OS Image by just copying files?

[joah]

Hi!!

If I was to copy all files of my freshly installed W98 to a CD using Nero (and just selecting all files, including hidden ones), would that be a usefull way of making a disk image? Could I copy those files back from CD to C: in DOS? Or do i HAVE to use disk imaging software? If so, just out of curiosity, why is that?

Thanks, :t
Joah.

[rraehal]

You need to use a disk imaging software.

Copying the files off doesn't get the boot record so the new drive would not be bootable. I think there is a problem with copying some files even if you tell the system to show all files and can select hidden files.


You can try several different packages. I use Symantec Ghost and PowerQuest DriveImage. (I think PowerQuest sold to another company.)

You can do a search and find lots of software to do the job. I do not know if you can find a free one.

[joah]

Ok, then I have a question about the imaging software. When I format C:, does the imaging software use a boot diskette or CD? I mean, where do I have to store the image, on a second Harddisk or on CD? I'd prefer the latter ofcourse. By the way, excuse me for these lame questions, I'm too lazy to read all the articles on the net about it. Just thought i'd ask here. :p

:t

[AllGamer]

if you use GHOST

you have it on CD, on another PC, on another HDD, over the network, etc

:D

that's why it's the best ;)

:t

[Midknyte]

you could do an xcopy, but driveimage or ghost would be WAY faster to do. Plus you can use compression.

[joah]

Allright. Looks like i'll have to get me that software. It seems to do the job, judging by your reactions. And my compu needs one desperately. :x

(**** that W98! ..dying out on me in barely 5 months..)

Thanks 4 ur thoughts!!
J :t