kamicota Posted September 6, 2009 Posted September 6, 2009 (edited) Hi againNever had the inclination to do backups/drive images of an y of the Deskies or lappy's but think the time has come to do just that.One of my postas had info in about how to do this ( from within LINUX) BUT :thumbsup: can not find it on either ATL or ATW So for now will throw these three links out thers and hopefully we can get some bites http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=systemrescuehttp://www.partimage.org/Main_Pagehttp://drive-image-backup.com/image-for-wi...eAdWordsContenthttp://www.comodo.com/home/data-storage-en...modo-backup.phpWill also post this in ATL as for now am a little awestruck with ALL the changes of 5 Computers/Netbooks/Monitors/External Hard Drives/External DVD Slim Drive that for now the brain cells seem to be in SLEEP mode Thank YOU ALL for so much TOLERANCE of what is happening in the CD/kamicota techie worldCheers for YearsColin Edited September 6, 2009 by kamicota Quote
Frank Golden Posted September 7, 2009 Posted September 7, 2009 (edited) Hi againNever had the inclination to do backups/drive images of an y of the Deskies or lappy's but think the time has come to do just that.One of my postas had info in about how to do this ( from within LINUX) BUT :thumbsup: can not find it on either ATL or ATW So for now will throw these three links out thers and hopefully we can get some bites http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=systemrescuehttp://www.partimage.org/Main_Pagehttp://drive-image-backup.com/image-for-wi...eAdWordsContenthttp://www.comodo.com/home/data-storage-en...modo-backup.phpWill also post this in ATL as for now am a little awestruck with ALL the changes of 5 Computers/Netbooks/Monitors/External Hard Drives/External DVD Slim Drive that for now the brain cells seem to be in SLEEP mode Thank YOU ALL for so much TOLERANCE of what is happening in the CD/kamicota techie worldCheers for YearsColin As I've posted earlier I use partimage, not the standalone version but the one included in SystemRescueCD. As I also posted earlier using "unetbootin" the windows version you can create a USB flashdrive version of SystemRescueCD.Partimage is used outside all OS's being a program you boot to. It will create images of NTFS, Fat32 and ext3 volumes.You can save them to an external drive or directly to an internal Fat32 partition. Although the images can be stored for safekeeping to any filesystem you cannot restore from a NTFS storage location. Fat 32 works fine.My experience has been that I can create an image and save it directly to a suitably sized USB flash. As an example I've got images of my XP install as well as intrepid Ubuntu, PclinuxOS 2009.1 and PClinuxOS 2009 gnome saved to a Corsair 16 GB Survivor flash drive with an image of Win7RC on a second 8 GB Titanium flash drive.The larger images (XP and Win 7) take about 20-25 minutes to create and save directly to the flash drives, this using compressionoption built into "partimage" creating fairly small images. My XP install is 10.3 GB and with medium compression is shrunk to 7.4 GB.This compression allows me to have more images on one flash drive. The catch is compression take more time to create an image as outlined above.Partimage only creates an image of used space on a partition. For example my XP install uses 10.3 GB out of 22.5 GB so partimage creates an image only using the 10.3 GB XP uses.That brings me to another limitation not normally encountered. If you create an image from 22.5 GB partition that only uses 10.3 GB of available space like my example above, you can restore to a partition exactly the same size as the original or bigger.If you try to restore to a smaller partition you will error out. This is regardless of the used space that was imaged.An example of how this could affect you is this.Awhile back I purchased a 320 GB HDD to replace my 200 GB notebooks HDD.My 200 GB drive had a partition structure like the chart below.sda1-23,069.9 MB primary partition with XP on itsda2-had a NTFS primary partition on itsda3-had a Fat32 primary partitionsda4 was an extended partition with the following logical partitions part of it.sda5-18637.9 MB with Ubuntu Hardysda6-2055.2 MB shared linux swapsda7-19461.5 MB with PClinuxOS 2009.1sda8-19461.5 MB with Ubuntu Intrepidsda9-19461.5 MB with PClinuxOS 2009 gnomesda10- with Win 7 RCMy plan was to recreate the OS partitions exactly to the last byteand expand sda2 and sda3 to fill in the rest of the free space.The result being sda2 and sda3 would be 90,012.6 MB each, much larger than the original. Since these were storage partitions I wouldn't be using partimage to copy data t them or to try to image them.I had to make sure that when preparing the new drive (mounted in an external enclosure temporarilly) that I recreated the OS partition sizes exactly as well as the swap partition. I created a duplicate partition structure (with bigger sda2 and sda3 partitions)so that I could use partimage to restore my OS images to the new drive to their respective new partitions.Partition magic will create the needed partitions exactly.If a partition is even a byte smaller than the original partimage will not restore it.Partition Magic accomplished the task perfectly with no unallocated space allowing me to use partimage to restore the latest images from my old drive, avoiding having to reinstall everything.I did have to use the repair feature on the Win 7 DVD to create the Win7 MBR to allow XP and Win 7 to be booted.I then used SuperGrub to restore grub thus creating a hybrid grub menu that allows me to boot all OS's on my new drive.The new 90,012.6 partitions were populated by simply hand copying files from the old drive.Removing the new, larger drive from the external enclosure and swapping with the old one had me up and running in a fraction of the time it would have taken to reinstall everything from scratch.The above is one of the many uses I've found for partimage although a use for more advanced users. I only outlined this use to illustrate the partition size limitation. Something more casual use is not likely to encounter.The more ordinary use is creating an image before installing new software or performing large updates in linux or doing any thingrisky.Restores from a USB flash drive are very fast (averaging 2.5 GB/min) with restores from a Fat 32 internal storage partition around 1 GB/min. Edited September 7, 2009 by Frank Golden Quote
kamicota Posted September 7, 2009 Author Posted September 7, 2009 Thanks Frank :"> Ity was your post I was looking for but could NOT find it although had about 5 things on the go at the time.Am reviewing what you wrote an will get the NEWEST SystemRescue cd and see where we go from thgereCheers for yearsColin Quote
zlim Posted September 7, 2009 Posted September 7, 2009 I'm a fan of Acronis True Image.I installed it, made a rescue CD then uninstalled it from the computer. I run the Acronis rescue CD I created. It loads the complete program in RAM and windows is not involved at all. I can either burn an image or have the image put on my external hd. I go both routes. Why? Well suppose the CDs can't be read, then I'll use an earlier or later image on the external hd. Suppose my external hd drive, I then have images burned that I can use to restore. I make an image about once a month. I've had to use my images on several computers and have always been happy with the results. I also make an image before I install something that I'm not sure will be cleanly uninstalled. Example: I loaned my laptop to a friend while she was recovering from knee surgery and couldn't walk up the steps to her computer. She uses Juno paid dialup. I made an image, installed Juno for her use and set up the notebook at her home. She used the computer several weeks to do her email and light surfing. When I got the notebook back, I restored the image so all traces of Juno and her usage were gone. Quote
kamicota Posted September 7, 2009 Author Posted September 7, 2009 Thanks LizThats sounds exciting and will explore too.Curious does it do a complete image of the computer --->>>ie:- with a dual boot linux/xp installed???Cheers for <yearsColin Quote
zlim Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 Colin, my windows/linux setup is on two different hard drives so I'm not in the situation you are in.I image either C drive or D drive. Quote
kamicota Posted September 10, 2009 Author Posted September 10, 2009 Yep LizXP/Linux here are on ONE drive so am taking time before plunging into itCheers for yearsColin Quote
Frank Golden Posted September 10, 2009 Posted September 10, 2009 (edited) Yep LizXP/Linux here are on ONE drive so am taking time before plunging into itCheers for yearsColin Colin, with partimage you just make a separate image of each partition.I don't know about Acronis doing all partitions on a given drive at once.Actually I don't know if any clone/image software can do that. I don't know why you would want to create an image of both XP and your linux partition at the same time. If you trash one or both of your OS's it's a simple matter to restore the affected partition.If you only trash one OS whats the point of restoring both.Seagate, the manufacturer of most of my HDD's has a free utility that automates moving everything from an old drive to a new oneincluding cloning OS's. This is handy for moving everything to a new larger or same sized drive but for little else.If I'm given a choice between paying for Acronis or using free partimage, partimage would win hand's down.Incidentally I have (paid for) Norton Ghost 9 and have used it to clone partitions but not to create restore images.Partimage creates images with ease including creating/restoring NTFS partitions.It is fairly easy to learn and works quickly (especially restores).As I've said before I can help you learn how to use partimage.If you provide me with your partition structure (determined by running the command) fdisk -l at the command prompt from Sysrescue CD. You can also get this info from your linux distro using the terminal.In Ubuntu the command is sudo fdisk -l followed by your password.In PCLinuxOS or MDV type su followed by your password thiss gives you root access and then type fdisk -l .Incidentally the "l" in the command is a lowercase L.Knowing what your partition designations are (sda1, sda2 etc.) I can tailor the instructions for your situation.You do need a Fat32 partition on your drive to save the images to (not the partition your XP is on).Partimage is that easy to use. You just print the instructions I will give you and use them in order.I use it all the time. Just last night I used partimage to create new images of my Win 7RC, XP-SP3, Ubuntu Intrepid, Ubuntu Hardy, PclinuxOS 2009 kde and PCLinuxOS 2009 gnome installs.I do this at least once a month (when MS updates come out) or after doing lots of updates in linux.I also create a new image when I'm planning to do something risky with an OS. Edited September 10, 2009 by Frank Golden Quote
kamicota Posted September 10, 2009 Author Posted September 10, 2009 FrankI take the COMMON SENSE regarding partitions so here is --->>>For the 4600+[kamicota@localhost ~]$ suPassword: [root@localhost kamicota]# fdisk -lDisk /dev/sda: 160.0 GB, 160041885696 bytes255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 19457 cylindersUnits = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytesDisk identifier: 0x06250625 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System/dev/sda1 * 1 2805 22531131 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)/dev/sda2 2806 19457 133757190 f W95 Ext'd (LBA)/dev/sda5 2806 5737 23551258+ b W95 FAT32/dev/sda6 5738 9561 30716248+ b W95 FAT32/dev/sda7 9562 12761 25703968+ 83 Linux/dev/sda8 12762 13161 3212968+ 82 Linux swap / Solaris/dev/sda9 13162 19457 50572588+ 83 Linux[root@localhost kamicota]# Have the newest SystemRescue CD tooBut prefer to save to an external USB drive if that is possible as there is one for each of the desktopsCheers for YearsColin Quote
Frank Golden Posted September 11, 2009 Posted September 11, 2009 FrankI take the COMMON SENSE regarding partitions so here is --->>>For the 4600+[kamicota@localhost ~]$ suPassword: [root@localhost kamicota]# fdisk -lDisk /dev/sda: 160.0 GB, 160041885696 bytes255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 19457 cylindersUnits = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytesDisk identifier: 0x06250625 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System/dev/sda1 * 1 2805 22531131 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)/dev/sda2 2806 19457 133757190 f W95 Ext'd (LBA)/dev/sda5 2806 5737 23551258+ b W95 FAT32/dev/sda6 5738 9561 30716248+ b W95 FAT32/dev/sda7 9562 12761 25703968+ 83 Linux/dev/sda8 12762 13161 3212968+ 82 Linux swap / Solaris/dev/sda9 13162 19457 50572588+ 83 Linux[root@localhost kamicota]# Have the newest SystemRescue CD tooBut prefer to save to an external USB drive if that is possible as there is one for each of the desktopsCheers for YearsColin Colin, plug in the external drive for this desktop. Run the fdisk -l command again. I need to know the designation of the externaldrive. It's probably sdb1. Quote
kamicota Posted September 11, 2009 Author Posted September 11, 2009 Thank you Frank [kamicota@localhost ~]$ suPassword: [root@localhost kamicota]# fdisk -lDisk /dev/sda: 160.0 GB, 160041885696 bytes255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 19457 cylindersUnits = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytesDisk identifier: 0x06250625 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System/dev/sda1 * 1 2805 22531131 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)/dev/sda2 2806 19457 133757190 f W95 Ext'd (LBA)/dev/sda5 2806 5737 23551258+ b W95 FAT32/dev/sda6 5738 9561 30716248+ b W95 FAT32/dev/sda7 9562 12761 25703968+ 83 Linux/dev/sda8 12762 13161 3212968+ 82 Linux swap / Solaris/dev/sda9 13162 19457 50572588+ 83 LinuxDisk /dev/sdb: 250.0 GB, 250059350016 bytes255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 30401 cylindersUnits = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytesDisk identifier: 0x25aa9b40 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System/dev/sdb1 1 30401 244196001 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)[root@localhost kamicota]# Reservations here Frank will Fat32 accept such a large image - think this file system has a 4GB LimitCheers for YearsColin :"> Quote
Frank Golden Posted September 11, 2009 Posted September 11, 2009 Thank you Frank [kamicota@localhost ~]$ suPassword: [root@localhost kamicota]# fdisk -lDisk /dev/sda: 160.0 GB, 160041885696 bytes255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 19457 cylindersUnits = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytesDisk identifier: 0x06250625 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System/dev/sda1 * 1 2805 22531131 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)/dev/sda2 2806 19457 133757190 f W95 Ext'd (LBA)/dev/sda5 2806 5737 23551258+ b W95 FAT32/dev/sda6 5738 9561 30716248+ b W95 FAT32/dev/sda7 9562 12761 25703968+ 83 Linux/dev/sda8 12762 13161 3212968+ 82 Linux swap / Solaris/dev/sda9 13162 19457 50572588+ 83 LinuxDisk /dev/sdb: 250.0 GB, 250059350016 bytes255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 30401 cylindersUnits = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytesDisk identifier: 0x25aa9b40 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System/dev/sdb1 1 30401 244196001 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)[root@localhost kamicota]# Reservations here Frank will Fat32 accept such a large image - think this file system has a 4GB LimitCheers for YearsColin :">No problem Colin, As you will see, Partimage will split the image into as many parts as needed. I will have you set the default to 3.9 GB and partimage will create as many sub images as needed all 3.9 GB or less.When you do a restore partimage will seamlessly join together the various parts of the image. It works great.Your XP image depending on the amount of used space should be around 2 sub images around 3.9 GB apiece using moderate compression.I will put together instructions based on the info you provided. This will be for your XP install. Modify accordingly for your linux install. Quote
kamicota Posted September 11, 2009 Author Posted September 11, 2009 FrankSounds like a plan coming together IF I can now find where that SystemRescue is hiding on me :"> Cheers for Yearscolin Quote
Frank Golden Posted September 11, 2009 Posted September 11, 2009 (edited) Ok Colin, First plugin your external drive. Then insert the SystemrescueCD and boot to it.When the RescueCD is finished booting you will be at a command prompt.Enter these commands exactly.The first command will create a directory in Ram called /backup.The command is mkdir /backup .Next we're going to mount the external dive to /backup.The commandis mount -t vfat /dev/sdb1 /backup this command must be exactly as written with spaces etcNext start Partimage by typing partimage , all lower case.This will open up partimage.The first partition listed should be sda1 (your XP partition).Highlight this partition and press tab.This will move the cursor to the next field "image file to create/use".Type in the following /backup/XP this is the name of your image.Make sure the choice under "action to be done:" is set to "save partition to new image file" pressing the spacebar makes the selection.Press F5 this will bring up the next screen the "save partition to image file" screen.At top are three compression choices, choose the second one (gzip) by moving the up/down arrow keys. The spacebar will make your choice.Next field (options) use the up/down and spacebar to deselect the two choices.Make sure the "if finished succesfully" field is set to wait.Now move down to the "image split mode" field is set for "into files is set to..." and set the file size to 3900MiB.Press F5 and OK. Wait for the image making process to complete. Partimage will tell you when you have sucessfully created your new image with a dialog box, press enter to acknowledge.Exit the systemrescueCD by pressing and holding your machines power button until your computer shutsdown.To restore the image.Start SysRescueCD and at the command prompt type mkdir /backup like before.Mount the storage partition just like before mount -t vfat /dev/sdb1 /backup Start partimage by typing partimage .When partimage opens choose sda1 as before and press tab.In the "image file to create/use" field at type /backup/xp.000 this is the full name of your stored image.Use the up/down arrow key and move down to the "action to be done:" field.Choose "restore partition from an image file"Press F5 this will take you to the "restore partition from image file" screen.Make sure none of the options are checked and that the box for wait is checked.OK through the next 2 dialog boxes.Wait for the restore process to complete.Partimage will inform you when the restore is complete with a dialog box. Press enter to acknowledge.Exit SystemrescueCD by pressing and holding the power button until you computer shuts down.Your image should have been restored. Edited September 11, 2009 by Frank Golden Quote
kamicota Posted September 13, 2009 Author Posted September 13, 2009 FrankPLEASE :"> excuse the delay am in the proces of trying to--->>>http://forums.scotsnewsletter.com/index.php?showtopic=28332And either typing all those commands out/or wrtiting them down while redownloading SystemRescue CDSo that both Quad and 4600+ are set the way I want themCheers for YearsColin Quote
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