Ghost 9 vs. True Image 8

[Harry Ohrn]

You certainly put in a serious amount of time on this. However your concern
means little to me. I use Acronis TrueImage extensively with both my servers
and work stations. It hasn't let me down. I can't say the same for Ghost. So
I'll stick with what works rather than worry about a bit of defragmentation.
I too use Perfect Disk 7. It is a great product.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


Ghost 9 vs. True
Image 8

Test performed
04/19/2005







Machine



M/B = Asus A7N8X deluxe revision 2

CPU = Athlon XP3200 Barton

RAM = 1.5 gig of DDR PC2100

Hard drives = W.D. 160 gig w/8 meg cache, W.D. 120 gig w/4 meg cache

Windows partition (Drive C = 20 gig (7 gig used)





Setup



The computer is setup for dual booting with 2 identical copies of Windows XP
Professional SP2 (with all current Windows updates). Each is installed on a
20 gig primary DOS partition. I am using a 3rd party boot manager program
(System Commander). The operating systems will henceforth be referred to as
WinXP-1 and WinXP-2. When booted into one version, the other is invisible
and can not be accessed. Each operating thinks that it is located on
drive/partition C:



Each installation of Windows XP Professional is on a NTFS formatted
partition (20 gig)





Software installed:



Microsoft Office 2003 (w/all current updates)

Visio 2002 (w/all current updates)

Adobe Acrobat 7.01

Easy CD-DVD Creator 6.0 (w/all current updates)

Adobe PhotoShop 7.01

AutoCAD 2004

Paint Shop Pro 9.0 (w/all current updates)

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2003

PerfectDisk 7.0 (build 34) latest

Norton Ghost (ver 9.0.2.3981

Acronis True Image (ver 8.0.826) latest

Many other ancillary applications and utilities



Point: Each installation, WinXP-1 and WinXP-2, are identical in every way.





Conditions:



System Restore turned off in each O/S

Same size pagefile used on each O/S (768 min - 1536 max)

Hibernation turned on in each O/S

Each instance of the operating system was given a boot time defrag using
PerfectDisk 8. Upon reboot each instance of the operating system was
defragged using PerfectDisk 8









Comments:

As you can guess, I have quite a few large files that are either installed
on my computer by applications or that are created by the operating system.



It is important to note that True Image does NOT copy either the
pagefile.sys or the hiberfil.sys during the creation of the image as per the
PerfectDisk Manual.





The test - creating the image:



Immediately after defragmenting with PerfectDisk 8 I used Ghost 9.0 to
create an image of WinXP-1. This image was saved to a clean hard drive
formatted NTFS for the test. I used the default compression scheme in saving
the image



I then did the same for WinXP-2 using PerfectDisk 8 and Acronis True Image
8. The default compression scheme was used here also.



Results and observations of image creation test:



The images created by True image took less time and the created image was
approximately 10-15% smaller than the image created by Ghost 9 (using the
default compression scheme in each instance)







The test - restoring the image:



WinXP-1



I used the Ghost 9 program CD to boot into the Recovery Environment. I then
restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



WinXP-2



I used the recovery CD that I created from within the True Image 9 program.
I then restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



Results and observations of image restore test:



During the restore operations I found that the time Acronis True Image 8
needed to restore the image was over one minute less that the time needed to
restore the image created by Ghost 9. The reason being that the
pagefile.sys, and the hiberfil.sys files did not have to be restored. I am
certain that the compression schemes used also enter into the equation.

I then booted into WinXP-1 with no problems. I immediately opened Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. The partition and file arrangement
was "almost precisely" as it was after the initial defrag (before the
creation of the image using Ghost 9). There was one file that was reported
as being fragmented (the g3.dat file).



I then rebooted into WinXP-2 with no problems. I immediately opened Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. I found that although the MFT was in
the same location, the MFT Zone was in three scattered and widely separated
areas. The hiberfil.sys file was in one segment but in a different area. The
pagefile.sys file was fragmented into five widely segmented areas. There
were also about a dozen really large files that were in a fragmented
condition. It was necessary to perform boot time defrag on WinXP-2 and then
perform a normal defrag as well. After doing the preceding the partition was
now defragmented but was left with a different file geometry as compared to
the original install (prior to imaging the partition). The pagefile.sys and
the hiberfil.sys files were in an entirely new location.





Conclusion:



I had to spend an extra 35-45 minutes (reboot - defrag, reboot - defrag) to
return the partitioned restored using Acronis True Image 8 to anything near
its original condition.





Even though I do like some of the options offered by True Image I have
decided to stay with Ghost 9.0.



The copy of True Image 8 I have turned over to one of my sons (he isn't as
picky as I am).




--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Richard Urban]

I think I am going to keep True Image anyway. I need the license because I
believe I will use it during the construction of customers computers - but
only from the repair CD I created. I am not going to install it on any of my
PC's, unless I have to make another recovery CD, after which it will be
removed again.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

You certainly put in a serious amount of time on this. However your
concern
means little to me. I use Acronis TrueImage extensively with both my
servers
and work stations. It hasn't let me down. I can't say the same for Ghost.
So
I'll stick with what works rather than worry about a bit of
defragmentation.
I too use Perfect Disk 7. It is a great product.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


Ghost 9 vs.
True
Image 8

Test performed
04/19/2005







Machine



M/B = Asus A7N8X deluxe revision 2

CPU = Athlon XP3200 Barton

RAM = 1.5 gig of DDR PC2100

Hard drives = W.D. 160 gig w/8 meg cache, W.D. 120 gig w/4 meg cache

Windows partition (Drive C = 20 gig (7 gig used)





Setup



The computer is setup for dual booting with 2 identical copies of Windows
XP
Professional SP2 (with all current Windows updates). Each is installed on
a
20 gig primary DOS partition. I am using a 3rd party boot manager program
(System Commander). The operating systems will henceforth be referred to
as
WinXP-1 and WinXP-2. When booted into one version, the other is invisible
and can not be accessed. Each operating thinks that it is located on
drive/partition C:



Each installation of Windows XP Professional is on a NTFS formatted
partition (20 gig)





Software installed:



Microsoft Office 2003 (w/all current updates)

Visio 2002 (w/all current updates)

Adobe Acrobat 7.01

Easy CD-DVD Creator 6.0 (w/all current updates)

Adobe PhotoShop 7.01

AutoCAD 2004

Paint Shop Pro 9.0 (w/all current updates)

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2003

PerfectDisk 7.0 (build 34) latest

Norton Ghost (ver 9.0.2.3981

Acronis True Image (ver 8.0.826) latest

Many other ancillary applications and utilities



Point: Each installation, WinXP-1 and WinXP-2, are identical in every way.





Conditions:



System Restore turned off in each O/S

Same size pagefile used on each O/S (768 min - 1536 max)

Hibernation turned on in each O/S

Each instance of the operating system was given a boot time defrag using
PerfectDisk 8. Upon reboot each instance of the operating system was
defragged using PerfectDisk 8









Comments:

As you can guess, I have quite a few large files that are either installed
on my computer by applications or that are created by the operating
system.



It is important to note that True Image does NOT copy either the
pagefile.sys or the hiberfil.sys during the creation of the image as per
the
PerfectDisk Manual.





The test - creating the image:



Immediately after defragmenting with PerfectDisk 8 I used Ghost 9.0 to
create an image of WinXP-1. This image was saved to a clean hard drive
formatted NTFS for the test. I used the default compression scheme in
saving
the image



I then did the same for WinXP-2 using PerfectDisk 8 and Acronis True Image
8. The default compression scheme was used here also.



Results and observations of image creation test:



The images created by True image took less time and the created image was
approximately 10-15% smaller than the image created by Ghost 9 (using the
default compression scheme in each instance)







The test - restoring the image:



WinXP-1



I used the Ghost 9 program CD to boot into the Recovery Environment. I
then
restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



WinXP-2



I used the recovery CD that I created from within the True Image 9
program.
I then restored the image I had just created back to its original
location.



Results and observations of image restore test:



During the restore operations I found that the time Acronis True Image 8
needed to restore the image was over one minute less that the time needed
to
restore the image created by Ghost 9. The reason being that the
pagefile.sys, and the hiberfil.sys files did not have to be restored. I am
certain that the compression schemes used also enter into the equation.

I then booted into WinXP-1 with no problems. I immediately opened Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. The partition and file arrangement
was "almost precisely" as it was after the initial defrag (before the
creation of the image using Ghost 9). There was one file that was reported
as being fragmented (the g3.dat file).



I then rebooted into WinXP-2 with no problems. I immediately opened
Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. I found that although the MFT was
in
the same location, the MFT Zone was in three scattered and widely
separated
areas. The hiberfil.sys file was in one segment but in a different area.
The
pagefile.sys file was fragmented into five widely segmented areas. There
were also about a dozen really large files that were in a fragmented
condition. It was necessary to perform boot time defrag on WinXP-2 and
then
perform a normal defrag as well. After doing the preceding the partition
was
now defragmented but was left with a different file geometry as compared
to
the original install (prior to imaging the partition). The pagefile.sys
and
the hiberfil.sys files were in an entirely new location.





Conclusion:



I had to spend an extra 35-45 minutes (reboot - defrag, reboot - defrag)
to
return the partitioned restored using Acronis True Image 8 to anything
near
its original condition.





Even though I do like some of the options offered by True Image I have
decided to stay with Ghost 9.0.



The copy of True Image 8 I have turned over to one of my sons (he isn't as
picky as I am).




--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[D@annyBoy]

may I have the pleasure of copying this post and post it to the MSAS to show an
example of real testing by experts?
thanks in advance

I think I am going to keep True Image anyway. I need the license because I
believe I will use it during the construction of customers computers - but only
from the repair CD I created. I am not going to install it on any of my PC's,
unless I have to make another recovery CD, after which it will be removed
again.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

You certainly put in a serious amount of time on this. However your concern
means little to me. I use Acronis TrueImage extensively with both my servers
and work stations. It hasn't let me down. I can't say the same for Ghost. So
I'll stick with what works rather than worry about a bit of defragmentation.
I too use Perfect Disk 7. It is a great product.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


Ghost 9 vs. True
Image 8

Test performed
04/19/2005







Machine



M/B = Asus A7N8X deluxe revision 2

CPU = Athlon XP3200 Barton

RAM = 1.5 gig of DDR PC2100

Hard drives = W.D. 160 gig w/8 meg cache, W.D. 120 gig w/4 meg cache

Windows partition (Drive C = 20 gig (7 gig used)





Setup



The computer is setup for dual booting with 2 identical copies of Windows XP
Professional SP2 (with all current Windows updates). Each is installed on a
20 gig primary DOS partition. I am using a 3rd party boot manager program
(System Commander). The operating systems will henceforth be referred to as
WinXP-1 and WinXP-2. When booted into one version, the other is invisible
and can not be accessed. Each operating thinks that it is located on
drive/partition C:



Each installation of Windows XP Professional is on a NTFS formatted
partition (20 gig)





Software installed:



Microsoft Office 2003 (w/all current updates)

Visio 2002 (w/all current updates)

Adobe Acrobat 7.01

Easy CD-DVD Creator 6.0 (w/all current updates)

Adobe PhotoShop 7.01

AutoCAD 2004

Paint Shop Pro 9.0 (w/all current updates)

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2003

PerfectDisk 7.0 (build 34) latest

Norton Ghost (ver 9.0.2.3981

Acronis True Image (ver 8.0.826) latest

Many other ancillary applications and utilities



Point: Each installation, WinXP-1 and WinXP-2, are identical in every way.





Conditions:



System Restore turned off in each O/S

Same size pagefile used on each O/S (768 min - 1536 max)

Hibernation turned on in each O/S

Each instance of the operating system was given a boot time defrag using
PerfectDisk 8. Upon reboot each instance of the operating system was
defragged using PerfectDisk 8









Comments:

As you can guess, I have quite a few large files that are either installed
on my computer by applications or that are created by the operating system.



It is important to note that True Image does NOT copy either the
pagefile.sys or the hiberfil.sys during the creation of the image as per the
PerfectDisk Manual.





The test - creating the image:



Immediately after defragmenting with PerfectDisk 8 I used Ghost 9.0 to
create an image of WinXP-1. This image was saved to a clean hard drive
formatted NTFS for the test. I used the default compression scheme in saving
the image



I then did the same for WinXP-2 using PerfectDisk 8 and Acronis True Image
8. The default compression scheme was used here also.



Results and observations of image creation test:



The images created by True image took less time and the created image was
approximately 10-15% smaller than the image created by Ghost 9 (using the
default compression scheme in each instance)







The test - restoring the image:



WinXP-1



I used the Ghost 9 program CD to boot into the Recovery Environment. I then
restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



WinXP-2



I used the recovery CD that I created from within the True Image 9 program.
I then restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



Results and observations of image restore test:



During the restore operations I found that the time Acronis True Image 8
needed to restore the image was over one minute less that the time needed to
restore the image created by Ghost 9. The reason being that the
pagefile.sys, and the hiberfil.sys files did not have to be restored. I am
certain that the compression schemes used also enter into the equation.

I then booted into WinXP-1 with no problems. I immediately opened Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. The partition and file arrangement
was "almost precisely" as it was after the initial defrag (before the
creation of the image using Ghost 9). There was one file that was reported
as being fragmented (the g3.dat file).



I then rebooted into WinXP-2 with no problems. I immediately opened Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. I found that although the MFT was in
the same location, the MFT Zone was in three scattered and widely separated
areas. The hiberfil.sys file was in one segment but in a different area. The
pagefile.sys file was fragmented into five widely segmented areas. There
were also about a dozen really large files that were in a fragmented
condition. It was necessary to perform boot time defrag on WinXP-2 and then
perform a normal defrag as well. After doing the preceding the partition was
now defragmented but was left with a different file geometry as compared to
the original install (prior to imaging the partition). The pagefile.sys and
the hiberfil.sys files were in an entirely new location.





Conclusion:



I had to spend an extra 35-45 minutes (reboot - defrag, reboot - defrag) to
return the partitioned restored using Acronis True Image 8 to anything near
its original condition.





Even though I do like some of the options offered by True Image I have
decided to stay with Ghost 9.0.



The copy of True Image 8 I have turned over to one of my sons (he isn't as
picky as I am).




--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Richard Urban]

1. I am nowhere near an expert.

2. I saw what I considered a problem (for me) and wanted to confirm it under
controlled conditions.

3. E-mail me and I will send you a word .doc with the typing errors (and
incorrect references to True Image 8 -which doesn't exist - removed). Take
out REMOVETHIS from my e-mail address.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

may I have the pleasure of copying this post and post it to the MSAS to
show an example of real testing by experts?
thanks in advance

I think I am going to keep True Image anyway. I need the license because I
believe I will use it during the construction of customers computers - but
only from the repair CD I created. I am not going to install it on any of
my PC's, unless I have to make another recovery CD, after which it will be
removed again.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

You certainly put in a serious amount of time on this. However your
concern
means little to me. I use Acronis TrueImage extensively with both my
servers
and work stations. It hasn't let me down. I can't say the same for
Ghost. So
I'll stick with what works rather than worry about a bit of
defragmentation.
I too use Perfect Disk 7. It is a great product.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


Ghost 9 vs.
True
Image 8

Test
performed
04/19/2005







Machine



M/B = Asus A7N8X deluxe revision 2

CPU = Athlon XP3200 Barton

RAM = 1.5 gig of DDR PC2100

Hard drives = W.D. 160 gig w/8 meg cache, W.D. 120 gig w/4 meg cache

Windows partition (Drive C = 20 gig (7 gig used)





Setup



The computer is setup for dual booting with 2 identical copies of
Windows XP
Professional SP2 (with all current Windows updates). Each is installed
on a
20 gig primary DOS partition. I am using a 3rd party boot manager
program
(System Commander). The operating systems will henceforth be referred to
as
WinXP-1 and WinXP-2. When booted into one version, the other is
invisible
and can not be accessed. Each operating thinks that it is located on
drive/partition C:



Each installation of Windows XP Professional is on a NTFS formatted
partition (20 gig)





Software installed:



Microsoft Office 2003 (w/all current updates)

Visio 2002 (w/all current updates)

Adobe Acrobat 7.01

Easy CD-DVD Creator 6.0 (w/all current updates)

Adobe PhotoShop 7.01

AutoCAD 2004

Paint Shop Pro 9.0 (w/all current updates)

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2003

PerfectDisk 7.0 (build 34) latest

Norton Ghost (ver 9.0.2.3981

Acronis True Image (ver 8.0.826) latest

Many other ancillary applications and utilities



Point: Each installation, WinXP-1 and WinXP-2, are identical in every
way.





Conditions:



System Restore turned off in each O/S

Same size pagefile used on each O/S (768 min - 1536 max)

Hibernation turned on in each O/S

Each instance of the operating system was given a boot time defrag using
PerfectDisk 8. Upon reboot each instance of the operating system was
defragged using PerfectDisk 8









Comments:

As you can guess, I have quite a few large files that are either
installed
on my computer by applications or that are created by the operating
system.



It is important to note that True Image does NOT copy either the
pagefile.sys or the hiberfil.sys during the creation of the image as per
the
PerfectDisk Manual.





The test - creating the image:



Immediately after defragmenting with PerfectDisk 8 I used Ghost 9.0 to
create an image of WinXP-1. This image was saved to a clean hard drive
formatted NTFS for the test. I used the default compression scheme in
saving
the image



I then did the same for WinXP-2 using PerfectDisk 8 and Acronis True
Image
8. The default compression scheme was used here also.



Results and observations of image creation test:



The images created by True image took less time and the created image
was
approximately 10-15% smaller than the image created by Ghost 9 (using
the
default compression scheme in each instance)







The test - restoring the image:



WinXP-1



I used the Ghost 9 program CD to boot into the Recovery Environment. I
then
restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



WinXP-2



I used the recovery CD that I created from within the True Image 9
program.
I then restored the image I had just created back to its original
location.



Results and observations of image restore test:



During the restore operations I found that the time Acronis True Image 8
needed to restore the image was over one minute less that the time
needed to
restore the image created by Ghost 9. The reason being that the
pagefile.sys, and the hiberfil.sys files did not have to be restored. I
am
certain that the compression schemes used also enter into the equation.

I then booted into WinXP-1 with no problems. I immediately opened
Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. The partition and file
arrangement
was "almost precisely" as it was after the initial defrag (before the
creation of the image using Ghost 9). There was one file that was
reported
as being fragmented (the g3.dat file).



I then rebooted into WinXP-2 with no problems. I immediately opened
Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. I found that although the MFT was
in
the same location, the MFT Zone was in three scattered and widely
separated
areas. The hiberfil.sys file was in one segment but in a different area.
The
pagefile.sys file was fragmented into five widely segmented areas. There
were also about a dozen really large files that were in a fragmented
condition. It was necessary to perform boot time defrag on WinXP-2 and
then
perform a normal defrag as well. After doing the preceding the partition
was
now defragmented but was left with a different file geometry as
compared to
the original install (prior to imaging the partition). The pagefile.sys
and
the hiberfil.sys files were in an entirely new location.





Conclusion:



I had to spend an extra 35-45 minutes (reboot - defrag, reboot - defrag)
to
return the partitioned restored using Acronis True Image 8 to anything
near
its original condition.





Even though I do like some of the options offered by True Image I have
decided to stay with Ghost 9.0.



The copy of True Image 8 I have turned over to one of my sons (he isn't
as
picky as I am).




--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[D@annyBoy]

point is how you systematically test a problem under controlled conditions
unlike the crying babies at the MSAS group
will repost this post to MSAS ngs

1. I am nowhere near an expert.

2. I saw what I considered a problem (for me) and wanted to confirm it under
controlled conditions.

3. E-mail me and I will send you a word .doc with the typing errors (and
incorrect references to True Image 8 -which doesn't exist - removed). Take out
REMOVETHIS from my e-mail address.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

may I have the pleasure of copying this post and post it to the MSAS to show
an example of real testing by experts?
thanks in advance

I think I am going to keep True Image anyway. I need the license because I
believe I will use it during the construction of customers computers - but
only from the repair CD I created. I am not going to install it on any of my
PC's, unless I have to make another recovery CD, after which it will be
removed again.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!


You certainly put in a serious amount of time on this. However your concern
means little to me. I use Acronis TrueImage extensively with both my
servers
and work stations. It hasn't let me down. I can't say the same for Ghost.
So
I'll stick with what works rather than worry about a bit of
defragmentation.
I too use Perfect Disk 7. It is a great product.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


Ghost 9 vs. True
Image 8

Test performed
04/19/2005







Machine



M/B = Asus A7N8X deluxe revision 2

CPU = Athlon XP3200 Barton

RAM = 1.5 gig of DDR PC2100

Hard drives = W.D. 160 gig w/8 meg cache, W.D. 120 gig w/4 meg cache

Windows partition (Drive C = 20 gig (7 gig used)





Setup



The computer is setup for dual booting with 2 identical copies of Windows
XP
Professional SP2 (with all current Windows updates). Each is installed on a
20 gig primary DOS partition. I am using a 3rd party boot manager program
(System Commander). The operating systems will henceforth be referred to as
WinXP-1 and WinXP-2. When booted into one version, the other is invisible
and can not be accessed. Each operating thinks that it is located on
drive/partition C:



Each installation of Windows XP Professional is on a NTFS formatted
partition (20 gig)





Software installed:



Microsoft Office 2003 (w/all current updates)

Visio 2002 (w/all current updates)

Adobe Acrobat 7.01

Easy CD-DVD Creator 6.0 (w/all current updates)

Adobe PhotoShop 7.01

AutoCAD 2004

Paint Shop Pro 9.0 (w/all current updates)

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2003

PerfectDisk 7.0 (build 34) latest

Norton Ghost (ver 9.0.2.3981

Acronis True Image (ver 8.0.826) latest

Many other ancillary applications and utilities



Point: Each installation, WinXP-1 and WinXP-2, are identical in every way.





Conditions:



System Restore turned off in each O/S

Same size pagefile used on each O/S (768 min - 1536 max)

Hibernation turned on in each O/S

Each instance of the operating system was given a boot time defrag using
PerfectDisk 8. Upon reboot each instance of the operating system was
defragged using PerfectDisk 8









Comments:

As you can guess, I have quite a few large files that are either installed
on my computer by applications or that are created by the operating
system.



It is important to note that True Image does NOT copy either the
pagefile.sys or the hiberfil.sys during the creation of the image as per
the
PerfectDisk Manual.





The test - creating the image:



Immediately after defragmenting with PerfectDisk 8 I used Ghost 9.0 to
create an image of WinXP-1. This image was saved to a clean hard drive
formatted NTFS for the test. I used the default compression scheme in
saving
the image



I then did the same for WinXP-2 using PerfectDisk 8 and Acronis True Image
8. The default compression scheme was used here also.



Results and observations of image creation test:



The images created by True image took less time and the created image was
approximately 10-15% smaller than the image created by Ghost 9 (using the
default compression scheme in each instance)







The test - restoring the image:



WinXP-1



I used the Ghost 9 program CD to boot into the Recovery Environment. I then
restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



WinXP-2



I used the recovery CD that I created from within the True Image 9 program.
I then restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



Results and observations of image restore test:



During the restore operations I found that the time Acronis True Image 8
needed to restore the image was over one minute less that the time needed
to
restore the image created by Ghost 9. The reason being that the
pagefile.sys, and the hiberfil.sys files did not have to be restored. I am
certain that the compression schemes used also enter into the equation.

I then booted into WinXP-1 with no problems. I immediately opened Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. The partition and file arrangement
was "almost precisely" as it was after the initial defrag (before the
creation of the image using Ghost 9). There was one file that was reported
as being fragmented (the g3.dat file).



I then rebooted into WinXP-2 with no problems. I immediately opened Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. I found that although the MFT was in
the same location, the MFT Zone was in three scattered and widely separated
areas. The hiberfil.sys file was in one segment but in a different area.
The
pagefile.sys file was fragmented into five widely segmented areas. There
were also about a dozen really large files that were in a fragmented
condition. It was necessary to perform boot time defrag on WinXP-2 and then
perform a normal defrag as well. After doing the preceding the partition
was
now defragmented but was left with a different file geometry as compared
to
the original install (prior to imaging the partition). The pagefile.sys and
the hiberfil.sys files were in an entirely new location.





Conclusion:



I had to spend an extra 35-45 minutes (reboot - defrag, reboot - defrag) to
return the partitioned restored using Acronis True Image 8 to anything near
its original condition.





Even though I do like some of the options offered by True Image I have
decided to stay with Ghost 9.0.



The copy of True Image 8 I have turned over to one of my sons (he isn't as
picky as I am).




--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Harry Ohrn]

Hi Richard you did it again <VBG> TrueImage 8 does exist, it is PerfectDisk
8 that doesn't exist. I know what it's like when this happens to me too. As
my Mom used to say "The hurrier I go... the behinder I get."

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp

1. I am nowhere near an expert.

2. I saw what I considered a problem (for me) and wanted to confirm it under
controlled conditions.

3. E-mail me and I will send you a word .doc with the typing errors (and
incorrect references to True Image 8 -which doesn't exist - removed). Take
out REMOVETHIS from my e-mail address.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

may I have the pleasure of copying this post and post it to the MSAS to
show an example of real testing by experts?
thanks in advance

I think I am going to keep True Image anyway. I need the license because I
believe I will use it during the construction of customers computers - but
only from the repair CD I created. I am not going to install it on any of
my PC's, unless I have to make another recovery CD, after which it will be
removed again.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!


You certainly put in a serious amount of time on this. However your
concern
means little to me. I use Acronis TrueImage extensively with both my
servers
and work stations. It hasn't let me down. I can't say the same for
Ghost. So
I'll stick with what works rather than worry about a bit of
defragmentation.
I too use Perfect Disk 7. It is a great product.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


Ghost 9 vs.
True
Image 8

Test
performed
04/19/2005







Machine



M/B = Asus A7N8X deluxe revision 2

CPU = Athlon XP3200 Barton

RAM = 1.5 gig of DDR PC2100

Hard drives = W.D. 160 gig w/8 meg cache, W.D. 120 gig w/4 meg cache

Windows partition (Drive C = 20 gig (7 gig used)





Setup



The computer is setup for dual booting with 2 identical copies of
Windows XP
Professional SP2 (with all current Windows updates). Each is installed
on a
20 gig primary DOS partition. I am using a 3rd party boot manager
program
(System Commander). The operating systems will henceforth be referred to
as
WinXP-1 and WinXP-2. When booted into one version, the other is
invisible
and can not be accessed. Each operating thinks that it is located on
drive/partition C:



Each installation of Windows XP Professional is on a NTFS formatted
partition (20 gig)





Software installed:



Microsoft Office 2003 (w/all current updates)

Visio 2002 (w/all current updates)

Adobe Acrobat 7.01

Easy CD-DVD Creator 6.0 (w/all current updates)

Adobe PhotoShop 7.01

AutoCAD 2004

Paint Shop Pro 9.0 (w/all current updates)

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2003

PerfectDisk 7.0 (build 34) latest

Norton Ghost (ver 9.0.2.3981

Acronis True Image (ver 8.0.826) latest

Many other ancillary applications and utilities



Point: Each installation, WinXP-1 and WinXP-2, are identical in every
way.





Conditions:



System Restore turned off in each O/S

Same size pagefile used on each O/S (768 min - 1536 max)

Hibernation turned on in each O/S

Each instance of the operating system was given a boot time defrag using
PerfectDisk 8. Upon reboot each instance of the operating system was
defragged using PerfectDisk 8









Comments:

As you can guess, I have quite a few large files that are either
installed
on my computer by applications or that are created by the operating
system.



It is important to note that True Image does NOT copy either the
pagefile.sys or the hiberfil.sys during the creation of the image as per
the
PerfectDisk Manual.





The test - creating the image:



Immediately after defragmenting with PerfectDisk 8 I used Ghost 9.0 to
create an image of WinXP-1. This image was saved to a clean hard drive
formatted NTFS for the test. I used the default compression scheme in
saving
the image



I then did the same for WinXP-2 using PerfectDisk 8 and Acronis True
Image
8. The default compression scheme was used here also.



Results and observations of image creation test:



The images created by True image took less time and the created image
was
approximately 10-15% smaller than the image created by Ghost 9 (using
the
default compression scheme in each instance)







The test - restoring the image:



WinXP-1



I used the Ghost 9 program CD to boot into the Recovery Environment. I
then
restored the image I had just created back to its original location.



WinXP-2



I used the recovery CD that I created from within the True Image 9
program.
I then restored the image I had just created back to its original
location.



Results and observations of image restore test:



During the restore operations I found that the time Acronis True Image 8
needed to restore the image was over one minute less that the time
needed to
restore the image created by Ghost 9. The reason being that the
pagefile.sys, and the hiberfil.sys files did not have to be restored. I
am
certain that the compression schemes used also enter into the equation.

I then booted into WinXP-1 with no problems. I immediately opened
Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. The partition and file
arrangement
was "almost precisely" as it was after the initial defrag (before the
creation of the image using Ghost 9). There was one file that was
reported
as being fragmented (the g3.dat file).



I then rebooted into WinXP-2 with no problems. I immediately opened
Perfect
Disk 8 and ran an analysis on drive C. I found that although the MFT was
in
the same location, the MFT Zone was in three scattered and widely
separated
areas. The hiberfil.sys file was in one segment but in a different area.
The
pagefile.sys file was fragmented into five widely segmented areas. There
were also about a dozen really large files that were in a fragmented
condition. It was necessary to perform boot time defrag on WinXP-2 and
then
perform a normal defrag as well. After doing the preceding the partition
was
now defragmented but was left with a different file geometry as
compared to
the original install (prior to imaging the partition). The pagefile.sys
and
the hiberfil.sys files were in an entirely new location.





Conclusion:



I had to spend an extra 35-45 minutes (reboot - defrag, reboot - defrag)
to
return the partitioned restored using Acronis True Image 8 to anything
near
its original condition.





Even though I do like some of the options offered by True Image I have
decided to stay with Ghost 9.0.



The copy of True Image 8 I have turned over to one of my sons (he isn't
as
picky as I am).




--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Stan Brown]

Because Windows may not have enough contiguous free space to create the
pagefile.sys as one chunk. You then will have a fragmented pagefile. Same
for the hiberfil.sys. Both of these files can be extremely large and need a
large amount of contiguous free space to be recreated in one piece.
Therefore it is better to put them back exactly as they were when the drive
image was created.

I understand what you're saying. I guess to me the ability to
restore individual files is paramount and I'm willing to live with
a bit of fragmentation. Also I'm really off of Symantec because I
was unable to get any help on a NAV problem, and navigating the Web
site's help system was an exercse in frustration.