How to copy or "Ghost" a drive

[mindonstrike]

Could someone explain how to "Ghost" (If that's the proper term) your Windows drive, Procedure, software required etc.

Just to complicate things I somehow have ended up with Window system files on 2 different drives. I can't find the files on the data drive using Explorer but when I defrag the data drive I can see them there, also if I remove the data drive, Windows no longer boots up.

Anybody have any ideas? Suggestions?

Thanks.
Sam

[ddouglass]

Sam are you trying to "Mirror" the drive which is to have a second drive duplicate the first and will take over if first drive fails?

To "Ghost" a drive is referring to a Symantec program called Ghost which can copy a drive to a compressed file that would be used to restore the drive as it was the day you copied it. It is a back-up program. We use it at work to create an image file to load on to multiple computers that we want to be set up the exact same way.

It sounds like you have somehow copied (moved) some system files to your second disc removing themfrom the primary. I would try using Restore to go back to a time when those files are in the right location.

You probably can't see those files on your data drive because your Explorer settings are set to default. Open Explorer and click on Tools/Folder Options. Then in that screen click on the View tab at the top. Set Hidden Files and Folders to Show, uncheck Hide Extensions For Known File Types, and uncheck Hide Protected Operating System Files. Click Apply at bottom and then Apply to All Folders at the top. Then you will be able to see everything on your drives.

[mindonstrike]

Thanks Dale for the reply.

To "Ghost" a drive is referring to a Symantec program called Ghost which can copy a drive to a compressed file that would be used to restore the drive as it was the day you copied it. It is a back-up program. We use it at work to create an image file to load on to multiple computers that we want to be set up the exact same way.

OK, this doesn't sound like what I'm looking to do. I guess ghosting was not the correct term

Sam are you trying to "Mirror" the drive which is to have a second drive duplicate the first and will take over if first drive fails?

This sounds more like what I was thinking of.

It sounds like you have somehow copied (moved) some system files to your second disc removing themfrom the primary. I would try using Restore to go back to a time when those files are in the right location.

It's been this way for quite awhile , at least a year. I first noticed it when I tried to replace my data/song drive with a bigger one at least a year ago, and even if I could restore that far back I couldn't because all my restore files were corrupted by a couple of bad blocks a few weeks ago.

You probably can't see those files on your data drive because your Explorer settings are set to default. Open Explorer and click on Tools/Folder Options. Then in that screen click on the View tab at the top. Set Hidden Files and Folders to Show, uncheck Hide Extensions For Known File Types, and uncheck Hide Protected Operating System Files. Click Apply at bottom and then Apply to All Folders at the top. Then you will be able to see everything on your drives.

You were right. I thought I had all my system files and folders unhidden. Now I see I didn't.

I know I'm probably grasping at straws here but Is it possible to copy those files along with the system files and program files from the other drive to a 3rd drive? And then install and use it?

I'm just trying to avoid the headache of reloading windows and programs and drivers and updates, etc.

Thanks
Sam

[George]

Originally Posted by mindonstrike

I'm just trying to avoid the headache of reloading windows and programs and drivers and updates, etc.

Thanks
Sam

Then You need (Symantic) Norton Ghost

[ddouglass]

First, for this problem the best solution would be to reload Windows et al. This would clean up the system file locations and be beneficial in other ways too. It is a real pain and I always dread having to do it, but sometimes ya gotta. Be sure you have all your program installers somewhere else first before you start.

I am not even sure Ghost can help in this situation. If it was a case of getting errors on booting but still opening up then you could just copy everything from the old to the new drive, but since Windows won't open without it that won't work. You could add the new drive as a 3rd drive and just move your data. Then at some point in time reload Windows.

[George]

Originally Posted by ddouglass

First, for this problem the best solution would be to reload Windows et al. This would clean up the system file locations and be beneficial in other ways too. It is a real pain and I always dread having to do it, but sometimes ya gotta. Be sure you have all your program installers somewhere else first before you start.

I am not even sure Ghost can help in this situation. If it was a case of getting errors on booting but still opening up then you could just copy everything from the old to the new drive, but since Windows won't open without it that won't work. You could add the new drive as a 3rd drive and just move your data. Then at some point in time reload Windows.

And then go with Ghost to prevent this same thing in the future. That's what I meant but was a bit terse.