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    Question about creating a HDD image:

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by PubicTheHare, Mar 17, 2006.

  1. PubicTheHare

    PubicTheHare Notebook Geek

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    I want to reformat and create two partitions:

    1) main system partition that will have the OS
    2) partition that will contain an image of main OS, fully updated with installed programs, etc

    My question:

    Is it a bad idea to image a partition that has time sensitive (subscription) programs, such as Norton Antivirus, etc. ? Should I just image the fully installed OS and some programs, and then worry about installing the time sensitive programs after the image is restored?

    Let me know if that makes sense. I got the idea from the Asus forum and would like to be able to reformat and restore an image in under 2 hours, as opposed to the ungodly time required to format and install everything from scratch.
     
    PubicTheHare, Mar 17, 2006
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I personally do a clean image with just the OS and drivers installed. Then another with everything installed. It won't hurt either way. Might be a nuisance to uninstall expired programs.
     
    ZaZ, Mar 17, 2006
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  3. daacon

    daacon Notebook Evangelist

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    Might want to also consider keeping a copy of the image off the Laptop. Be it External HD / DVD / whatever ....

    Some disk imaging software also allows for icremental images (net changes since last full image)

    Make sure you test your bootable CD / DVD / floppy /USB dongle or whatever it is you neeed to restore the image. Having to re-insall the OS to install the Disk Imaging Recovery Software is counter productive ...
     
    daacon, Mar 17, 2006
    #3