your data increases so will the disk cloning
operation take somewhat longer.

I have a 2.66GHZ processor and 512MB DDR RAM. It took less than 15 mins.
to backup my files [excluding the Windows system directory] with the Maxtor.

Hopefully, I can find what changed ALL of my .dat files to "OPEN with Media
Player Classic"... fix that and this drive's software will work as intended.
I found this out last night. :\ I do a lot of dumb things, but that is
not something I would have done [intentionally]. I rarely ever use MPC, and
only have it to hear/see the occasional Real Player *only* media.

There are a number of commercially available disk imaging programs
available. One of the more popular ones is the Acronis True Image program
(Home Edition) - see
http://www.acronis.com . I see Newegg
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832200204) is selling
a boxed version for $30 (incl. shipping). The program is quite easy to use
along the lines I described above. Acronis has a 15-day trial version
available for download - see
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/download/trueimage/

Unless you're "dead-set" against purchasing a backup program, give the
Acronis program a try. If you want, I can provide you with step-by-step
instructions to use this program for direct disk-to-disk cloning.
Anna

I read a lot about Acronis and other backup programs before I bought this
drive, so I know it is highly rated and widely used. However, since the
software came pre-installed on this Maxtor drive [everything was supposed to
be automatic and pretty much was], I'd rather not try something else, until
I've straightened out my system and given it a *fair* test. I could
probably make a *real* mess.

I don't have a clue how I will get those .dat files back to their correct
state, because my XP restore points don't go back far enough. There wasn't
a choice to restore to default/s, but I do know HOW to change the files
individually, I just don't know WHAT to change them to in all cases.

Anyway, unless you can tell me a place I haven't looked in XP, to restore my
..dat extensions to their correct "OPEN with" instructions [default], you've
done all you can. I appreciate all of your advice, and if I am unable
to get the Maxtor software to work, I will be back to take you up on your
kind offer to help me with Acronis. Thanks again, so much... especially for
the additional New Egg info.

Barbara

 

[Robert Moir]

I have a 2.66GHZ processor and 512MB DDR RAM. It took less than 15
mins. to backup my files [excluding the Windows system directory]
with the Maxtor.
Hopefully, I can find what changed ALL of my .dat files to "OPEN with
Media Player Classic"... fix that and this drive's software will work
as intended. I found this out last night. :\

That sounds very unlikely. Good backup software should neither know or
care what you use to open a file with during normal use, yet alone know or
care if that setting is correct or incorrect.


--
--
Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for Security
Blog Site - http://www.robertmoir.com
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ -
http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked:
"Have you checked (event viewer / syslog)".

 

[chicagofan]

chicagofan wrote:

I have a 2.66GHZ processor and 512MB DDR RAM. It took less than 15
mins. to backup my files [excluding the Windows system directory]
with the Maxtor.
Hopefully, I can find what changed ALL of my .dat files to "OPEN with
Media Player Classic"... fix that and this drive's software will work
as intended. I found this out last night. :\

That sounds very unlikely. Good backup software should neither know or
care what you use to open a file with during normal use, yet alone know or
care if that setting is correct or incorrect.

Thanks... that makes sense. I thought since the first error listed was that
ntuser.dat file error, that's what kept the windows files from being handled
correctly... but as you can tell... I know little about how XP works and
therefore how other programs work with it. Appreciate this info..

Barbara

 

[chicagofan]

Barbara:

There are a number of commercially available disk imaging programs
available. One of the more popular ones is the Acronis True Image program
(Home Edition) - see http://www.acronis.com . I see Newegg
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832200204) is selling
a boxed version for $30 (incl. shipping). The program is quite easy to use
along the lines I described above. Acronis has a 15-day trial version
available for download - see
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/download/trueimage/

Unless you're "dead-set" against purchasing a backup program, give the
Acronis program a try. If you want, I can provide you with step-by-step
instructions to use this program for direct disk-to-disk cloning.

Well, the mystery is solved. The advertising was *false* for this drive.
A Maxtor tech gave me the *super* secret link which states, their
software on this drive will NOT back up:

* Operating System files that are in use.
* Hidden/System Files & Folder
* Microsoft Compressed Folders
* Microsoft Encrypted Folders
* Offline Files

So I've asked him to let me know if a [relative novice] can safely remove
their software and use this drive with other software; or if I should return
it. Haven't gotten a reply, but hopefully I can just remove the software,
and he will tell me if there's anything special about doing it.

Since you so graciously offered to help with Acronis, what I want to be SURE
of this time is, Acronis WILL copy my *entire* system [operating system
files, etc.] as stated below... from the Acronis site... right?


"Expanded Acronis Drive Snapshot technology — We've expanded the no reboot
feature to include backing up specific files and folders. We can even backup
system files and open files with no issues. No matter which option you
select, you can continue to use your PC during backup."


I don't intend to use my system during backup, but I can't stop all those
annoying Windows [and other] programs from activating, and I just want to
know that THIS program will do what it says above.

Thanks again... for your help and patience.

Barbara

 

[Anna]

Well, the mystery is solved. The advertising was *false* for this drive.
A Maxtor tech gave me the *super* secret link which states, their software
on this drive will NOT back up:

* Operating System files that are in use.
* Hidden/System Files & Folder
* Microsoft Compressed Folders
* Microsoft Encrypted Folders
* Offline Files

So I've asked him to let me know if a [relative novice] can safely remove
their software and use this drive with other software; or if I should
return it. Haven't gotten a reply, but hopefully I can just remove the
software, and he will tell me if there's anything special about doing it.

Since you so graciously offered to help with Acronis, what I want to be
SURE of this time is, Acronis WILL copy my *entire* system [operating
system files, etc.] as stated below... from the Acronis site... right?


"Expanded Acronis Drive Snapshot technology — We've expanded the no reboot
feature to include backing up specific files and folders. We can even
backup system files and open files with no issues. No matter which option
you select, you can continue to use your PC during backup."


I don't intend to use my system during backup, but I can't stop all those
annoying Windows [and other] programs from activating, and I just want to
know that THIS program will do what it says above.

Thanks again... for your help and patience.

Barbara

Barbara:
In a word -- yes. The Acronis program will accomplish your objective rather
easily & effectively, i.e., it will "clone" the contents of your day-to-day
working HD to another HD (internal or external) so that you will be able to
restore your system from the cloned contents of this "destination" drive.

I wouldn't worry about your other programs "activating" during the backup
routine. We usually recommend that the user disable his/her anti-virus
and/or other anti-malware programs during the backup process, but that's
about it. Are there some special programs running in the background that
you're concerned with?

Anyway, I recently had occasion to prepare some step-by-step instructions
for using the Acronis True Image 9 program, as follows:

1. With both hard drives (source & destination disks) connected, boot up.
If your destination disk (the recipient of the clone) is going to be another
internal HD and not an external HD, then before you boot up, ensure that no
other storage devices, e.g., flash drives, USB external hard drives, etc.,
are connected. It's also probably a good idea to shut down any programs you
may have working in the background - including any anti-virus anti-spyware
programs - before undertaking this disk-to-disk cloning operation.

2. If, upon your initial bootup before accessing the Acronis program a
Windows message appears stating that a new HD has been detected and suggests
a reboot - do so.

3. Access the Acronis True Image 9 program and under "Pick a Task", click
on "Clone Disk".

4. On the next "Welcome..." window, click Next.

5. On the next "Clone Mode" window select the Automatic option (it should
be the default option selected) and click Next.

6. On the next "Source Hard Disk" window, ensure that the correct source HD
(the disk you're cloning from) has been selected (click to highlight). Click
Next.

7. On the next "Destination Hard Disk" window, ensure that the correct
destination HD (the disk you're cloning to) has been selected (again, click
to highlight). Click Next.

8. On the next window, select the option "Delete partitions on the
destination hard disk". Understand that all data presently on the disk that
will be the recipient of the clone will be deleted prior to the disk cloning
operation. Click Next.

9. The next window will reflect the source and destination disks. Again,
confirm that the correct drives have been selected. Click Next.

10. On the next window click on the Proceed button. A message box will
display indicating that a reboot will be required to undertake the disk
cloning operation. Click Reboot.

11. The cloning operation will proceed during the reboot. With modern
components and a medium to high-power processor, data transfer rate will be
in the range of about 1 to 2 GB/min. should you be cloning internal hard
drives. If you're cloning to a USB external HD the data transfer rate will
be considerably slower.

12. When the cloning operation is completed, a message will appear
indicating such. Press the Enter key to shut down the computer.

13. a. If you've cloned the contents of your internal HD to another internal
HD, then disconnect the source HD and boot ONLY with the destination HD (the
recipient of the clone) connected. DO NOT BOOT WITH BOTH DRIVES CONNECTED.
Assuming the boot goes without incident, shut down the computer and
disconnect the newly-cloned HD. Reconnect your source HD.
b. If, on the other hand, you've cloned the contents of your internal HD to
a USB/Firewire external HD the above step will be unnecessary.

That's it. Relatively simple & straightforward. Should the time come when
you need to restore your system, you would re:clone the contents of your
destination disk (the recipient of the clone) to your internal HD. Of
course, you'll use the Acronis program for routine & systematic backups
depending upon your specific needs & objectives.
Anna

 

[chicagofan]

Well, the mystery is solved. The advertising was *false* for this drive.
A Maxtor tech gave me the *super* secret link which states, their software
on this drive will NOT back up:

* Operating System files that are in use.
* Hidden/System Files & Folder
* Microsoft Compressed Folders
* Microsoft Encrypted Folders

Since you so graciously offered to help with Acronis, what I want to be
SURE of this time is, Acronis WILL copy my *entire* system [operating
system files, etc.] as stated... from the Acronis site... right?

Barbara:
In a word -- yes. The Acronis program will accomplish your objective rather
easily & effectively, i.e., it will "clone" the contents of your day-to-day
working HD to another HD (internal or external) so that you will be able to
restore your system from the cloned contents of this "destination" drive.

I wouldn't worry about your other programs "activating" during the backup
routine. We usually recommend that the user disable his/her anti-virus
and/or other anti-malware programs during the backup process, but that's
about it. Are there some special programs running in the background that
you're concerned with?

Just Avast AV which updates almost daily, and Windows Update.

Anyway, I recently had occasion to prepare some step-by-step instructions
for using the Acronis True Image 9 program, as follows:

1. With both hard drives (source & destination disks) connected, boot up.
If your destination disk (the recipient of the clone) is going to be another
internal HD and not an external HD, then before you boot up, ensure that no
other storage devices, e.g., flash drives, USB external hard drives, etc.,
are connected. It's also probably a good idea to shut down any programs you
may have working in the background - including any anti-virus anti-spyware
programs - before undertaking this disk-to-disk cloning operation.

I will be using the Maxtor USB external hard drive; will it need to be
formatted after I remove the Maxtor backup software that came on it? Or
will the "delete partitions on destination drive" [included in your
instructions which I have saved, but deleted here] take care of that?

Thanks again, for your quick response!
bj

 

[Anna]

Well, the mystery is solved. The advertising was *false* for this drive.
A Maxtor tech gave me the *super* secret link which states, their
software on this drive will NOT back up:

* Operating System files that are in use.
* Hidden/System Files & Folder
* Microsoft Compressed Folders
* Microsoft Encrypted Folders

Since you so graciously offered to help with Acronis, what I want to be
SURE of this time is, Acronis WILL copy my *entire* system [operating
system files, etc.] as stated... from the Acronis site... right?

Barbara:
In a word -- yes. The Acronis program will accomplish your objective
rather easily & effectively, i.e., it will "clone" the contents of your
day-to-day working HD to another HD (internal or external) so that you
will be able to restore your system from the cloned contents of this
"destination" drive.

I wouldn't worry about your other programs "activating" during the backup
routine. We usually recommend that the user disable his/her anti-virus
and/or other anti-malware programs during the backup process, but that's
about it. Are there some special programs running in the background that
you're concerned with?

Just Avast AV which updates almost daily, and Windows Update.

Anyway, I recently had occasion to prepare some step-by-step instructions
for using the Acronis True Image 9 program, as follows:

1. With both hard drives (source & destination disks) connected, boot
up. If your destination disk (the recipient of the clone) is going to be
another internal HD and not an external HD, then before you boot up,
ensure that no other storage devices, e.g., flash drives, USB external
hard drives, etc., are connected. It's also probably a good idea to shut
down any programs you may have working in the background - including any
anti-virus anti-spyware programs - before undertaking this disk-to-disk
cloning operation.

(SNIP)

I will be using the Maxtor USB external hard drive; will it need to be
formatted after I remove the Maxtor backup software that came on it? Or
will the "delete partitions on destination drive" [included in your
instructions which I have saved, but deleted here] take care of that?

Thanks again, for your quick response!
bj

No need to delete partition(s) on your external HD nor any need to format
the drive. The disk cloning process will take care of that.
Anna

 

[chicagofan]

I will be using the Maxtor USB external hard drive; will it need to be
formatted after I remove the Maxtor backup software that came on it? Or
will the "delete partitions on destination drive" [included in your
instructions which I have saved, but deleted here] take care of that?

No need to delete partition(s) on your external HD nor any need to format
the drive. The disk cloning process will take care of that.
Anna

Thanks again, Anna. I've ordered the Acronis software from New Egg, and it
was only $25 delivered; so I'm feeling pretty lucky to have found you... and
your advice, as well as Robert's.

Hope I won't have to bug you again.

Barbara

 

[Timothy Daniels]

I will be using the Maxtor USB external hard drive; will it need to be
formatted after I remove the Maxtor backup software that came on it? Or
will the "delete partitions on destination drive" [included in your
instructions which I have saved, but deleted here] take care of that?

No need to delete partition(s) on your external HD nor any need to format
the drive. The disk cloning process will take care of that.
Anna

Thanks again, Anna. I've ordered the Acronis software from New Egg, and it
was only $25 delivered; so I'm feeling pretty lucky to have found you... and
your advice, as well as Robert's.

Hope I won't have to bug you again.

Barbara

Just to be sure about terminology - Acronis's True Image makes
image files (which may be compressed and stored like any file),
but it does not make "clones" (exact byte-for-byte copies that are
directly bootable). If your HD crashes and you have to make a new
system, you will have to "restore" the contents of the image file to
a new HD if you use True Image. Ghost and CasperXP, on the other
hand, can make true "clones", and you don't have to restore the image
to another HD - you can just boot the HD that contains the clone
(if that HD is IDE PATA or SATA). Be clear about what you want to do.

*TimDaniels*

 

[Anna]

I will be using the Maxtor USB external hard drive; will it need to be
formatted after I remove the Maxtor backup software that came on it? Or
will the "delete partitions on destination drive" [included in your
instructions which I have saved, but deleted here] take care of that?


No need to delete partition(s) on your external HD nor any need to
format the drive. The disk cloning process will take care of that.
Anna

Thanks again, Anna. I've ordered the Acronis software from New Egg, and
it was only $25 delivered; so I'm feeling pretty lucky to have found
you... and your advice, as well as Robert's.

Hope I won't have to bug you again.

Barbara

Just to be sure about terminology - Acronis's True Image makes
image files (which may be compressed and stored like any file),
but it does not make "clones" (exact byte-for-byte copies that are
directly bootable). If your HD crashes and you have to make a new
system, you will have to "restore" the contents of the image file to
a new HD if you use True Image. Ghost and CasperXP, on the other
hand, can make true "clones", and you don't have to restore the image
to another HD - you can just boot the HD that contains the clone
(if that HD is IDE PATA or SATA). Be clear about what you want to do.

*TimDaniels*

Tim:
The ATI program does indeed create clones. While it also can be used to
create disk images for later recovery, there's no problem using the program
for cloning the contents of one HD to another HD similar to the Norton Ghost
program and I suppose the Casper XP program which you use. We do this nearly
every day.

Did you see the step-by-step instructions I posted to Barbara in this thread
which details the disk-to-disk cloning process?
Anna

 

[Timothy Daniels]

"Anna" spake:

Anna wrote:
:
I will be using the Maxtor USB external hard drive; will it need to be formatted after I remove the Maxtor backup software that
came on it? Or will the "delete partitions on destination drive" [included in your instructions which I have saved, but
deleted here] take care of that?


No need to delete partition(s) on your external HD nor any need to format the drive. The disk cloning process will take care of
that.
Anna

Thanks again, Anna. I've ordered the Acronis software from New Egg, and it was only $25 delivered; so I'm feeling pretty lucky
to have found you... and your advice, as well as Robert's.

Hope I won't have to bug you again.

Barbara

Just to be sure about terminology - Acronis's True Image makes
image files (which may be compressed and stored like any file),
but it does not make "clones" (exact byte-for-byte copies that are
directly bootable). If your HD crashes and you have to make a new
system, you will have to "restore" the contents of the image file to
a new HD if you use True Image. Ghost and CasperXP, on the other
hand, can make true "clones", and you don't have to restore the image
to another HD - you can just boot the HD that contains the clone
(if that HD is IDE PATA or SATA). Be clear about what you want to do.

*TimDaniels*

Tim:
The ATI program does indeed create clones. While it also can be used to create disk images for later recovery, there's no problem
using the program for cloning the contents of one HD to another HD similar to the Norton Ghost program and I suppose the Casper XP
program which you use. We do this
nearly every day.

Did you see the step-by-step instructions I posted to Barbara in this thread which details the disk-to-disk cloning process?
Anna

Sorry. Yes, you're right, Anna. The deficiency of True Image (version 8.0 at
least) in comparison with Ghost and Casper XP is that True Image makes the
contents of the old HD the entirety of the contents of the new HD. According
to the .pdf version 9.0 User's Guide, chapter 12:

In Automatic mode,

"There will be only one difference between these disks – partitions on
the newer disk will be larger. Everything else, including the installed
operating systems, data, disk labels, settings, software and everything
else on the disk, will remain the same."

In Manual mode,

"The manual mode will provide more data transfer flexibility.
1. You will be able to select the method of partition and data transfer:
• as is
• new disk space is proportionally distributed between the old disk partitions
• new disk space is distributed manually
2. You will also be able to select operations to perform on the old disk:
• leave partitions (and data!) on the old disk
• remove all information from the old disk
• create new partitions on the old disk (and remove all the older information)"

This makes no mention of being able to select one partition from among
several partitions on the old HD and putting that single partition among
several on the new HD. That ability is very handy for archiving several
versions of a single OS (taken at various times) and putting each of them
on a large archival HD and being able to boot any one of them at will.
The transfer of the entirety of a HD to another HD is exactly what one
wants to do when upgrading to a larger HD, but that capability is
available in free software offered by most HD manufacturers. To gain the
added freedom to clone just a single partition and being able to put it
among other previously cloned versions of the OS on the destination HD
remains for Ghost and Casper XP to do (among the major backup utilities).
So if the OP later wants to archive more than one version of the OS,
she/he will have to look beyond True Image.

Please tell me if version 9.0 of the True Image utility actually does
now enable cloning of a single partition from among several partitions
and putting that partition among several partitions on the destination
HD. I would be happy to buy a copy of True Image if it indeed does
enable that.

*TimDaniels*

 

[Anna]

(SNIP)

Sorry. Yes, you're right, Anna. The deficiency of True Image (version
8.0 at
least) in comparison with Ghost and Casper XP is that True Image makes the
contents of the old HD the entirety of the contents of the new HD.
According
to the .pdf version 9.0 User's Guide, chapter 12:

In Automatic mode,

"There will be only one difference between these disks – partitions on
the newer disk will be larger. Everything else, including the installed
operating systems, data, disk labels, settings, software and everything
else on the disk, will remain the same."

In Manual mode,

"The manual mode will provide more data transfer flexibility.
1. You will be able to select the method of partition and data transfer:
• as is
• new disk space is proportionally distributed between the old disk
partitions
• new disk space is distributed manually
2. You will also be able to select operations to perform on the old disk:
• leave partitions (and data!) on the old disk
• remove all information from the old disk
• create new partitions on the old disk (and remove all the older
information)"

This makes no mention of being able to select one partition from among
several partitions on the old HD and putting that single partition among
several on the new HD. That ability is very handy for archiving several
versions of a single OS (taken at various times) and putting each of them
on a large archival HD and being able to boot any one of them at will.
The transfer of the entirety of a HD to another HD is exactly what one
wants to do when upgrading to a larger HD, but that capability is
available in free software offered by most HD manufacturers. To gain the
added freedom to clone just a single partition and being able to put it
among other previously cloned versions of the OS on the destination HD
remains for Ghost and Casper XP to do (among the major backup utilities).
So if the OP later wants to archive more than one version of the OS,
she/he will have to look beyond True Image.

Please tell me if version 9.0 of the True Image utility actually does
now enable cloning of a single partition from among several partitions
and putting that partition among several partitions on the destination
HD. I would be happy to buy a copy of True Image if it indeed does
enable that.

*TimDaniels*

Tim:
We've been working with the ATI 9 program for only a short time now but as
best as I can detect, the same limitation exists in the 9 version as it did
in the 8 version, i.e., there's no capability when undertaking *direct*
disk-to-disk cloning operations insofar as cloning individual partitions
between the disks (as you can with Ghost and I take it, the Capsper XP
program). AFAIK, this capability does exist in the ATI 9 program (to the
best of my knowledge - I haven't as yet worked with this specific situation)
in terms of creating disk images and subsequently using the recovery process
to restore individual partitons to the target (destination) disk.

Perhaps other users of the ATI 9 program may wish to comment on this.
Anna