DriveImage XML v1.21 Partition Backup Tutorial

Hi All,

How many times have we been told to make a backup of our hard drive partitions and wanted to do with a competent program. Well it is possible with a very capable program utility called DriveImage XML.

The next "Biggie" is HOW?

(This section is for fellow XP users) Firstly lets start with a tip, or housekeeping cleanup regime! Get hold of a program called CCleaner (From here http://www.ccleaner.com/ don't worry its freeware), install it, set your preferences in "Cleaner Settings" to what you would like to clean on your Hard Drive, then run it (depress run Cleaner button) to remove all the junk from your hard drive(s). You could also uses the "Issues" option to lightly clean the registry also. Then use, the "defragmenter" on your hard drive, the onboard Windows defragmenter will suffice. Then go to Start > My Computer > Right click on your "C:\" drive partition, Scroll down to properties select > tools then "Error Checking" (incidently this is also where you will find Windows onboard defragmenter) > select "Check now" Tick the boxes that will present themselves as follows:

• Automatically fix file system errors

• Scan for & attempt recovery of bad sectors

Then at the next screen select yes to:
At Checking Disk Local Disk (C:)
What will happen is you will then conduct a reboot and your system will be then checked for errors on your ( C:) partition. Next, if it was me, I would also set a "system restore point" to go back to in case anything undesirable should occur! "Voila you have completed an important cleanup, checking routine!

Now if like me, you find that every time thereafter your system wants to run "check disk" the best way of stopping it is:
Disable Error Checking at Startup
Always back up the registry before undertaking any alterations to it.
Start/Run/Regedit. In the right pane, delete this entry: BootExecute autocheck autochk*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager

It's all well & good me coming along & recommending these "nifty gizmo's" but they either "cost an arm & a leg" or they are overally complicated in there application!

Well, I hope to address two of those issues in this publication or post, for one DriveImage XML is freeware & secondly you are about to be made aware of two guidance resources that will hopefully enable you to acquire the necessary knowledge & skills to undertake a "Partition backup" faily easily. Grab a cup of your favourite beverage & sit back & view a 8 Minute 29 second video presentation!

1) Click on the link below, when you are sittting comfortably:



2) If you like the video presentation above, but you would like a hard copy, say in Pdf format, at the bottom of this page you will find a zipped file, with DriveImage XML pdf contained therein. Just download, unpack the seven page pdf document, you can then fire it off to your printer for a handy hard copy, "voila", job done!.

Also I would also like to draw your attention to WinBuilder & that it can be used with a script to backup your hard drive partitions. It can be found at the link below (called - DriveImageXML.script 05-Feb-2008 21:30 1.7M ):

http://livexp.boot-l.../Apps/HD tasks/

If you are looking for a tutorial that explains WinBuilders usage in more detail, see this link below http://www.boot-land...?showtopic=4264

N.B. Now just a word of caution as far as I can gather this script has problems with VistaPE reading on various posts within Boot-Land, so unless you can find evidence to the contrary or if this problem has since been resolved "DONOT" use it with VistaPE or Vista for that matter! See here http://www.boot-land...?showtopic=3565

Now come on! NO excuses, "do yourself a favour & backup your hard drive partitions, you know it makes sense".

Regards & Best Wishes,

ispy

DriveImageXML is my favourite imaging software, I like it mostly because it's free and quick to understand how it works.

Good tutorial!

Hi Nuno ,

Many thanks for the feedback was thinking of compiling a similair tutorial for Acronis True Image but I am not sure whether I should do this as it is commercial software?

I have cross referenced this tutorial with the Winbuilder tutorial & thus was hoping to do the same with Acronis but I need guidance if this is OK?

Regards,

ispy

If you think that it will help other people, I'd say go for it.

@ispy

I would say good work , but you missed a rather basic thing :
Driveimage CANNOT backup a "real" hard drive.

It can only backup partitions or volumes, thus, if your hard drive really crashes, you won't be able to restore it exactly as it was.

Two ways out:
1) use a dd-like program to backup also MBR+hidden sectors
2) use a real Hard Drive imaging program.
Good candidates are NFGDUMP (comand line) and SelfImage (GUI) links to them (and more) here:
http://www.911cd.net...showtopic=16534

jaclaz

Then there's always Paragon Hard Disk Manager 8.0 Special Edition, which is free:

http://www.computera...dmanager8/index
http://registry.para...e.com/hdm8pers/

Takes care of jaclaz's concerns. Script is included in LiveXP.

Regards,
Galapo.

Hi all ,

Great, many thanks for all the feedback, the scrutiny & appraisel is always encouraged & welcome. I'm never quite sure whether I am compiling the tuition guides in the right way & feedback is excellant way of ironing out blatant errors or mistakes or indeed stopping the spread of dis-information.

but you missed a rather basic thing :
Driveimage CANNOT backup a "real" hard drive.

I will tweak & amend to reflect the corrections you have all outlined to improve the overall information & content, many thanks Jaclaz!

The main reason for selecting these two items of software is there are fairly intuiative & relatively easy for the beginner to use & I am hoping to interlink/cross reference these, what I would call complementary tutorials with that of the "WinBuilder Tutorial", that was compiled previously (as these two programs were specifically mentioned within it).

Can I ask whether the alternative candidates would be suitable for beginners or would you say these programs are pitched at the intermediate level in there usage? Paragon Hard Disk Manager 8 is on offer until - Exclusive Computeractive Download Offer - Expires April 11, 2007. It may well be worth however, writing a tutorial on this at a later date?

I will gather some info on Acronis True Image & try & formulate a tutorial thanks Nuno!

Regards & Best Wishes,

ispy

Can I ask whether the alternative candidates would be suitable for beginners or would you say these programs are pitched at the intermediate level in there usage? Paragon Hard Disk Manager 8 is on offer until - Exclusive Computeractive Download Offer - Expires April 11, 2007.

The offer, despite the date, is still functioning. The software is more intermediate, I guess, since it provides for all hard disk operations (partitioning, resizing, merging, etc). But it is easy to use.

Regards,
Galapo.

Hi Galapo ,

I will have to give this software a go, to maybe write a tutorial at a later date. Many Thanks for the recommendation!

Regards,

ispy

BTW, in case you didn't already know Paragon actually provide their own version of a recovery CD if you buy the program, and it runs under WinPE 2.0 (!), so their programs are literally made to run under Vista PE as well. Great stuff, works like a dream and simple / fast to use. Couldn't praise them enough. I use Partition Manager 9.0 Professional myself under VistaPE (SP1) (as we already know driveimage XML doesn't work there)

Hi Rehtorix ,

Thankyou appreciably for talking the time to provide some feedback! The information you have posted is both interesting & useful, in the respect that after writing the tutorial that I am currently working on I hopefully intend to gather information on paragon with the intention of writing a Tutorial for it @ a later stage.

As you are conversant with this program it would be beneficial if you could volunteer some help in its composition as I have no knowledge of paragon but it seems popular & as you mention is favourably supported:

and it runs under WinPE 2.0 (!), so their programs are literally made to run under Vista PE as well. Great stuff, works like a dream and simple / fast to use. Couldn't praise them enough.

Again many thanks for your help!

Regards & Best Wishes,

ispy

No problem. The good thing about Paragon tools are that they don't use complex registry hives etc. so they are very easy to transfer under PE environment.

If,ExistFile,"%WindowsDir%\System32\qt-dx331.dll",FileCopy,"%WindowsDir%\System32\qt-dx331.dll","%TargetDir%\Windows\System32"
If,ExistFile,"%WindowsDir%\System32\qtp-mt334.dll",FileCopy,"%WindowsDir%\System32\qtp-mt334.dll","%TargetDir%\Windows\System32"
If,ExistFile,"%WindowsDir%\System32\prgiso.dll",FileCopy,"%WindowsDir%\System32\prgiso.dll","%TargetDir%\Windows\System32"
If,ExistFile,"%WindowsDir%\System32\Drivers\UimBus.sys",FileCopy,"%WindowsDir%\System32\Drivers\UimBus.sys","%TargetDir%\Windows\System32\Drivers"
If,ExistFile,"%WindowsDir%\System32\Drivers\UimFIO.sys",FileCopy,"%WindowsDir%\System32\Drivers\UimFIO.sys","%TargetDir%\Windows\System32\Drivers"
If,ExistFile,"%WindowsDir%\System32\Drivers\Uim_IM.sys",FileCopy,"%WindowsDir%\System32\Drivers\Uim_IM.sys","%TargetDir%\Windows\System32\Drivers"
RegHiveLoad,Tmp_setupreg_hiv,%RegSystem%
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x4,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","Type","1"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x4,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","Start","1"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x4,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","ErrorControl","1"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x2,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","ImagePath","System32\Drivers\Uim_IM.sys"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x1,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","DisplayName","UIM Drive Backup Image Plugin"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x7,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","DependOnService","55","69","6d","42","75","73","00","00"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x7,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","DependOnGroup","00"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x4,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","Type","1"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x4,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","Start","1"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x4,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","ErrorControl","1"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x2,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","ImagePath","system32\DRIVERS\UimBus.sys"
RegWrite,"HKLM",0x1,"Tmp_setupreg_hiv\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","DisplayName","Universal Image Mounter Controller"
RegHiveUnLoad,Tmp_setupreg_hiv

Here are the system files & registry settings you need under VistaPE (no credit for myself, there was a script you can study in one of the earlier VistaPE builds , scripts by nightman if I rememer correctly), anyway these are the settings you need under winbuilder besides copying the program dir (dunno, but maybe you need to change some variable / dir under other PE than vista?).

Also another great thing is that you can leave out certain wizards etc. you don't need, the program will still work, only the corresponding menu items will be grayed out. For example I have removed multiboot and recovery media creator wizards on mine (bmw and rmb dirs) needless to say you don't need to build recovery media if you have PE building tools .. not sure if all these exist in 8.x versions as I only started to use 9.x myself..

You can PM me if you need more info..

Don't forget to use the new scripting!

It makes code so much easier to read and flexible since no static paths are used.

You can replace that portion of code with this:

Require,qt-dx331.dll

Require,qtp-mt334.dll

Require,prgiso.dll

If,ExistFile,"%source_sys%\Drivers\UimBus.sys",FileCopy,"%source_sys%\Drivers\UimBus.sys","%target_sys%\Drivers"

If,ExistFile,"%source_sys%\Drivers\Uim_IM.sys",FileCopy,"%source_sys%\Drivers\Uim_IM.sys","%target_sys%\Drivers"

hive_load,HKLM

reg_add,0x4,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","Type","1"

reg_add,0x4,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","Start","1"

reg_add,0x4,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","ErrorControl","1"

reg_add,0x2,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","ImagePath","System32\Drivers\Uim_IM.sys"

reg_add,0x1,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","DisplayName","UIM Drive Backup Image Plugin"

reg_add,0x7,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","DependOnService","55","69","6d","42","75","73","00","00"

reg_add,0x7,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\Uim_IM","DependOnGroup","00"

reg_add,0x4,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","Type","1"

reg_add,0x4,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","Start","1"

reg_add,0x4,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","ErrorControl","1"

reg_add,0x2,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","ImagePath","system32\DRIVERS\UimBus.sys"

reg_add,0x1,"%reg%\ControlSet001\Services\UimBus","DisplayName","Universal Image Mounter Controller"

hive_unload,HKLM

This code also allows the same script to work under VistaPE, LiveXP or any other project using this universal script format.

Cheers Nuno!

One small question though: how does it differentiate in the new script if the hive goes under HKLM SYSTEM or SOFTWARE. In old scripting it was %regsystem% or %regsoftware%

Hi rehtorix ,

I have sent you a private message can you confirm whether you have received it please!

Regards,

ispy

Cheers Nuno!

One small question though: how does it differentiate in the new script if the hive goes under HKLM SYSTEM or SOFTWARE. In old scripting it was %regsystem% or %regsoftware%

You find this information inside the script.project file:

%HIVE_HKLM%=%target_sys%\setupreg.hiv
%HIVE_HKCU%=%target_sys%\Config\default
%HIVE_HKU%=%target_sys%\Config\software

http://livexp.boot-l.../script.project

On this case, we're using LiveXP and for VistaPE the paths to the respective hives are adjusted accordingly.

Therefore, you use the following hive designations:

HKLM ==> setupreg.hiv (%regsystem% in old vistape format)
HKCU ==> default
HKU ==> software (%regsoftware% in old vistape format)

This way your script commands will know where to be written regardless of the winbuilder project or Windows Platform - it's a way to let your script survive without requiring changes over the next years.

-- Now that I think about it - maybe a tutorial to explain how these things work wouldn't be a bad idea to help other fellow members.

This way your script commands will know where to be written regardless of the winbuilder project of Windows Platform - it's a way to let your script survive without requiring changes over the next years.

Yes I agree, thx for pointing it out. I've just studied the VistaPE project and used what I've found myself so far.

Hi Nuno ,

-- Now that I think about it - maybe a tutorial to explain how these things work wouldn't be a bad idea to help other fellow members.

Yes this one of the aspects I have been thinking about in the future, "A basic script writing" guidance note, but for me it would be first a good idea to pick up the basics before venturing into this realm LOL!

Also another proposal I have been considering is writing a short explanation/guidance note on the various projects that WinBuilder is capable of building ReactOS, VistaPE MultiBoot, the nativeEX varients, PicoxP, BartPE, MobileOS Unatended XP Install Vista PE Core, Native PE or any other projects that may be in the sidelines or in the various stages of development or production.

This series of mini Tuts could then be cross linked into the main "WinBuilder [074]" tutorial for further reference material, "A what is" if you like! However, I think this would need the co-operation of the developers to aid in the overall production.

It's one thing to know about WinBuilder but a further consideration should be outlined in respect of the projects it is able to produce & what by definition they are capable of doing for the user etc. These projects could also be classified into Beginner, intermediate & advanced for loose defining levels, just a thought!

Regards,

ispy

Yes, you're right.

Will keep this in mind over the weekend!

Yes Nuno Thanks ,

@Rehtorix - You have mail, I have forwarded the the basics of the Paragon tutorial for your perusal etc!

I need to set some some time aside to start working on the NIC tutorial as requested by Peter & Galapo in another post.

Regards,

ispy

I know its too late now but it seems bizarre to use HKLM for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system and HKU for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software which gives the impression it would be HKEY_USERS.

I know its too late now but it seems bizarre to use HKLM for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system and HKU for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software which gives the impression it would be HKEY_USERS.

Paraglider,

you remind me on a concern I once have had, but forgot to post

Peter

Maybe we should make a separate thread for Paragon tools & gather information there to get people started with these programs (to build a working version in WB succesfully) as there are quite a few versions to choose for specific tasks..

I did a quick search & here is a site with at least one script for Hard Disk Manager 8 SE:

http://galapo.boot-land.net/

Hi Rehtorix ,

Thanks for the PM. As you are aware I am not very familair with Paragon utils but due to the description on the web-sites etc seems like a very capable program providing additional over & above benefits to the two backup strategy programs featured in earlier tutorials!

If you go to the tutorial entitled "WinBuilder [074] Tutorial" therein you will find a paragraph which basically outlines good custom & practice in respect of backup strategies, one program is DriveImageXML (Freeware) Linked to here & the Acronis True Image, a commercial offering or candidate linked to the Acronis True Image Tut. The problem is as you quite rightly point out is programs like Acronis or other software manufacturers for that matter soon become dated, they have a short life span in respect of versions numbers. Acronis is up to version 11 if I am not mistaken, but will soon be superseeded by further newer versions, thus making these tutorials, basically only have a short shelf life.

The context & underlying message of these tutorials is trying to get the message across, that it is good practice to make system backups irrespective of which software program you use, especially I would say for starters. I am antiscipating even a re-write of the WinBuilder [074] Tutorial even at this early stage as new versions of it will soon be on the scene.

I was hoping that you would be able to help in the production of the Paragon tutorial in respect of the WinBuilder scripts & general tips & proof reading to ensure that I don't misguide anyone particularly if they are "Starters"! No worries though I understand family committments all to well & how busy life can be. The information sent to you, was as a way of introduction background details leading to the Paragon scripts for Winbuilder, packing material really.

I agree the Paragon tut should be in a separate posting & it should be cross referenced into WinBuilder tutorials as a bolt on additional choice. We do however have the advantage that we can edit these tuts as we proceed, so minor tweaking & updating is inevitable & yes will be necessary, all part of the evolutionary process!

I am currently working on a Networking/internet access Tut, would like a basic how to scripting tutorial, to also formulate guidance on bug infestaion eradication just ot mention a few & would also like to put together a guidance notes on the various projects that are available within WinBuilder so that anyone whether visitor or member for that matter will have a resource library of information etc. I have to confess that I do not know what all the various projects available for download, will do for that matter so I'd guess that the visitor will even know less about them! It is also a good way of advertising for the hard working developers, raising the profile in a sense through guidance exposure & explanation!

Sorry I must get off my soap box, as Peter [Psc] quite rightly says I prattle on too much! I will be away for the next couple of days as it's my grandmothers 100th birthday (will be back on 10/04/08 so please excuse my abscence)

Regards & Best Wishes,

ispy

At the moment my own scripts are quite static and planned for my own setup. Thus I can only give out pointers at the moment. It takes a bit more planning/work to release fully working script that is transferrable to other systems, as Nuno pointed out earlier.

At the moment I'm still studying the VistaPE project and so far the results are very promising. Hopefully I will be able (have time) to release scripts that will help others as well. Who knows where all this is heading.

Meanwhile I suggest everyone to try the above link for a ready working script for liveXP projects, you can try (kindly) ask the author (galapo) for help if you run into any problems.



btw, few things I've noticed about paragon software (at least applicable to partition manager 9.0):

-Paragon PE-based recovery media is delivered separately as an .ISO-file. The recovery media builder creates a linux-based solution, which is IMO not so good.

-I removed the recovery media builder (RMB -directory), IMO it is not needed under PE. This is safe, the corresponding menu item will gray out without any other ill-efects. Also the separate boot image is not needed, just takes space.

-In partition manager the restore backup wizard is not present if you copy the files from local HDD installation (they intend you to use their recovery media for that). The recovery wizard can be found from their PE-image. I eventually ported it myself with a bit of daemontools/imagex mounting. Actually the whole program is best copied from there rather than from local HDD

-The boot manager I didn't like that much, easybcd etc. work better and maintain OEM look, the paragon version has their own logos etc. in the boot menu which I didn't like. This can also be removed if you don't need it (BMW -directory). Too bad easybcd needs .NET framework so it's a bit heavy for PE. Well, depends what you need really..

-Disk copy and simple backup/recovery wizards seem to work great however, so if you already have setup a multiboot environment, it will be recovered the way it was, without bluescreens or BCD repair hassle. I have not tested the more complex backup features of HDM-versions, I mostly need the cloning and simple backup features @ my work.

-Disk wipe was temporarily disabled in some versions, there is mixed information about that, apparently something to do with Vista. Partition Manager doesn't have this feature so haven't really tested it.