back up -drive

[stephawey]

I wannt back up a copy of my C-drive, which is only about 500 Mb. Can I just copy and paste all files from C-drive to CD-R?

[mjc]

Which OS and what format is the drive (FAT16, FAT32 etc)?

If long file names aren't used on your system it may work but if you use long file names then you should probaly do a backup with a drive image program.

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mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[stephawey]

P166 Win98 SE, FAT32.

What is the best program to use to back-up using a CD-R disc that will allow me to just easily replace the C-drive with all the configuration at the time of the back-up, even when Windows fails to boot? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Randy_tx]

I use "Ghost" by Norton and it makes a perfect copy of the entire drive. It's available free on most motherboard driver CD's. If you need it, someone here can probably email it to you.....The free version does a good job when you are copying everything on the drive.

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[stephawey]

Thank you. The reason I want to backup my C-drive is I currently have a undetermined problem with my PC. For some unknown reason, my computer does not work in 320 X 240 screen resolution (please see my problem in Video/Audio section entitled "scrambled boot-up screen"). Everything works normally in Win98SE, unless I run some games, or use SAFE mode. In 2 occasions, some configuration faults caused WIN98SE only ran in 320 X 240 and I had to do RECOVERY runs to restore it. I thought may be I can speed up the RECOVERY process if I can copy C-drive in case WIN98SE fails again.
My problem with GHOST (I tried a trial version) is that it runs in DOS at 320 X 240 resolution and I cannot see anything to configure it. I also tried GoBack, but the menu also runs in 320 X 240 during boot up.
Q1 Is there an alternative that will run in DOS prompt during recovery process?
Q2 I can make an exact copy of my C-drive on a CD-R disc, but I don't know whether copying the whole CD-R to C-drive in DOS prompt will allow me to boot again?

[Paleo Pete]

The reason I want to backup my C-drive is I currently have a undetermined problem with my PC.

Backing up an OS with current problems will result in restoring an OS with problems. The purpose of a backup is to be able to restore a good OS if problems occur. If the backup copy you use to restore from also has problems, you're running around in circles.

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[Randy_tx]

Can you get your hands on another video card to go to lower resolution??

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[stephawey]

Thank you both Randy and Pete.
I think my problem lies in my monitor, please see my followup in Video/Audio section entitled "scrambled boot-up screen". One clarification: it is at resolution 640X480 in 16 colors that was scrambled, not 320X240 (sorry).
I think I am OK to back up my C-drive because the video problem does not occur if I use another monitor. ie not a software/configuration problem.
Yes, I did try another video card and it behaved the same.
My question remains: If I just copy and paste C-drive on a CD-R, will C-drive boot if I just overwrite C-drive using the back-up CD-R (in DOS mode) in the event of a crash (example: when Win fails to boot)? If not what is my alternative? I still have the problem with the scrambled screen in 640X480 in 16 colors, so GHOST and GoBack cannot be used.

[Randy_tx]

Unless I am mistaken, regardless of what you do, you will still have problems as long as you use the same MONITOR !! Why not just change monitors and forget it? I'm confused http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif I've never heard of a monitor that will only work in certain resolutions though...AND never ever seen a monitor that will not work in 640x480 ! I dont guess I understand the problem correctly.

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[stephawey]

Let me explain. The problem is like using a TV with cable. The older TVs had individual knobs that adjust sync in either vertical or horizontal direction and the new TV usually sync automatically, but some allow you to sync manually from the program menu. Eventhough the signal from the cable is normal, if the sync buttons are not adjusted properly, your movies are still scrambled! All you have to do is to adjust the knobs to sync the signals. No need to change a cable company!
OK, I know my problem is the monitor, somehow it is out of sync, but unlike the old TV, there is no external knobs to correct the problem. ATI video driver includes the sync feature (access from display properties) in video modes other than 16 colors 640 X 480 resolution. That's why I was able to re-sync my monitor in all other combinations of colors and resolution but not the abovementioned combination. I know for sure that the signal from the tower is normal because there is no problem when I borrowed another monitor from a friend.
So, for the discussion here, I want to back up my C-drive on CD-R. If I just want to cut and paste, do I make the CD-R bootable and then copy all the files from C-drive?

[mjc]

It could possibly work but because Windows uses long file names and DOS uses 8.3 filenames the chance of being successful are slim. DOS will cut the names short and copy may not keep them straight.

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mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[stephawey]

If the filename is the only problem, is there a solution? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

[mjc]

That is probably one of the biggest problems but it may not be the only one, there is a drive image program that works in Windows GUI but is doesn't support spanning of multiple CD images, it is Drive2Drive by Future Systems Solutions (http://www.fssdev.com). The other problem is that the most effective means of doing what you want rely on doing it in DOS. Could you possibly use the mode command from the C:> to set a different DOS video mode?


PS I just saw, again, that what you want to backup is 500MB so drive2drive should work, MaximumPC had on their disk in Jan 2001 (trial version). I've used it and it seemed to work ok, but its not GHOST.
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mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 03-18-2001).]

[stephawey]

I happen to own a issue of that MaximumPC. I'll give it a try. Thanks.
The screen is OK at c:> DOS mode.