Which image software?

[Mini-Me]

Hi all.

I have read the thread comparing some imaging softwares.

I need a drive image maker thing, which does not require WinPE.(I only have OEM versions of XP, and it would appear that you can't build a WinPE without the retail version...)

I am looking at the Knoppix CD, but are there other programs around, which must be able to run from a bootable CD, so that you could boot to it, in order to restore the system partition...

[sburtchin]

All the softwares I reviewed can be booted by floppy or CD and create/restore images to/from CD media. These were my main requirements before I would even look at it. I think most would also create a bootable CD w/ image.

I'm not impressed with the Knoppix CD for image/restore - way too tedious, and way too slow for my old processor. Becomming less impressed in general each time I use it. Still have'nt been able to find partimage (KDparted, etc.) on the menus.

If your processor is faster than mine I would suggest Partition Saving. It is about the most feature rich imagers I have seen - and totally FREE. One feature I'm sure you would like is that when you create an image, it will create a restoration script for you, so all you have to do is boot and GO!

If you were lucky to get the free True Image 7.0, it boots to CD and is really easy to use.

[Sylvander]

The Free Trial version of TeraByte's "Image for DOS" ["Image"] included on the FREE "Emergency Boot CD" [EBCD] is really good, except that it won't make and restore direct to and from [a FAT32 partition on] an external USB HDD [the paid version does that].
It makes and restores images of ANY kind of partition though, and works outside of Windows, so can backup and restore Windows even when it won't boot.
You can make an image to a partition on an internal HDD and then either copy or move it elsewhere...
...Like to an external USB HDD or burn it to optical disks.

The EBCD includes lots more than just IforD.

1. [b]How to make a free “Smart Boot Manager” floppy
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41498
This makes it easier to boot a chosen drive [particularly the one holding the EBCD].

2. How to make a free EBCD bootable CD
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41485
This has a number of useful utilities included including "Image" [for DOS, by Terabyte] & "File Manager".

[Paul Komski]

Peeps will not be surprised if I recommend BiNG once again. It will do all the imaging and partitioning you need to do (from floppy, CD or from the Hard Drive's MBR/EMBR). Small download and a virtually fully functional trial of very versatile software with support for many different file systems and can access and image to USB and Firewire Externals and CDs/DVDs. Etc, etc, etc. It is made by the same people that made ImageForDos (an old version) that is on the EBCD that Sylvander mentions but it is a far far more comprehensive program.

[Mini-Me]

Okey dokey then, guys, thanks.
:)

I will download BiNG, make an EBCD, and also try out Partition Saving...

I will post back with the results.
:)