Backup Complete Install and Restore, Possible?

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CruciasNZ

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#33513 7-May-2009 10:32

I am considering installing windows 7 RC on my HP Mini 1000 8gb SSD, with the Vlite approach, my question is this.

Can i backup my full installation, programs, registry, OS, settings etc with something like ghost and restore them if i do not like Windows 7?

For example, im basically asking if i can get the same effect digitally as buying another Hp Mini and installing it on that and shelving my XP one.

I'd be very interested to know, as googling it gives us lots of useless links about Mac boot camp etc.

Cheers guys

Chris

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robjg63

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#213098 7-May-2009 10:44

I suggest that you have a look at Macrium Reflect (free edition) - I had a play with it on my eee 900.
Its like ghost (but free).
You install the program.
Plug in an external USB device HDD/Flash drive whatever.
Backup everything.
Create a Rescue CD (It creates an ISO image. Have a look on their forums about creating a boot USB flash drive if you have no CD - they document it quite well.)
You might need 2 flash drives or a flash drive and a USB HDD.

You can then test that the rescue CD/Flash drive does in fact boot ok and can detect the backup media device.

Cant see why it wouldnt do what you want (for nothing!).

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

CruciasNZ

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#213101 7-May-2009 10:46

Interesting i shall check it out, i just fancy trying out win7 on my HP, but i use it so much i was worried that i could loose everything if it went wrong.

Thanks for fast reply, will report back

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dontpanic42

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#213770 10-May-2009 01:40

I agree with robjg63. I have used Macrium Reflect (free edition) to do a couple of HD images. It is very easy to use, and very fast too. You can also do a compressed image, plus it is smart enough to only copy used space (i.e. miss any un-used HD space) so it can keep the resulting HD image file even smaller.
You can also explore a HD image.
If you were to install Macrium Reflect Win 7 and needed a file off your old installation, Macrium Reflect can mount the image of your old installation to a virtual drive letter and you could search through it.

Adamal

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#213777 10-May-2009 02:40

8gb = Not enough.

xpd

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#213798 10-May-2009 08:34

Not enough for the install ? My last Win7 install fit under 8GB, i was surprised because it was a lot less than a base Vista install.
You wouldnt get much space left though after updates and a couple of programs however :)
Obviously more is better as always :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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dontpanic42

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#213825 10-May-2009 11:25

How much compatibility does vLite have with Windows 7. And what components would you take out at this stage of Win7 development. I can think of at least one....... UAC!!

CruciasNZ

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#213837 10-May-2009 12:13

i have 600mb left free uncompressed on windows 7 without the pagefile and i have many many things installed (hibernate enabled even though its broken in the RC)

Vlite has 100% compatability in newest release (12.2.1?)

compressed i have 1.1gb free

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