Avanquest Perfect Image V.12 User Guide

User’s Guide

3132 Dwight Road Suite 500Elk Grove CA 95758-6469

USAwww.avanquest.com

http://www.avanquest.com

Perfect Image

Copyright ©2009 Avanquest North America, Inc.

All Rights Reserved.

Avanquest is a registered trademark and Perfect Image is a trademark of Avanquest North America, Inc. Windows, Windows Explorer, Internet Explorer, Windows Vista, and ActiveX are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. Adobe, Adobe Reader, and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Zip is a registered trademark of Iomega Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Companies, names, and data used in examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into a language or computer language, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, optical, chemical, manual, or otherwise, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Avanquest North America, Inc.

Perfect Image End User’s License Agreement • 3

AVANQUEST END USERS LICENSE AGREEMENT

The software that is subject to this End User's License Agreement (EULA) is licensed, not sold, to you (the “Licensee”) by Avanquest North America Inc. (“Avanquest”).

IF LICENSEE DOES NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS EULA, THEN WITHIN 30 CALENDAR DAYS AFTER ACQUIRING THE LICENSED SOFTWARE, LICENSEE MAY RETURN IT TO THE PLACE WHERE LICENSEE OBTAINED IT FOR A FULL REFUND (LESS, IF APPLICABLE, SHIPPING, HANDLING, AND ANY TAXES), BUT ONLY IF LICENSEE HAS NOT INSTALLED, COPIED, ACCESSED, OR USED THE LICENSED SOFTWARE.

Installing, copying, accessing, or using the Licensed Software constitutes Licensee's acceptance of, and promise to comply with, all of the terms and conditions of this EULA

LICENSE TERMS

CONTENTS.The “Licensed Software” includes all of the contents of the files, disk(s), CD-ROM(s), DVDs, or other media for which this EULA is provided, including:

(1) third-party computer information or software that Avanquest has licensed for inclusion in the Licensed Software;

(2) written materials or files relating to the Licensed Software (“Documentation”);

(3) fonts; and

(4) upgrades, modified versions, updates, additions, and copies of the Licensed Software, if any (collectively, “Updates”).

INSTALLATION.Unless Licensee has purchased a Site License Agreement, Licensee may only install one copy of the Licensed Software on a single computer. Licensee shall be solely responsible for all expenses incurred in Licensee's installation of the Licensed Software.

ACTIVATION.The Licensed Software contains technological measures that are designed to prevent its unlicensed or illegal use. The Licensed Software may contain enforcement technology that limits Licensee’s ability to install and uninstall the Licensed Software on a machine to no more than a finite number of times, and for a finite number of machines.

The Licensed Software may require activation as explained during installation and in the Documentation. If any such applicable activation procedure(s) is not followed, then the Licensed Software may only operate for a finite period of time. If activation is required, and not completed within the finite period of time set forth in the Documentation and explained during installation, then the Licensed Software will cease to function until activation has been completed, at which time functionality will be restored. If Licensee has any problem with the activation process, Licensee should contact Avanquest customer support.

COPIES.Licensee may only make one copy of the Licensed Software for backup or archival purposes only, except that the Documentation may not be duplicated.

TRANSFER.Licensee may not sell, assign, sublicense, rent, lease, lend or otherwise transfer the Licensed Software or the License granted by this EULA without prior written consent of Avanquest.

4 • End User’s License Agreement Perfect Image

USE.The License granted by this EULA is non-exclusive. Licensee may not use the Licensed Software except as expressly permitted by this License.

PROHIBITED USES.(1) Licensee may not modify, alter, adapt or translate all or any portion of the Licensed Software;

(2) Licensee may not create any derivative works from all or any portion of the Licensed Software;

(3) Licensee may not reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code of the Licensed Software;

(4) Licensee may not use a previous version of the Licensed Software after receiving a media replacement or upgraded version as a replacement to a prior version (in such case you must destroy the prior version);

(5) Licensee may not use the Licensed Software in the operation of aircraft, ship, nuclear facilities, life-support machines, communication systems, or any other equipment in which the failure of the software could lead to personal injury, death, or environmental damage;

(6) Licensee may not remove or obscure Avanquest’s copyright or trademark notices, or the copyright and trademark notices of third parties that Avanquest has included in the Licensed Software;

(7) Licensee may not use the Licensed Software to host applications for third parties, as part of a facility management, timesharing, service provider, or service bureau arrangement; and

(8) Licensee may not use the Licensed Software in any manner not authorized by this EULA.

CONTENT.Licensee may use any clipart, photographs, icons, fonts, shapes, animations, sounds, music, video clips, and all other graphic content (collectively, “Content”) included with the Licensed Software, if any, only as stated in the Documentation. If the Documentation does not permit Licensee to use the Content, then Licensee may not display, modify, reproduce, or distribute any of the Content; and even if the Documentation permits Licensee to use the Content, Licensee may not distribute the Content on a stand-alone basis such as where the Content constitutes the primary value of whatever Licensee is distributing.

Certain portions of the Content may consist of the copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, or other intellectual property of third parties. These portions of the Content are provided for the convenience of certain users of the Software who are expressly authorized to use them by their owners. You may not use any third-party intellectual property without their express authorization. Furthermore:

(1) Licensee may not sell, license, distribute (commercially or otherwise), or make available the Content as stand-alone images or sounds, or in catalogs, design books, compilations, collections, templates, designs, stock engravings, products, services, or the like;

(2) Licensee may not sell, license, distribute (commercially or otherwise), or make available electronic copies of the Content to third parties in any manner, including without limitation, via the Internet, on any tangible media or by broadcast, that is intended or designed to enable a third party to copy the Content for its own use;


(3) Licensee may not sell, license, distribute (commercially or otherwise), or make available electronic copies of the Content that includes representations of identifiable individuals, governments, logos, initials, emblems, trademarks, or entities that expresses or implies any endorsement or association with any product, service, entity, or activity; and

(4) Under no circumstances may the Content be used in the production of defamatory, fraudulent, infringing, lewd, obscene, or pornographic material, or in any otherwise illegal manner.

Licensee is solely responsible for Licensee’s use of the Content. Licensee may only use the Content responsibly, in a manner consistent with the exercise of good judgment. If Licensee is having difficulty deciding whether Licensee’s intended use is appropriate, or whether Licensee needs written permission, or whether other legal issues should be considered, Avanquest strongly encourages Licensee to seek competent legal counsel. Avanquest will not assist Licensee in making this determination, nor can Avanquest provide Licensee with legal advice as to intellectual property rights.

If Licensee or Licensee’s attorney determines that Licensee is required by law to obtain written permission to use portions of the Content, Licensee must request permission for reproduction, redistribution, or modification of the Content from the appropriate owner of the subject materials (as may be cited in the Licensed Software). If, on the other hand, Licensee or Licensee’s attorney determines it is permissible to proceed and include Content from the Licensed Software, Avanquest requires Licensee to correctly designate Avanquest’s trademark(s) when referring to the Licensed Software in the notice or copyright portion of Licensee's paper, project, or product.

Licensee shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Avanquest and Avanquest's suppliers and licensors from all claims, damages, losses, attorneys’ fees, costs, and lawsuits that arise from, or result from, Licensee's use or distribution of Content, and/or from any breach by Licensee of this EULA.

SOFTWARE UPDATES.If the Licensed Software is an Update to a previous version, Licensee must possess a valid License to the previous version. Any Update provided to Licensee is made on a License-exchange basis such that Licensee agrees, as a condition for receiving an Update, that Licensee will terminate all of Licensee’s rights to use any previous version of the Licensed Software. However, Licensee may continue to use the previous version only to assist in transitioning to the Updated version. Once an Update has been released, Avanquest may cease support for prior versions, without any notice to Licensee.

CONTENT UPDATES.Avanquest provides updates to the content of some of its software from time to time, including but not limited to, virus definitions, URL lists, rules, and updated vulnerability data. These types of updates are collectively referred to as “Content Updates.” Licensee may obtain any such Content Updates during the initial period provided for by the applicable software without additional charge. Licensee may purchase a separate subscription for a specified period of time to continue to receive Content Updates after the initial period expires. Avanquest reserves the right to designate specified Content Updates as requiring purchase of a separate subscription at any time, and without prior notice to Licensee, except that any such change will only become effective at the earlier of the expiration of the initial period provided for by the applicable software, or the expiration of the term of a separately paid for subscription.

SUPPORT.Avanquest is not obligated by this EULA to provide Licensee with any technical support services relating to the Licensed Software; however, Licensee may order additional support services for an additional charge as Avanquest may offer from time to time during the term of this EULA.


LIMITED WARRANTY ON MEDIA.Avanquest warrants that the media on which the Licensed Software is distributed will be free from defects for a period of 30 days from the date the Licensed Software is delivered to Licensee. If Licensee discovers a defect in the media during this 30-day period, Licensee must then return the defective media to Avanquest within 10 calendar days of discovering the defect, and Licensee's sole remedy is to have either the defective media replaced, or at Avanquest's sole option, a refund of the money that Licensee paid for the Licensed Software.

NO WARRANTY ON LICENSED SOFTWARE.THE LICENSED SOFTWARE (EXLUDING THE MEDIA ON WHICH IT IS DISTRIBUTED) IS PROVIDED TO LICENSEE “AS IS.” AVANQUEST, AND AVANQUEST'S SUPPLIERS AND LICENSORS, MAKE NO WARRANTY AS TO ITS USE OR PERFORMANCE. AVANQUEST, AND AVANQUEST'S SUPPLIERS AND LICENSORS, MAKE NO WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS, OR TERMS (EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WHETHER BY STATUTE, COMMON LAW, CUSTOM, USAGE, OR OTHERWISE) AS TO ANY MATTER INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS, MERCHANTABILITY, INTEGRATION, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXCEPT FOR, AND TO THE EXTENT, THAT A WARRANTY MAY NOT BE EXCLUDED OR LIMITED BY APPLICABLE LAW IN LICENSEE'S JURISDICTION.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.IN NO EVENT WILL AVANQUEST, OR AVANQUEST'S SUPPLIERS OR LICENSORS, BE LIABLE TO LICENSEE FOR ANY DAMAGES, CLAIMS, OR COSTS WHATSOEVER, OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, PUNATIVE, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, OR ANY LOST PROFITS OR LOST SAVINGS, EVEN IF A REPRESENTATIVE OF AVANQUEST OR ONE OF AVANQUESTÆS SUPPLIERS OR LICENSORS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS, DAMAGES, CLAIMS, OR COSTS, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY THIRD PARTY. THESE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS APPLY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW IN LICENSEE'S JURISDICTION. THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF AVANQUEST, AND AVANQUEST'S SUPPLIERS, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS EULA, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE LICENSED SOFTWARE, IF ANY.

ADDITIONAL TERMS FOR BETA SOFTWARE.If the Licensed Software that Licensee receives with this EULA is pre-commercial release or “BETA” software (“Pre-release Software”), then, to the extent that any provision in this section is in conflict with any other term or condition in this EULA, this section supersedes such conflicting term(s) and condition(s) as to the Pre-release Software, but only to the extent necessary to resolve the conflict.

Licensee acknowledges that the Pre-release Software does not represent the final product from Avanquest, and may contain bugs, errors, and other problems that could cause system or other failures and data loss. Consequently, Avanquest disclaims any warranty or liability obligations to Licensee of any kind whatsoever.

IN APPLICABLE JURISDICTIONS WHERE LIABILITY CANNOT BE SO EXCLUDED FOR PRE-RELEASE SOFTWARE, BUT MAY BE LIMITED, AVANQUEST’S LIABILITY, AND THAT OF ITS SUPPLIERS, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE TOTAL OF FIFTY DOLLARS (U.S. $50.00).

Licensee acknowledges that Avanquest has not promised or guaranteed to Licensee that the Pre-release Software will be announced or made available to anyone in the future, and that Avanquest has no express or implied obligation to Licensee to announce or introduce the Pre-release Software. Avanquest may decide not to introduce a product similar to, or compatible with, the Pre-release Software. Accordingly, Licensee acknowledges that any research or development that Licensee performs regarding the Pre-release Software, or any product associated with the Pre-release Software, is done entirely at Licensee's own risk.

During the term of this EULA, if requested by Avanquest, Licensee will provide feedback to Avanquest regarding testing and use of the Pre-release Software, including error or bug reports.


If Licensee has been provided the Pre-release Software pursuant to a separate written agreement, then Licensee’s use of the Pre-release Software is also governed by that agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this EULA to the contrary, if Licensee is located outside the United States, Licensee will return or destroy all unreleased versions of the Pre-release Software within 30 days of the completion of Licensee’s testing of the Pre-release Software if that date is earlier than the date scheduled for Avanquest's first commercial shipment of the publicly released (commercial) software.

SURVIVAL OF DISCLAIMERS.The exclusions of warranties and liability limitations shall survive the termination of this EULA, howsoever caused; but this survival shall not imply or create any continued right to use the Licensed Software after termination of this EULA.

EXPORT RULES.Licensee shall not ship, transfer, or export Licensed Software into any country or use Licensed Software in any manner prohibited by the United States Export Administration Act or any other export laws, restrictions, or regulations (collectively the “Export Laws.”) If the Licensed Software is identified as export controlled items under the Export Laws, Licensee represents and warrants that Licensee, and Licensee’s employees who will use the Licensed Software are not a citizen, or otherwise located within, an nation embargoed by the United States (including without limitation: Iran, Syria, Sudan, Cuba, Libya and North Korea), and that Licensee, and Licensee’s employees who will use the Licensed Software, are not otherwise prohibited under the Export Laws from receiving the Software. All rights to use the Licensed Software are granted on condition that Licensee complies with the Export Laws, and all such rights are forfeited if Licensee fails to comply with the Export Laws.

GOVERNING LAW.This EULA is subject to, and will be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws in force of the State of California. Any action arising under, relating to or connected with this EULA or the use of the Licensed Software will be filed only in an appropriate court located in Los Angeles County, California, and the parties irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of such courts for such purposes. This EULA will not be governed by the conflict of law rules of any jurisdiction, or the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, the application of which is expressly excluded.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP.The Licensed Software and any authorized copies that Licensee makes are the intellectual property of, and are owned by, Avanquest, and by third parties whose intellectual property has been licensed by Avanquest. The structure, organization, and code of the Licensed Software are the valuable trade secrets and confidential information of Avanquest and such third parties. The Licensed Software is protected by law, including without limitation, the copyright laws of the United States and other countries, and by international treaty provisions. Except as expressly provided in this EULA, Licensee is not granted any intellectual property rights in the Licensed Software.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS.Avanquest reserves all rights not expressly granted to Licensee by this EULA. The rights granted to Licensee are limited to Avanquest's intellectual property rights, and to the intellectual property rights of third parties licensed by Avanquest. All rights are reserved under the copyright laws of the United States. Avanquest North America Inc.; 3132 Dwight Road, Suite 500; Elk Grove, CA 95758-6469, USA.


COMPLETE AGREEMENT and BINDING EFFECT.This EULA constitutes the entire agreement between the Licensee and Avanquest relating to the Licensed Software, and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous representations, discussions, undertakings, communications, agreements, arrangements, advertisements, and understandings regulating the Licensed Software. This EULA is binding on and made for the benefit of the parties and their successors and permitted assigns.

MODIFICATION.This EULA may only be modified, supplemented or amended by a writing signed by an authorized officer of Avanquest.

SEVERABILITY.If any provision of this EULA is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to law, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions of this EULA will remain in full force and effect.

WAIVER.No failure or delay by Avanquest in exercising its rights or remedies shall operate as a waiver unless made by Avanquest’s specific written notice. No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy of Avanquest shall operate as a waiver or preclude any other, or further, exercise of that, or any other right, or remedy.

U.S. GOVERNMENT USERS.The Licensed Software and its Documentation qualify as “commercial items,” as that term is defined at 48 C.F.R. 2.101, consisting of “commercial computer software” and “commercial computer software documentation” as such terms are used in 48 C.F.R. 12.212. Consistent with 48 C.F.R.12.212 and 48 C.F.R. 227.7202-1 through 227.7202-4, Avanquest will provide to the Government end user, the Licensed Software and its Documentation with only those rights set forth herein that apply to non-governmental customers. Use of the Licensed Software and its Documentation constitutes agreement by the Government entity that the Licensed Software and its Documentation are commercial, and constitutes acceptance of the rights and restrictions herein. The Licensed Software Contractor/Manufacturer is Avanquest North America Inc. or its applicable licensors.

For U.S. Government End Users, Avanquest agrees to comply with all applicable equal opportunity laws including, if appropriate, the provisions of Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (38 USC 4212), and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the regulations at 41 CFR Parts 60-1 through 60-60, 60-250, and 60-741. The affirmative action clause and regulations contained in the preceding sentence shall be incorporated by reference in this EULA.

PROOF OF COMPLIANCE.Within 30 calendar days after request from Avanquest, or Avanquest’s authorized representative, Licensee will provide full documentation, and certify under penalty of perjury, that Licensee’s use of any and all Licensed Software is in conformity with this EULA.

TERMINATION.If Licensee breaches this EULA, and fails to cure any breach within 30 calendar days after request from Avanquest, or Avanquest’s authorized representative, Avanquest may terminate this EULA, whereupon all rights granted to Licensee shall immediately cease. Furthermore, upon termination, Licensee shall return to Avanquest all copies of the Licensed Software, or verify in writing that all copies of the Licensed Software have been destroyed.

©Avanquest North America, Inc. 2009 - All rights reserved for all media and all countries.

Perfect Image Contents • 9

Contents

Getting Started

Installing and Starting Perfect Image 15Introduction...............................................................................................................................15Key Benefits and Technical Highlights ....................................................................................16System Requirements ...............................................................................................................17Installing Perfect Image ............................................................................................................17Starting the Program .................................................................................................................18Creating Recovery Media .........................................................................................................19

A Quick Tour 21Overview...................................................................................................................................21Learning About the Program Window......................................................................................22Viewing Hard Drive and Partition Information ........................................................................28Exporting Files Using Volume Explorer...................................................................................31

Learning the Basics 33Overview...................................................................................................................................33Creating a Backup Image..........................................................................................................34Updating a Backup Image.........................................................................................................35Scheduling Backups..................................................................................................................36Restoring From a Backup Image ..............................................................................................37

Getting Help 39Overview...................................................................................................................................39Using Online Help ....................................................................................................................40Using ToolTips..........................................................................................................................41Using the Status Bar..................................................................................................................41Viewing the User’s Guide.........................................................................................................41

10 • Contents Perfect Image

Data Backup

Creating Backup Images 45Overview...................................................................................................................................45Using the Backup Wizard .........................................................................................................46Making a Hot Backup ...............................................................................................................53Updating a Backup Image.........................................................................................................54Backing Up Files and Folders ...................................................................................................60Incrementally Backing Up Files and Folders............................................................................66Transferring Files and Folders ..................................................................................................67

Maintaining Backup Images 73Overview...................................................................................................................................73Using the Secure Partition.........................................................................................................74Viewing a List of Backup Images .............................................................................................79Checking the Integrity of Backup Images.................................................................................81Checking the Integrity of Recovery Discs ................................................................................81Converting a Backup Image to a Temporary Partition..............................................................82

Data Restore

Using the Restore Wizard 85Overview...................................................................................................................................85Starting the Restore Wizard ......................................................................................................86Choosing the Backup Image for Restoring ...............................................................................87Choosing a Portion of the Backup Image for Restoring ...........................................................88Choosing the Disk or Partition for Restoring............................................................................88Setting the Restore Parameters .................................................................................................89Starting the Restore Operation ..................................................................................................90Restoring Files ..........................................................................................................................91Transferring Files and Folders Back .........................................................................................93

Perfect Image Contents • 11

Restoring from a Recovery Disk 95Overview...................................................................................................................................95Starting the Recovery CD .........................................................................................................96Creating a Backup Image Using the Recovery CD ..................................................................99Using the Simple Restore Wizard...........................................................................................101Copying a Disk .......................................................................................................................102Transferring Files....................................................................................................................102Fixing Boot Problems .............................................................................................................104Saving Log Files .....................................................................................................................107

Disk and Partition Management

Hard Drive and Partitioning Basics 111Overview................................................................................................................................. 111What is a Partition?................................................................................................................. 111Types of Partitions: Partition Terminology.............................................................................112Bootable Partitions..................................................................................................................113Disk Formatting and Partitions ...............................................................................................113Characteristics of File Systems...............................................................................................116Partitioning and Booting Information.....................................................................................123

Managing Hard Drives and Partitions 125Overview.................................................................................................................................125Updating the Master Boot Record ..........................................................................................126Cloning a Hard Drive or Partition...........................................................................................127

Program Management

Using Virtual Operations 137Overview.................................................................................................................................137Viewing Proposed Changes ....................................................................................................138Undoing and Redoing Proposed Changes ..............................................................................139Discarding All Proposed Changes ..........................................................................................141Applying Partition and Hard Drive Changes ..........................................................................141

12 • Contents Perfect Image

Using the Scheduler 143Overview.................................................................................................................................143Scheduling Tasks.....................................................................................................................143Viewing and Modifying Scheduled Tasks...............................................................................151

Changing Program Settings 157Overview.................................................................................................................................157General Options ......................................................................................................................158Backup Image Options............................................................................................................158Clone and Backup Options .....................................................................................................159CD/DVD Recording Options ..................................................................................................159Hot Processing Options...........................................................................................................160Virtual Mode Options..............................................................................................................160File System Conversion Options.............................................................................................160Copy/Backup Exclude Options ...............................................................................................161

References

Glossary of Terms 165

Index 169

Complimentary Technical Support 173

Perfect Image Getting Started • 13

GETTING STARTED

Installing and Starting Perfect Image 15

A Quick Tour 21

Learning the Basics 33

Getting Help 39

14 • Getting Started Perfect Image

Perfect Image Installing and Starting Perfect Image • 15

Installing and Starting Perfect Image

IntroductionThe information stored on your computer disks can be many times more valuable than the computer and software you use. Your computer disks might contain your favorite music collection, or it might contain important financial data or results of scientific research. Perfect Image™ provides you with the most reliable data protection for your hard disk—the ability to create archive duplications, otherwise known as backup images. By storing a backup image on external media you’re able to restore the data any time you need to.Perfect Image assists planning a schedule in case you need to make a backup on a regular basis. Scheduled backups can be performed automatically at a specified time. Setting up any operation is accomplished by using practical wizards. Each step of the wizard includes in-depth information to help you make the right choice. Graphical representations of the data and hard disks help you gain a better understanding of the operations before they happen and what the results of the operations will be after they’ve been applied.

16 • Installing and Starting Perfect Image Perfect Image

Key Benefits and Technical Highlights• Build external recovery media that can help you restore your

computer system, even when the current system won’t start (see “Creating Recovery Media” on page 19).

• Make a backup of an entire disk, including the service data of the file system (see “Creating Backup Images” on page 45).

• Protect all your files, including emails, Outlook files, photos, music, spreadsheets and other documents from damage through the creation of a backup copy (see “Backing Up Files and Folders” on page 60).

• Only archive changes since the last full or incremental file-based image. An incremental image is smaller and takes less time to create, but you will require the initial full image and all of its incrementals to restore the latest point of this kind of backup (see “Incrementally Backing Up Files and Folders” on page 66).

• Make such operations as transferring of files/directories or burning of them to CD/DVD/BR as easy and convenient as possible. (see “Transferring Files and Folders” on page 67)

• Make backups of dynamic disks, including simple, spanned, striped, mirrored, and RAID-5 types of dynamic volumes (see “Creating Backup Images” on page 45).

• Create and manage a Secure Partition in a special secured partition on the disk for storing backup images (see “Using the Secure Partition” on page 74).

• Start your computer from a backup image in the Secure Partition if your operating system won’t boot (see “Using the Secure Partition” on page 74).

• Manage backup images using the Backup Database (see “Viewing a List of Backup Images” on page 79).

• Restore to a smaller partition if the data fits in the allocated space (see “Using the Restore Wizard” on page 85).

• Copy partitions or hard disks using wizards to transfer all on-disk information, including standard bootstrap code and other system service structures, to help maintain the operating system’s working capability (see “Cloning a Hard Drive or Partition” on page 127).

• Schedule a backup operation to automatically create a backup image at a convenient time (see “Using the Scheduler” on page 143).

• Automatically shut down your computer after a creating a backup image (see “Using the Scheduler” on page 143).

• Preview your backup settings before applying any changes, using virtual operations (see “Using Virtual Operations” on page 137).


System Requirements• Windows® XP or Vista®

(Windows Server is not supported)• Internet Explorer® 5.0 or higher• 300 MHz Intel Pentium® Processor or equivalent• 128 MB of RAM (256 MB recommended• 120 MB of available hard drive space• SVGA video adapter and monitor

Installing Perfect ImageBefore installing Perfect Image, make sure that no other programs are running. Insert the Perfect Image CD into your CD-drive to start the install program.

If the Install program doesn’t start automatically, follow the steps below:1. Open the Windows Start menu and click Computer (Windows Vista)

or My Computer (Windows XP).2. Double-click the icon for the Perfect Image installation disc.3. If the installation doesn’t start automatically, then open the Perfect

Image installation disc and double-click the Install.exe file on the disc.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing Perfect Image.

NOTE: If you downloaded the program, locate the file using Windows Explorer® and then double-click the file to start the Installation Wizard (see “Using the Installation Wizard” on page 18).


Using the Installation WizardThe installation wizard guides you through the installation process. The steps for installing Perfect Image are listed below.1. Review and accept the License Agreement.2. Enter your product serial number.3. Choose all users or only yourself for access to the program.4. Verify the install settings and then click Next to start the installation.During the installation, Perfect Image are installed on your computer. After the installation completes, you might need to restart your computer to finish the installation.

Starting the ProgramTo start Perfect Image, click the Windows Start button and choose All Programs > Avanquest Perfect Image 12 Server Edition > Avanquest Perfect Image.


Creating Recovery MediaHaving recovery media — either a disc (CD/DVD/BD) or Flash device (such as a USB Flash drive) — provides you with tools to help you start your computer when your operating system won’t start on its own.

You can create a Recovery disc or Flash drive using the Recovery Media Builder Wizard (see “Using the Recovery Media Builder Wizard” on page 19).To create a Recovery disc, you need a CD/DVD/BD drive to burn the file to your media choice. Perfect Image supports CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, BD-R and BD-RE discs. If you inserted a re-writable disc that isn’t empty, the wizard asks you if you want to erase the contents of the disc before creating the recovery disc.To create a Recovery Flash drive, you need a Flash drive (or media card and reader) with enough space for the recovery files.For information on using the Recovery disc or Flash drive, see “Restoring from a Recovery Disk” on page 95.

Using the Recovery Media Builder WizardWith the Recovery Media Builder Wizard you can create a Recovery disc or put recovery information on a Flash drive.To create a Recovery disc:1. Open the Tools menu and choose Recovery Media Builder, or click

the Recovery Media Builder link in the Tools section of the task bar to start the Recovery Media Builder Wizard.

2. Click Next to start using the wizard.3. Choose CD/DVD.4. Click Next to continue.5. Choose an option for the recovery files:

• Typical: to create a standard recovery CD/DVD/BD.• Advanced: to customize the recovery CD/DVD/BD.• User specified CD/DVD image: to use an .iso image.• Copy from CD/DVD: to copy from an available disc.Unless you have specific needs that require using another option, choose the Typical option.

NOTE: The program CD is also a Recovery CD.


6. Click Next to continue.7. Choose the recording device from the list.8. Click Next to continue.9. Choose the recording speed.

You can also choose to automatically eject the CD/DVD/BD after the write operation completes.

10. Click Next to continue.11. If necessary, insert a blank recordable disc into the CD/DVD/BD

drive and click Next.The wizard copies the recovery data to the disc. If you inserted a re-writable disc that isn’t empty, the wizard asks you if you want to erase the contents of the disc before creating the recovery disc.

12. Click Finish to close the Wizard.To use a Flash drive as a recovery disk:1. Open the Tools menu and choose Recovery Media Builder, or click

the Recovery Media Builder link in the Tools section of the task bar to start the Recovery Media Builder Wizard.

2. Click Next to start using the wizard.3. Choose Flash Memory.4. Click Next to continue.5. Choose an option for the recovery files:

• Typical: to use standard recovery media files.• User specified CD/DVD image: to use an .iso image.• Copy from CD/DVD: to copy from an available disc.Unless you have specific needs that require using another option, choose the Typical option.

6. Click Next to continue.7. Choose the Flash drive from the list.8. Click Next to continue.

Perfect Image warns you that the Flash drive will be erased and all existing content will be lost.

9. To continue, click OK.10. Click Finish to close the Wizard.

Perfect Image A Quick Tour • 21

A Quick Tour

OverviewPerfect Image is an advanced program with several wizards and multiple tabbed views. Features are accessible through the Menu Bar, Tool Bar, Task Bar, and Explorer Frame. The Disk Map in the Explorer frame helps you choose the disk or partition that you want to back up.

22 • A Quick Tour Perfect Image

Learning About the Program WindowThe Perfect Image program window is designed to give you a quick view of your hard drives and partitions and provides quick access to several wizards. Each time you open the program, the Disk View appears with information about selected hard drives and partitions. For more information, see “Explorer Frame” on page 26.

Menu BarThe Menu Bar is located at the top of the program window and contains menus to access the many features of Perfect Image. To access commands on a menu, click the menu’s title. If a command has an arrow on its right, click the command to view its submenu.

Status BarDisk Map

Menu Bar

Tool Bar

Task Bar

Explorer Frame Map Legend


Tool BarThe tool bars are located below the menu bar and contain buttons for commonly used features.There are two tool bars:• The main tool bar is the set of buttons on the left.

The buttons in this tool bar give you quick access to the backup, restore, and clone operations. You can also view Perfect Image help by clicking the Help button.

• The Virtual Operations tool bar is the set of buttons on the right when you have Virtual Operations turned on.

You can preview the resulting layout of hard disk changes before you actually apply them. Virtual operations are operations that are pending. All pending operations are placed on the list of pending operations so you can apply them later.The Virtual Operations buttons are used to undo, redo, view, apply, and discard pending operations. These button are not available until you have at least one pending operation. You can find these same functions in the Changes menu. For more information, see “Using Virtual Operations” on page 137.

Showing and Hiding the Tool BarsYou can hide or show each tool bar, and change their display options by opening the View menu and choosing Toolbar.


Task BarThe Task Bar is located on the left side of the program window and contains links to program wizards. This list is divided into six sections.

Basic Backup Tasks • Back up Disk or Partition starts the Backup Wizard to help you

create a backup image of the data on your disk.(See “Using the Backup Wizard” on page 46.)

• Schedule Backup starts the Backup Wizard with the previously set scheduling options. (See “Using the Scheduler” on page 143.).

• Back up Files starts the File Backup Wizard (See “Backing Up Files and Folders” on page 60.).

Advanced Backup Tasks

• Incremental File Backup starts the File Backup Wizard (See “Incrementally Backing Up Files and Folders” on page 66.).

Restore Tasks

• Restore Disk or Partition starts the Restore Wizard to help you restore data from a backup image. (See “Using the Restore Wizard” on page 85.)

• Restore Files starts the Restore Wizard to help you restore backed up files. (See “Using the Restore Wizard” on page 85.)


• Restore Individual Files starts the File Transfer Wizard to help you restore specific files to a disk. (See “Transferring Files and Folders” on page 67.).

Clone Tasks • One Button Clone Disk starts the One Button Copy Wizard to

quickly copy your hard disk. (See “Using the One Button Copy Wizard” on page 131.)

• Clone Disk starts the Clone Hard Disk Wizard to help you make an exact copy of your hard disk (See “Using the Clone Hard Disk Wizard” on page 128.).

• Clone Partition starts the Clone Partition Wizard to help you make an exact copy of a partition (See “Using the Clone Partition Wizard” on page 131.).

Tools • Manage Secure Partition starts the Manage Secure Partition Wizard

to help you manage the backup images in this hidden partition. (See “Using the Secure Partition” on page 74.)

• Recovery Media Builder starts the Recovery Media Builder Wizard to help you create a recovery disk. (See “Creating Recovery Media” on page 19).

• Check Recovery Disks starts the Check Recovery Media Wizard to help you verify the integrity and boot-ability of recovery disks. (See “Checking the Integrity of Recovery Discs” on page 81.)

• Verify Image Integrity starts the Check Archive Integrity Wizard to help you determine whether or not a backup image is valid. (See “Checking the Integrity of Backup Images” on page 81.)

• Transfer Files starts the File Transfer Wizard to copy and save files. (See “Transferring Files and Folders” on page 67.)

News and Documentation • Perfect Image Help opens the online help. (See “Getting Help” on

page 39.)• About Perfect Image opens the About window that shows

information about your current version of the software with support links and contact information.

Showing and Hiding the Task BarTo hide the task bar, open the View menu and choose Common Tasks Bar, or right-click in the task bar and choose Common Tasks Bar from the shortcut menu. A check mark indicates that the task bar is displayed.


Explorer FrameThe Explorer Frame is the large pane on the right-side of the program window. There are four tabs at the top of this frame.

Disk View: PropertiesThe Disk View tab displays information for the selected drive or partition when the Properties subtab is active. Each time you start Perfect Image, this tab is selected. The top portion of the frame shows volume, type, sector, and other information. For more information, see “Managing Hard Drives and Partitions” on page 125.In the middle of the Disk View tab, there are several links you can use to start one of the wizards. Each of these links has a brief explanation and possible warnings.For more information, see “Viewing Hard Drive and Partition Information” on page 28.

Disk View: Volume ExplorerThe Volume Explorer subtab is used for viewing and exporting files. When you click the Disk View tab and then the Volume Explorer subtab, a tree-view similar to that of Windows Explorer appears. You can click the Plus symbol (+) to expand the tree or click the Minus symbol (-) to close the tree. For more information, see “Exporting Files Using Volume Explorer” on page 31.

Disk View: Disk EditorThe Disk Editor subtab is used for viewing and editing data on a disk When you click the Disk View tab and then the Disk Editor subtab, you can locate data by sector and navigate through sectors using toolbar buttons. Once you view data, you can edit and save it as needed.

Scheduled TasksThe Scheduled Tasks tab is used for viewing and modifying scheduled operations. For more information, see “Viewing and Modifying Scheduled Tasks” on page 151.

ImagesThe Images tab is used for viewing and managing a database of backup images. For more information, see “Viewing a List of Backup Images” on page 79.

NOTE: A Dynamic Hard Drive also appears as a separate Disk Map bar. For information about creating Dynamic Hard Drives, see your Windows documentation.


HelpThe Help tab displays the Perfect Image online help or the Script Manual. You can access the help by opening the Help menu and choosing Help. For more information, see “Getting Help” on page 39.

Legend BarThe Legend Bar appears below the Explorer frame when the Disk View tab is active and explains the color scheme used to identify the file systems of the disks and partitions on your computer. You can hide or show the bar by opening the View menu and choosing Disk Map Legend.Perfect Image identifies the following types of known file systems:• NTFS• FAT16/32• Linux Ext2/3• ReiserFS

Status BarThe Status Bar is located at the bottom on the program window. When you place the cursor over an option or link in the Explorer frame, information about the item appears on the left side. The status of your pending changes appears in the right side of the status bar if you have Virtual Operations turned on.

You can switch the status bar off and on by opening the View menu and choosing Status Bar.


Viewing Hard Drive and Partition InformationIn the Disk View tab of the Explorer frame with the Properties subtab active, a shaded pie-chart gives a graphical representation of the disk allocation for the drive or partition selected in the Disk Map.

Viewing the Disk MapThe Disk Map is initially located at the bottom of the Disk View tab. This bar lists each of your partitions by size, disk location, and type.

NOTE: A Dynamic Hard Drive also appears as a separate Disk Map bar. For information on creating Dynamic Hard Drives, refer to your Windows documentation.


Each installed hard drive has its own Disk Map bar.

To Move the Disk MapYou can choose to have the Disk Map at either the top or bottom of the window.Open the View menu and choose Show Disk Map to view the location options.

To Show the Disk Map LegendOpen the View menu and choose Disk Map Legend. A check next to the option means that the option is selected.

Viewing Hard Drive InformationTo view information for a hard drive, select the area outside the partitions in the Disk Map or click the hard drive’s name.

Each partition on the drive is identified by format (color) and size.

TIP: The shaded area of the partition indicates approximately how much of the partition has been used.

PartitionHard Drive

Legend


Viewing Partition InformationTo view information for a partition, select it. The information appears at the top of the frame.

The partition pie chart is shaded giving you a general idea on the amount of free space available. The darker shading is the amount of space used. The light shading is the amount of space available. In the example above, the partition is slightly more than half used.

Viewing and Changing Disk or Partition DataYou can select a disk or partition in the Disk Map and then click the Disk Editor subtab to view the actual contents of the disk or partition. By default, you see the Hex Editor view of the data. You can also view boot sector information in a non-hex format for easy editing.The Disk Editor has its own toolbar for working with data.[insert toolbar screenshot with callouts]To change data, select it and then type the new data. Click the Save changed sector button on the toolbar to save your changes.


Exporting Files Using Volume ExplorerThe Volume Explorer subtab of the Disk View tab is specially designed for you to browse and export the contents of partitions. Exporting the contents creates duplicates of the selected data at another location. Partitions formatted with FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, Linux Ext2, Linux Ext3, and ReiserFS file systems are supported.

1. Click the Volume Explorer subtab in the Explorer frame when the Disk View tab is active.

2. Click the Plus symbol (+) to expand the drives, partitions, and folders and browse to the location of the file or folder you want to export.

3. Right-click the + or - symbol next to the file or folder and select Export from the shortcut menu to open the Select a Destination Folder for the Export Operation dialog.


4. Browse to the location where you want to save the exported file or folder.

You can create and delete folders or map a network drive using the buttons at the top of the dialog.

5. Click OK to complete the export.

Perfect Image Learning the Basics • 33

Learning the Basics

OverviewPerfect Image allows you to backup the entire contents of a disk or partition on your computer. You can securely store the backup image on external media, such as a CD or DVD. You can also store the backup image on another computer attached to your network, on any hard drive or visible partition on your computer, or in a special hidden partition on the current hard drive called a Secure Partition.Not only does the backup image you create contain all of the files you’ve created, but also contains the exact structure of the directories, information about file allocation, file attributes, and other related data. A backup image can be moved and copied just like any ordinary file.After making changes to files or the file structure on your computer, you can create a new backup image or update a previously made backup image. To update a backup image of a partition by saving only data that has changed, use a Differential Backup.You can schedule a time for your computer to automatically create or update a backup image. Setting up scheduled backups allows you to always have a recent backup image available when you need to restore a drive or partition.When you need to restore a drive or partition from a backup image, use the Perfect Image Restore Wizard.

34 • Learning the Basics Perfect Image

Creating a Backup ImageYou can create a backup image of an entire disk or partition on your computer using the Backup Wizard. You can use any of the following methods to start the Backup Wizard:• Open the Wizards menu and choose Back Up Disk or Partition.• Click the Back up Disk or Partition link in the Basic Backup Tasks

section of the task bar.• Click the Back Up button in the tool bar.• Select a partition in the Disk Map and click Create an image of the

logical disk in the Explorer frame.If you’ve selected an entire disk in the Disk Map, click Create an image of the entire disk.

The Backup Wizard takes you through the steps of creating and saving a backup image. The steps include:

1. Choose the disk or partition that you want to back up.If you’re backing up the entire disk, you can choose to back up the Master Boot Record (MBR) and first track of the disk.

2. Choose where and when you want to store the backup image.3. Add comments to the backup image to describe its contents.4. Confirm the backup settings.5. Start the backup operation at the time you chose.After Perfect Image creates the backup image, the image file is stored in the location you chose.


For more information about using the Backup Wizard, see “Using the Backup Wizard” on page 46.

Updating a Backup ImageEach time you create a new backup of a disk or partition, the entire contents are saved in a compressed file. Making multiple backups can require a large amount of disk space in your storage location. To use less space, you can create a Differential Backup that saves only the changes that were made since the last backup.Creating a Differential Backup takes more time than a full backup, but the resulting backup image can be much smaller than a full backup image.After you’ve created a full backup image of a partition, you can choose to create a Differential Backup of the same partition. To start the Differential Backup Wizard, open the Wizards menu and choose Advanced > Differential Backup.After you choose the original full backup image and the partition that you want to back up, the original full image becomes the base or parental image used for creating the differential image. Before Perfect Image creates the differential backup, it confirms that the parental image corresponds to the partition that you’re backing up by comparing the location, capacity, file system type, and serial number of the partition.After Perfect Image verifies the parental image, it performs an exact bit-wise comparison of the data in the parental image with the data currently in the partition you’re backing up. The difference between the contents is saved in a new backup image. Each new backup image can be saved in the same location as the parental image or in any other location you choose. For more information about creating differential backups, see “Updating a Backup Image” on page 54.

NOTE: Differential backups are available only for a primary or logical partition.


Scheduling BackupsThe best way to make sure that you’re making backup images on a regular basis is to schedule the backup operations. You can schedule backup operations as frequently as you want, and have them run whenever you want. For example, you can schedule a nightly differential backup that can run when you’re not using your computer, and also schedule a weekly full backup.Choose when and how often to perform backup operations in the Scheduler step of the Backup Wizard when you choose to create a scheduled backup.

You can run the backup operation once, when an event occurs (like when you start your computer), or at specific time intervals.Depending on the choice you make, different options are available for scheduling the backup operation. For example, if you choose to run the backup once, you can choose the date and time for it to start. If you choose to run the backup weekly, you can choose the time of the backup, how many weeks apart each backup should occur, the day of the week when the backup will run, and a beginning and end date for the scheduled operation.To view and manage your list of scheduled backup operations, click the Scheduled Tasks tab in the Explorer frame.For more information about scheduling backups, see “Using the Scheduler” on page 143.


Restoring From a Backup ImageYou can restore a drive or partition from a backup image, even when you aren’t able to start your operating system.• If you have Windows running and you want to restore a drive or

partition, use the Restore Wizard from within the Perfect Image program.

• If you want to restore a drive or partition without first starting Windows, use a Recovery disc to start the Simple Restore Wizard. (See “Restoring from a Recovery Disk” on page 95.)

To start the Restore Wizard from within the Perfect Image program, you can use any of the following methods:• Open the Wizards menu and choose Restore Disk or Partition.• Click the Restore Disk or Partition link in the Restore Tasks section

of the task bar.• Click the Restore button in the tool bar.• In the Disk View tab, select a partition in the Disk Map and click

Restore the logical disk from an image in the Explorer frame.If you’ve selected an entire disk in the Disk Map, click Restore an image of the entire disk.

• Select a backup image on the Images tab and then open the Images menu and choose Restore from the Selected Image.

The Restore Wizard takes you through the steps of choosing and restoring a backup image.


To Use the Restore Wizard1. Choose the backup image that you want to restore from.

The Browse for Image step displays information about each backup image you select in the list.

2. Choose to restore a separate partition from a backup image of an entire disk, if you want to restore only part of the image.If you’re not restoring from a backup image of an entire disk, then this step isn’t available.

3. Choose the disk or partition where you want to restore the image.All contents of the disk or partition you choose will be deleted during the restore operation.

4. Choose the size of the restore volume, if you’re restoring a partition.5. Choose the size of the free space on the disk before and after the

restored partition.6. Click Next to start to restore operation.For more information about using the Restore Wizard, see “Using the Restore Wizard” on page 85.

Perfect Image Getting Help • 39

Getting Help

OverviewHelp for Perfect Image is installed with the program. The Perfect Image Help offers many features for finding the information you need. You can also view ToolTips and status bar help while using the program.A user’s guide in PDF format is included on the program CD.In addition, the programs on the Recovery CD have online help available from within the programs.

40 • Getting Help Perfect Image

Using Online HelpPerfect Image Help opens when you open the Help menu and choose Help, click the Help button in the toolbar, or click the Perfect Image Help link in the News and Documentation section of the task bar.

You can also click the Help tab in the Explorer frame to view help. This tab may show the script manual.• To view a help topic, click a topic in the Contents tab on the left side

of the help window.• To view an alphabetical index, click the Index tab.• To search for a topic, click the Search tab and type the text you want

to find.• To browse through the topics, click the Browse buttons located at the

top of the screen.

TIP: You can also open a PDF version of the User’s Guide by opening the Perfect Image 12 Server Edition.pdf file on the program CD.

Perfect Image Getting Help • 41

Using ToolTipsPerfect Image also supports ToolTips. When you pause the pointer over a button, a brief explanation appears.

Using the Status BarThe status bar across the bottom of the Perfect Image window displays tips for menu items and buttons. It also displays information about pending virtual operations.To view a tip in the status bar, move the pointer over a button or a menu item. The right side of the status bar tells the status of any pending virtual operations.To switch the status bar on or off, open the View menu and choose Status Bar.

Viewing the User’s GuideTo view the online user’s guide, open the Perfect Image.pdf file on the program CD.After the user’s guide opens in Adobe Reader, you can view it on screen, print the entire document, or print just the pages you need. For complete information about using Adobe Reader, see the Adobe Reader online help or contact Adobe technical support.

42 • Getting Help Perfect Image

Perfect Image Data Backup • 43

DATA BACKUP

Creating Backup Images 45

Maintaining Backup Images 73

44 • Data Backup Perfect Image

Perfect Image Creating Backup Images • 45

Creating Backup Images

OverviewYou can create a backup image of an entire disk or partition on your computer. The Backup Wizard takes you through the steps of creating a backup image.Each time you create a new backup of a disk or partition, the entire contents are saved in a compressed file. Making multiple backups can require a large amount of disk space in your storage location. To use less space, you can create a Differential Backup that saves only the changes that were made since the last backup.You can also back up specific files and folders instead of a full disk or partition by using the File Backup Wizard. When backing up folders you can include or exclude file types as needed. For example, you may want to back up your Documents folder but do not want to include any image or movie files. Once you create a file-level backup file, you can incrementally back up that existing archive of folders and files. Another way to backup individual files or folders is to transfer them to another location. The File Transfer Wizard helps you do that.

46 • Creating Backup Images Perfect Image

Using the Backup WizardYou can use any of the following methods to start the Backup Wizard:• Open the Wizards menu and choose Back Up Disk or Partition.• Click the Back up Disk or Partition link in the Basic Backup Tasks

section of the task bar.• Click the Back Up button in the tool bar.• On the Disk View tab, select a partition in the Disk Map and click

Create an image of the logical disk in the Explorer frame when the Properties subtab is active.If you’ve selected an entire disk in the Disk Map, click Create an image of the entire disk.

Within the Backup Wizard you can schedule backups. To create a scheduled backup, open the Wizards menu and choose Advanced > Schedule Backup or click the Schedule Backup link under the Basic Backup Tasks section in the task bar to start the Backup Wizard.

The Backup Wizard takes you through the steps of creating and saving a backup image. To start using the Backup Wizard, click Next.


Choosing the Disk or Partition to Back UpIn the What to Back Up step of the wizard, you can choose the disk or partition that you want to back up.

You can choose to back up an entire disk or a separate partition. If you’re backing up the entire disk, you can choose to back up the Master Boot Record (MBR) and first track of the disk. This can be helpful for serious recovery operations.Perfect Image can make backup images of dynamic disks, including simple, spanned, striped, mirrored, and RAID-5 dynamic-volume types. To backup a dynamic disk, check the appropriate box next to the dynamic disk. Perfect Image automatically checks all the constituents of the dynamic disk. If you want to make a hot backup of a locked dynamic disk, you need to use the Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service option. (See “Using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service” on page 53.)If you want to choose additional settings for this backup image, check the Change backup settings box. (See “To Choose Advanced Backup Settings” on page 48.)


To Choose Advanced Backup SettingsThe Advance Backup Settings step of the Backup Wizard appears after the What to Back Up step, if you checked the Change backup settings box before clicking Next.

This step of the wizard allows you to change backup-related settings. All of these setting can also be changed using the Edit Settings dialog. For detailed information about settings, see “Changing Program Settings” on page 157.Choose a category on the left and then make changes to the settings on the right by checking or unchecking the box next to the option, choosing an option from a drop-down list, or entering information in a box. When you finish making changes, click Next.


Choosing How to Save the Backup ImageThe Backup Destination step allows you to choose how you want to save the backup image.

Chose an option for where you want to store the backup image:• Save data to the Secure Partition allows you to save the backup

image in your secure partition reserved for backup images. If you haven’t created a Secure Partition, this option isn’t available. For information about creating a Secure Partition, see “Using the Secure Partition” on page 74.

• Save data to local/network drives allows you to choose a location on your computer or network for saving the backup image.

• Save data to physical partitions allows you to choose a location on a hidden partition on your computer for saving the backup image. If you don’t have any hidden partitions, this option isn’t available.

• Burn the data to CD or DVD allows you to save the backup image on a writable CD, DVD or BD using your drive.

To continue, click Next.


Choosing Where to Store the Backup ImageDepending on your choice in the Backup Destination step, the following step gives you specific choices for determining the exact location for the backup image.

• If you chose to save the image in the Secure Partition, choose the location in the Secure Partition where you want to save it.

• If you chose to save the image on a CD or DVD, choose the recordable device from the list.

• If you chose to save the image on your computer or network (or in a hidden partition), choose the location where you want to save it.

Make sure that the destination for storing the backup image is large enough to hold the estimated size of the backup image.The name in the Image name box is used for the sub-folder where the backup image is stored and for the name of the backup image file. If you want to use a different name, enter the new name in the box. If you’re saving the backup image on a CD or DVD, you’re limited to using eight characters for this name.To continue, click Next.


Choosing When to Start the BackupThe Backup Comment and Mode step of the wizard allows you to enter a short comment about the backup image and choose when to start the backup operation.

The text you enter in the Comment box appears as part of the description of the backup image, helping you choose the correct backup image during a restore operation.Choose an option for when to start the backup operations:• Back up now creates the backup image immediately after you finish

this wizard. Choosing this option and clicking Next opens the Backup Summary step of the wizard.

• Schedule backup allows you to choose a time when you want the backup operation to start. Choosing this option and clicking Next opens the scheduler step of the wizard. For more information about using the scheduler step, see “Using the Scheduler” on page 143.


Confirming the Backup SettingsThe Backup Summary step of the wizard allows you to view and confirm the settings for the backup operation.

If you want to change a setting, click the link in the heading above the setting you want to change to return to the appropriate step of the wizard.To continue, click Next.• By default you have Virtual Mode turned on. A final step appears to

inform you that the backup operation has been placed in the pending operations list. Click Finish to close the wizard. To start the backup operation, click the Apply button in the Virtual Operations toolbar and then click Yes. (See “Applying Partition and Hard Drive Changes” on page 141.)

• If you chose to start the backup immediately and you have Virtual Mode turned off, the backup operation begins immediately.

• If you chose to schedule the backup, a final step appears. Click Finish to close the wizard. The backup operation will begin at the scheduled time.


Making a Hot BackupPerfect Image supports both offline and online backup options.• An offline backup can be created only when the data is in a consistent

state, such as when the operating system and all programs are completely shut down. This is the preferred way of making a backup image, since Perfect Image has exclusive access to the data during an offline backup and can efficiently create an accurate backup image.

• An online backup (or hot backup) can create an image of the disk or partition, even when data is being modified. Online backups are useful for computers that have very little available downtime, such as servers that are always on. An online backup can take a long time to produce, since Perfect Image needs to wait until all active processes have finished to produce an accurate image of all open files and databases involved in the backup operation.

Using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy ServiceFor Windows XP and later operating systems, Microsoft provides its Volume Shadow Copy Service utility to provide consistent, point-in-time copies of data known as shadow copies. Using the Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service utility can create a synchronous snapshot of multiple volumes. This is the recommended method of backing up SQL Server 2003, Exchange Server 2003, and Oracle databases.To use Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service, you need to have a separate active NTFS partition of at least 300 MB.If you want to use the Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service to create hot backups with Perfect Image, choose it as your Hot processing technology selection in the Edit Settings dialog. (See “Hot Processing Options” on page 160.)

Using Avanquest Hot ProcessingAvanquest Hot Processing uses a kernal-mode driver to intercept and control the disk-write activity of the programs and operating system on your computer. You can also create hot backups using the Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service. Avanquest Hot Processing can be used to create a backup image of locked disks and partitions. However, it can’t be used for locked dynamic disks and partitions.


Avanquest Hot Processing doesn't require a NTFS partition to run.

If you want to use the Avanquest Hot Processing to create hot backups with Perfect Image, choose it as your Hot processing technology selection in the Edit Settings dialog. (See “Hot Processing Options” on page 160.)

Updating a Backup ImageCreating a Differential Backup takes more time than a full backup, but the resulting backup image can be much smaller than a full backup image.After you’ve created a full backup image of a partition, you can choose to create a differential backup of the same partition. When creating a differential backup, Perfect Image verifies the parental image and then performs an exact bit-wise comparison of the data in the parental image with the data currently in the partition you’re backing up. The difference between the contents is saved in a new backup image. To start the Differential Backup Wizard, open the Wizards menu and choose Advanced > Differential Backup or click the Differential Partition Backup link in the Advanced Backup Tasks section of the task bar.

CAUTION: Using Avanquest Hot Processing with active SQL Server 2003, Exchange Server 2003, and Oracle databases can produce a corrupted backup image.


To start using the wizard, click Next.

Choosing the Parental Backup ImageIn the Browse for Image step, you can choose the original full backup image.

Choose the backup image that you previously created from the list. You can reduce the number of images in the list by choosing a filter option from the drop-down list above the image list.If the backup image you want isn’t in the list, you can click the Add Image button above the list to open a browsing window. Locate the backup image and then click Add to add the selected image to the list. If you want to explore your computer or network to find the backup image, click the Switch to File View link below the list. To return to the list of backup images, click Switch to Image View List.When you choose a backup image, a short description of the image appears in the Image File Details box.The original full image you choose becomes the base or parental image used for creating the differential image.To continue, click Next.

NOTE: Differential backups are available only for a primary or logical partition.

Add Image


Choosing the Content for the Differential BackupIn the Image Content step, you can choose the partition that you want to back up.

When you choose a disk or partition to backup, a description of the disk or partition appears.Before Perfect Image creates the differential backup, it confirms that the parental image corresponds to the partition that you’re backing up by comparing the location, capacity, file system type, and serial number of the partition.If you want to choose additional settings for this backup archive, check the Change backup settings box. (See “To Choose Advanced Backup Settings” on page 48.)To continue, click Next.


Choosing How to Store the Differential BackupEach new backup image can be saved in the same location as the parental image or in any other location you choose.

Chose an option for where you want to store the backup image:• Save data to the Secure Partition allows you to save the backup

image in your secure partition reserved for backup images. If you haven’t created a Secure Partition, this option isn’t available. For information about creating a Secure Partition, see “Using the Secure Partition” on page 74.

• Save data to local/network drives allows you to choose a location on your computer or network for saving the backup image.

• Save data to physical partitions allows you to choose a location on a hidden partition on your computer for saving the backup image. If you don’t have any hidden partitions, this option isn’t available.

• Burn the data to CD or DVD allows you to save the backup image on a writable CD, DVD or BD using your drive.



Choosing Where to Store the Differential BackupDepending on your choice in the Backup Destination step, the following step gives you specific choices for determining the exact location for the differential backup image.

• If you chose to save the image in the Secure Partition, choose the location in the Secure Partition where you want to save it.

• If you chose to save the image on a CD or DVD, choose the recordable device from the list.

• If you chose to save the image on your computer or network, choose the location where you want to save it.

Make sure that the destination you choose for storing the backup image is large enough to hold the estimated size of the backup image.The name in the Image name box is used for the sub-folder where the backup image is stored and for the name of the backup image file. If you want to use a different name, enter the new name in the box. If you’re saving the backup image on a CD or DVD, you’re limited to using eight characters for this name.To continue, click Next.


Choosing When to Start the BackupThe Backup Comment and Mode step of the wizard allows you to enter a short comment about the backup image and choose when to start the backup operation.

The text you enter in the Comment box appears as part of the description of the backup image, helping you choose the correct backup image during a restore operation.Choose an option for when to start the backup operations:• Back up now creates the backup image immediately after you finish

this wizard. Choosing this option and clicking Next opens the Backup Summary step of the wizard.

• Schedule backup allows you to choose a time when you want the backup operation to start. Choosing this option and clicking Next opens the scheduler step of the wizard. For more information about using the scheduler step, see “Using the Scheduler” on page 143.

These options are not available if you are backing up to a CD/DVD.


Confirming the Differential Backup SettingsThe Backup Summary step of the wizard allows you to view and confirm the settings for the differential backup operation.

If you want to change a setting, click the link in the heading above the setting you want to change to return to the appropriate step of the wizard.To continue, click Next.• If you chose to start the backup immediately and you have Virtual

Mode turned off, the backup operation begins immediately.• If you chose to start the backup immediately and you have Virtual

Mode turned on, a final step appears to inform you that the backup operation has been placed in the pending operations list. Click Finish to close the wizard. To start the backup operation, click the Apply button in the Virtual Operations toolbar. (See “Applying Partition and Hard Drive Changes” on page 141.)

• If you chose to schedule the differential backup, a final step appears. Click Finish to close the wizard. The backup operation will begin at the scheduled time.

Backing Up Files and FoldersYou can use any of the following methods to start the File Backup Wizard:• Open the Wizards menu and choose Back Up Files.• Click the Back up Files link in the Basic Backup Tasks section of the

task bar.• Click the Back Up Files button in the tool bar.


• In the Images tab, click the Create File Complement link.

The File Backup Wizard takes you through the steps of creating and saving a backup image of files and folders. To start using the File Backup Wizard, click Next.

Choosing the Folders or Files to Back UpIn the Which Folders and Files to Back Up step of the wizard, you can choose the folders and files that you want to back up.

Open a disk or partition by clicking the Plus sign (+). To back up an entire folder, check the box next to the folder. To back up an individual file, check the box next to the file’s name. You can select as many files and folders as you want on the various disks and partitions.


To choose all the files and folders in a disk or partition check the box next to the disk or partition. In a later step you can exclude files from the back up as needed.To continue, click Next.

Choosing the Backup DestinationIn the Backup Destination step of the wizard, you can choose where to save the backup file.

Open a disk or partition by clicking the Plus sign (+). Select the disk, partition, or folder where Perfect Image should save the file. Perfect Image supplies an automatically generated name for the backup file. If you wish, type a different name in the Image name box.To continue, click Next.

Including Groups of FilesIn the Specify Include Masks step of the wizard, you can either back up only the files you specified earlier or, by selecting a mask, include groups


of files by file type. For example, you may have selected the Documents folder but only want to back up your audio files.

• To only include the files you specified earlier in the wizard, select Do not use include masks.

• To include groups of files, particularly if you specified a folder, disk, or partition earlier, select Use include masks. Then choose the masks to apply for this backup.Check the box next to the file types to include: Readable files, Audio files, Video files, or Pictures & Photos. If you click the Plus sign (+) next to the box, you can see a list of the available extensions for that file type. To remove a file type from the include list, click Delete filter.

You can rename categories, delete categories, or add additional filters to a category by clicking the links shown at the top of the category. Click Add category to add your own category with a mix of include filters specifically for your needs.To continue, click Next.


Excluding Groups of FilesIn the Specify Exclude Masks step of the wizard, you can, by selecting a mask, exclude groups of files by file type.

• To exclude groups of files, particularly if you specified a folder, disk, or partition earlier, choose the exclude masks to apply for this backup.Check the box next to the file types to include: Executable & Installations or Auxiliary files. If you click the Plus sign (+) next to the box, you can see a list of the available extensions for that file type. To remove a file type from the include list, click Delete filter.

You can rename categories, delete categories, or add additional filters to a category by clicking the links shown at the top of the category. Click Add category to add your own category with a mix of exclude filters specifically for your needs.To continue, click Next.


Adding a CommentThe Backup Comment step of the wizard allows you to enter a short comment about the backup image.

The text you enter in the Comment box appears as part of the description of the backup image, helping you choose the correct backup image during a restore operation.To continue, click Next.

Confirming the File or Folder Backup SettingsThe Backup Summary step of the wizard allows you to view and confirm the settings for the backup operation.

If you want to change a setting, click the Back button to return to the appropriate step of the wizard.


To continue, click Next.• If you have Virtual Mode turned off, the backup operation begins

immediately. Click Finish to close the wizard.• If you have Virtual Mode turned on, a final step appears to inform you

that the backup operation has been placed in the pending operations list. Click Finish to close the wizard. To start the backup operation, click the Apply button in the Virtual Operations toolbar. and then click Close.

Incrementally Backing Up Files and FoldersIf you have a backup image for files and folders, you can update that file with the File Backup Wizard, which will automatically create a new image-level file based on the contents of the existing image-level file. Perfect Image saves the new file-level image file to the same location as the original file. To start the wizard for an incremental backup:• Open the Wizards menu and choose Advanced > Create

Incremental File Image.• Click the Incremental File Backup link in the Advanced Backup

Tasks section of the task bar.• In the Images tab, select the file-level image file and then click the

Incremental File Backup link.The File Backup Wizard takes you through the steps of choosing an existing backup image file creating and saving a backup image of files and folders. To start using the File Backup Wizard, click Next.


Choosing the Backup Image to UpdateIn the Browse for Archive step of the wizard, locate and choose the existing backup file to update.

You can choose a image shown in the list. Alternatively, click the Switch to File View link to locate an existing image to choose.Information about the file-level image file appears in the bottom of the screen.To continue, click Next.• If you have Virtual Mode turned off, the incremental backup

operation begins immediately. Click Finish to close the wizard.• If you have Virtual Mode turned on, a final step appears to inform you

that the incremental backup operation has been placed in the pending operations list. Click Finish to close the wizard. To start the backup operation, click the Apply button in the Virtual Operations toolbar and then click Close.

Transferring Files and FoldersYou may decide to copy important files or folders to a different location instead of creating a backup image of them. You can use any of the following methods to start the File Transfer Wizard:• Open the Tools menu and choose File Transfer Wizard.


• Click the Transfer Files link in the Tools section of the task bar.

The File Transfer Wizard takes you through the steps of copying files and folders. To start using the File Transfer Wizard, click Next.

Choosing the Folders or Files to CopyIn the Select Transfer Objects step of the wizard, you specify the folders and files that you want to copy.

Open the Source drop-down list to open a disk, partition, network device, or other storage device. In the area below choose a file or folder to copy. Then click the left arrow button to move that file or folder to the Clipboard list. You may press the SHIFT or CTRL key to select more than one object at a time.To remove an object from the Clipboard list, choose the object and click the right arrow button.You can use the buttons next to the Source drop-down list to create a new folder or delete objects in the area below.


a later step you can exclude files from the back up as needed.To continue, click Next.

Choosing the Destination TypeIn the Select Destination Type step of the wizard, you can choose what type of device will store the files.

• To copy the files and folders to a drive, select Save data to local/network drives.

• To copy the files and folders to an unmounted, hidden, or unsupported partition, select Save data to physical partitions.

• To burn the files onto a disc, select Burn the data to CD or DVD.To continue, click Next.


Specifying a LocationIf you selected Save data to local/network drives or Save data to physical partitions, in the Select Destination path step of the wizard, you specify the location for copying the files or folders.

• Locate the device in the Look in drop-down list and then select a device or folder in the area below.

• You can use the buttons next to the Look in drop-down list to add a new folder, delete a folder, or, possibly, map a network drive.

If you selected Burn the data to CD or DVD, in the Choose a Recorder step of the wizard, you specify which burner to use. You can also type disc title of eight characters or less in the Volume label box.



Confirming the Transfer SettingsThe Transfer Summary step of the wizard allows you to view and confirm the settings for the copy operation.

If you want to change a setting, click a link to return to the appropriate step of the wizard.To continue, click Next.• If you have Virtual Mode turned off, the copy operation begins


that the backup operation has been placed in the pending operations list. Click Finish to close the wizard. To start the backup operation, click the Apply button in the Virtual Operations toolbar. and then click Close.


Perfect Image Maintaining Backup Images • 73

Maintaining Backup Images

OverviewYou can securely store a backup image on external media, such as a CD or DVD. You can also store the backup image on another computer attached to your network, on any hard drive or visible partition on your computer, or in a special hidden partition on the current hard drive called a Secure Partition.

Whenever you save a backup image on a CD or DVD, Perfect Image makes the CD or DVD bootable. The allows you to use the Simple Restore Wizard to restore your data without first having to start your computer’s operating system. For information about setting options for creating bootable CDs and DVDs, see “CD/DVD Recording Options” on page 159.

NOTE: It is not recommended that you create a Secure Partition on a USB Flash drive.

74 • Maintaining Backup Images Perfect Image

Using the Secure PartitionWhen you run Perfect Image, it checks to see if you have a Secure Partition on your hard drive. The Perfect Image Secure Partition is a special hidden partition on your hard drive, designed for storing secure copies of your backup images.You can use the Manage Secure Partition Wizard to create, resize, or delete the Secure Partition. To view the contents of backup images in the Secure Partition, use the Image Explorer. (See “Viewing a List of Backup Images” on page 79.)To start the Manage Secure Partition Wizard, open the Wizards menu and choose Backup Utilities > Manage Secure Partition or click the Manage Secure Partition link in the Tools section of the task bar.

The Secure Partition is typically created in unallocated space at the end of your hard drive. If you don’t have unallocated space on your hard drive, you won’t be able to create a Secure Partition. If you want to choose the location on your hard drive for the Secure Partition, check the Advanced Mode box.To start using the Manage Secure Partition Wizard, click Next.


Choosing the Secure Partition TaskThe Pick a Managing Task step of the Manage Secure Partition Wizard appears if you have a Secure Partition on your computer. It allows you to choose task that you want to perform for the existing Secure Partition.

If you don’t have a Secure Partition, this step doesn’t appear.Choose the task that you want to perform:• Enlarge the secure partition allows you to increase the size of the

Secure Partition. (See “Choosing the Size of the Secure Partition” on page 77.)

• Reduce size of the secure partition allows you to reduce the size of the Secure Partition. (See “Choosing the Size of the Secure Partition” on page 77.)

• Clean up the secure partition allows you to remove all data from the Secure Partition. If you want to remove specific backup images, use the Image Explorer. (See “Viewing a List of Backup Images” on page 79.)

• Delete the secure partition allows you to remove the Secure Partition from your hard drive and replace it with unallocated space.

• Change system recovery options allows you to change the boot options for the Secure Partition. (See “Choosing to Boot From the Secure Partition” on page 78.)



Choosing the Location of the Secure PartitionThe Where to Create a Secure Partition step of the Manage Secure Partition Wizard allows you to choose the hard disk and the location on the hard disk for the Secure Partition. You can only have one Secure Partition on a single hard drive.

The Secure Partition can be created as a primary partition or as a logical drive within an extended partition. You can place the partition at the beginning, the end, or in the middle of the drive. We recommend placing it at the end to more efficiently manage the partition size and available free space on the drive.Click the drive where you want to create the Secure Partition. If you checked the Advanced Mode box in the previous step, you can also choose where you want to place the partition on the hard drive by clicking the arrow buttons.The Secure Partition is created in unallocated space on your hard drive. If you don’t have unallocated space on your hard drive, you won’t be able to create a Secure Partition.To choose the size of the partition, click Next.


Choosing the Size of the Secure PartitionThe Secure Partition Size step of the Manage Secure Partition Wizard allows you to choose the size of the partition for the Secure Partition.

You can make the Secure Partition any size you want or need. You’re only restricted by the available unallocated space on the drive and the capacity required to store your backup images.If you don’t have enough free space in a single block on your drive, the Manage Secure Partition Wizard attempts to redistribute the free space on your drive by joining all free-space blocks into one united block and moving partitions, if needed.If you have a locked partition that needs to be moved or split to make enough space for the Secure Partition, the wizard will need to restart your computer to make the needed changes.To continue, click Next.


Choosing to Boot From the Secure PartitionIn the Recovery from Bootable Secure Partition step of the Manage Secure Partition Wizard, you can choose to start you computer using the Secure Partition if your operating computer fails to boot.

To start your computer using the Secure Partition, the Secure Partition must be on a bootable device assigned by your computer’s BIOS.• To allow booting from the Secure Partition, choose the Allow to start

recovery system from secure partition option.• Choose how many seconds your computer will wait while the

operating system attempts to boot in the Time to display the secure partition startup message box. If the operating system fails to boot before the specified number of seconds elapses, a message appears allowing you to choose to start your computer from the Secure Partition.

• Specify a key to press that will allow you to choose to start your computer from the Secure Partition from the Choose a hot key for startup from the secure partition drop-down list.A preview of the startup message appears in the box below.

• To prevent booting from the Secure Partition, choose the Do not allow to start recovery from secure partition option.


CAUTION: Choosing to start your computer from a backup image will overwrite your current Master Boot Record (MBR). This can disable a third-party boot-manager program that you might have installed on your computer.


Confirming the Secure Partition ChangesIn the Ready to Apply Your Changes step of the Manage Secure Partition Wizard, you’re able to confirm that you want to make the changes.

If you want to check or change any of the options you chose in previous steps, click the Back button to view the steps.To continue, click Next.• By default you have Virtual Mode turned on. A final step appears to

inform you that the partition operation has been placed in the pending operations list. Click Finish to close the wizard. To start the partition operation, click the Apply button in the Virtual Operations toolbar and then click Yes. (See “Applying Partition and Hard Drive Changes” on page 141.)

• If you chose to start the partition immediately and you have Virtual Mode turned off, thepartition operation begins immediately.

Viewing a List of Backup ImagesYou can view a list of the backup images you’ve created using the Image Explorer. The Image Explorer can be used to view information about any type of Perfect Image backup image, even an image that is saved in the Secure Partition. To open the Image Explorer, click the Images tab in the Explorer frame.In this tab, the lower portion of the frame displays a list of all the backup images in the Image Database. You can select an image in the list to view the properties of the image. You can add or remove images from the database and refresh the list by clicking the buttons above the list.


The upper-left side of the frame displays the properties of the selected backup image.The upper-right side of the frame displays the Volume Explorer that allows you to view the contents of the partitions on your computer and export selected files. (See “Exporting Files Using Volume Explorer” on page 31.)


Checking the Integrity of Backup ImagesBefore performing any restore operations, you should check the integrity of the backup image to find any possible corruption using the Image Verify Wizard.To start the Image Verify Wizard, open the Wizards menu and choose Backup Utilities > Verify Image Integrity or click the Verify Image Integrity link in the Tools section of the task bar. To begin using the wizard, click Next.Choose the backup image that you want to verify. You can reduce the number of images in the list by choosing a filter option from the drop-down list above the image list.If the backup image you want isn’t in the list, you can click the Add Image button above the list to open a browsing window. Locate the backup image and then click Add to add the selected image to the list. If you want to explore your computer or network to find the backup image, click the Switch to File View link below the list. To return to the list of backup images, click Switch to Image View List.When you choose a backup image, a short description of the image appears in the Image File Details box.Click Next to start the verification of the selected backup image.

Checking the Integrity of Recovery DiscsAfter creating a recovery CD from a backup image, you should check to make sure that the disk is error-free using the Check Recovery Disk Wizard. To start the Check Recovery Disk Wizard, open the Tools menu and choose Check Recovery Disks or click the Check Recovery Disks link in the Tools section of the task bar.

To start using the wizard, click Next.Choose the drive for the test. You can also choose to eject the disc after the operation completes.Click Next to check the selected recovery disc for errors.

NOTE: The Check Recovery Disk Wizard only works with Recovery discs, such as CDs and DVDs — not with USB Flash drives.

Add Image


Converting a Backup Image to a Temporary PartitionYou can temporarily assign a drive letter to a backup image of a separate partition to browse the contents like any other drive on your computer.1. Click the Images tab in the Explorer frame to view the Image

Explorer.2. Choose the backup image you want to convert.3. Open the Images menu and choose Mount the Selected Image.4. Choose a drive letter for the new temporary partition from the Assign

the following drive letter drop-down list.5. Click Yes to convert the backup image to a temporary partition.The new partition is read-only, but you can view and copy the files and folders to a writable location on your computer. After you finish working with the backup image, you can select the image and then open the Images menu and choose Unmount the Selected Image, or you can restart your computer to remove the drive letter from the temporary partition making it no longer available.

Perfect Image Data Restore • 83

DATA RESTORE

Using the Restore Wizard 85

Restoring from a Recovery Disk 95

84 • Data Restore Perfect Image

Perfect Image Using the Restore Wizard • 85

Using the Restore Wizard

OverviewYou can restore a drive, partition, or file from a backup image, even when you aren’t able to start your operating system.• If you have Windows running and you want to restore a drive,

partition, or individual files or folders, use the Restore Wizard from within the Perfect Image program.

• If you want to restore a drive or partition without first starting Windows, use a Recovery disk to start the Simple Restore Wizard. See “Restoring from a Recovery Disk” on page 95.

• If you have copied files or folders to another location and want to recover them, use the File Transfer Wizard to copy the files or folders back.

86 • Using the Restore Wizard Perfect Image

Starting the Restore WizardTo start the Restore Wizard from within the Perfect Image program, you can use any of the following methods:• Open the Wizards menu and choose Restore Disk or Partition.• Click the Restore Disk or Partition link in the Restore Tasks section

of the task bar.• Click the Restore button in the tool bar.• Select a disk in the Disk Map with the Properties subtab active and

click Restore the logical disk from an image in the Explorer frame.If you’ve selected an entire disk in the Disk Map, click Restore an image of the entire disk.


• Click the Restore Files link in the Restore Tasks section of the task bar.

The Restore Wizard takes you through the steps of choosing and restoring a backup image.

To start using the Restore Wizard, click Next.


Choosing the Backup Image for RestoringChoose the backup image that you want to use for restoring in the Browse for Image step of the Restore Wizard.

You can reduce the number of images in the list by choosing a filter option from the drop-down list above the image list.If the backup image you want isn’t in the list, you can click the Add Image button above the list to open a browsing window. Locate the backup image and then click Add to add the selected image to the list. If you want to explore your computer or network to find the backup image, click the Switch to File View link below the list. To return to the list of backup images, click Switch to Image List View.When you choose a backup image, a short description of the image appears in the Image File Details box. The details help you determine whether or not you’ve chosen the correct backup image for restoring.If you’re restoring from a differential backup, the full image that was used as the parental backup must be available. If Perfect Image can’t find the parental image, you’re asked to provide the path to this image.To continue, click Next.

Add Image


Choosing a Portion of the Backup Image for RestoringThe What to Restore step of the Restore Wizard appears if you’ve chosen to restore form an image of a disk that has more than one partition.This step gives you detailed information about the contents of the backup image you chose.If you want to restore only part of the backup image, you can choose the portion of the backup image that you want to restore from. This allows you to restore a separate partition from a backup image of an entire disk.


Choosing the Disk or Partition for RestoringThe Where to Restore step of the Restore Wizard allows you to choose the location where the backup image will be restored to.

All contents of the disk or partition you choose will be deleted during the restore operation.To restore a dynamic disk, check the appropriate box next to the dynamic disk. Perfect Image automatically checks all the constituents of the dynamic disk.

NOTE: If you are restoring a file-level image, you see the How to Restore Files step. See Restoring Files for details.



Setting the Restore ParametersThe Restore Results step of the Restore Wizard shows the resulting configuration of the restored disk or partition.

If you’re restoring a partition, you can enter the size of the restored partition, and the size of the free space on the disk before and after the restored partition.To continue, click Next.


Starting the Restore OperationThe Ready to Restore From the Image step of the Restore Wizard gives you one last chance to make changes before starting the restore operaton.

All contents of the disk or partition you choose will be deleted during the restore operation. This cannot be undone.Before you start the restore process, it’s a good idea to go back through the steps of the Restore Wizard to make sure that you made the correct choices.To continue, click Next.• By default you have Virtual Mode turned on. A final step appears to

inform you that the restore operation has been placed in the pending operations list. Click Finish to close the wizard. To start the restore operation, click the Apply button in the Virtual Operations toolbar and then click Yes. (See “Applying Partition and Hard Drive Changes” on page 141.)

• If you chose to start the restore immediately and you have Virtual Mode turned off, the restore operation begins immediately.

The restore process might take a some time to complete. You might be asked to restart your computer during the operation.Interrupting the restore process might cause data loss and instability, requiring you to create new partitions on your computer.


Restoring FilesYou can use the Restore Wizard to restore files and folders from a file-level image. You can use any of the following methods to start the Restore Wizard:• Open the Wizards menu and choose Restore Disk or Partition.• Click the Restore Disk or Partition link in the Restore Tasks section

of the task bar.• Click the Restore button in the tool bar.• Select a disk in the Disk Map with the Properties subtab active and

click Restore the logical disk from an image in the Explorer frame.If you’ve selected an entire disk in the Disk Map, click Restore an image of the entire disk.


• Click the Restore Files link in the Restore Tasks section of the task bar.

After the Restore Wizard appears, click Next to continue.

Specifying the Image FileChoose the file-level image that you want to use for restoring in the Browse for Image step of the Restore Wizard.


You can reduce the number of images in the list by choosing a filter option from the drop-down list above the image list. For restoring files you may want to choose Show file images from the list.If the file-level image you want isn’t in the list, you can click the Add Image button above the list to open a browsing window. Locate the file-level image and then click Add to add the selected image to the list. If you want to explore your computer or network to find the file-level image, click the Switch to File View link below the list. To return to the list of images, click Switch to Image List View.When you choose a file-level image, a short description of it appears in the Image File Details box. The details help you determine whether or not you’ve chosen the correct file-level image for restoring.To continue, click Next.

Specifying a Location for the FilesIn the How to Restore Files step you specify where to copy the files.

In the Restore files to drop-down list, specify: Original location or Specific folder.

• If you choose Original location, you can keep the existing files by choosing Leave existing files or overwrite existing files by choosing Replace existing files.

• If you choose Specific folder, you can open a disk, partition, or network drive by choosing it in the Look in drop-down list. Then locate and specify a folder for the files. Use the buttons next to the Look in drop-down list to add a folder, delete a folder, or map a network drive.

Add Image


To restore the files, click Next.• If you have Virtual Mode turned off, the restore operation begins


that the backup operation has been placed in the pending operations list. Click Finish to close the wizard. To start the backup operation, click the Apply button in the Virtual Operations toolbar.

Transferring Files and Folders BackYou can use the File Transfer Wizard to copy files or folders back to their original (or any) location.You can use any of the following methods to start the File Transfer Wizard:• Open the Tools menu and choose File Transfer Wizard.• Click the Transfer Files link in the Tools section of the task bar.• Click the Restore Individual Files link in the Restore Tasks section

of the task bar.See “Transferring Files and Folders” on page 67 for details on working with the File Transfer Wizard.


Perfect Image Restoring from a Recovery Disk • 95

Restoring from a Recovery Disk

OverviewThe Perfect Image Recovery CD can help you restore from a backup image without first starting your operating system. This can be helpful for restoring bootable partitions that won’t boot. You also need to use a Recovery CD to restore your system disk.The Recovery CD can also help you solve your booting problems by repairing virus-infected MBRs, changing the order of primary partitions, scanning the partition surface for errors, and opening a command line for entering operating system-specific commands.

96 • Restoring from a Recovery Disk Perfect Image

Starting the Recovery CDWhen you start your computer using the Recovery CD, you have a choice of operating systems in which to run the programs on the Recovery CD.

You must make your choice before the 10 second count-down timer automatically starts in the Linux environment. For most computers, Linux works fine. However, if you experience problems starting in Linux, you can restart the computer and choose a DOS option.

The initial startup screen gives you the following list of choices:• Normal Mode uses Linux as the boot choice. This is the standard boot

environment that works with most computers. (See “Booting in Linux” on page 97.)

• Safe Mode uses DOS as the boot choice. This is an alternate choice if Linux doesn’t work properly. (See “Booting in DOS” on page 98.)

• Low-Graphics Safe Mode uses DOS as the boot choice using a less sophisticated program user interface. This is an alternate choice if Linux doesn’t work properly and DOS works too slowly. (See “Booting in DOS” on page 98.)

NOTE: If your computer doesn’t start from the CD, you’ll need to change the system BIOS setting that controls the boot order process. For more information, contact your system administrator or refer to the documentation that came with your computer.


• Hard disk 0 MBR allows you to boot from your bootable hard disk.• Find OSes on your hard disks searches for and lists any installed

operating systems on your hard disks. This option might cause your computer to freeze if you have any corrupted partitions.

Booting in LinuxWhen you choose the Normal Mode option from the initial Recovery CD startup screen, the Perfect Image menu appears.

Use your mouse or arrow keys to choose the option from the list on the left. A brief description for the option appears in the pane on the right.• Perfect Image lets you create a backup image of your hard drive or

partition. (See “Creating a Backup Image Using the Recovery CD” on page 99.)

• Simple Restore Wizard lets you restore your hard drive or partition from a backup image. (See “Using the Simple Restore Wizard” on page 101.)

• One Button Copy Wizard lets you copy the first hard drive to the first empty hard disk.

• File Transfer Wizard lets you copy files or folders to a hard disk, partition, or folder.

NOTE: If the Recovery CD was created using the Recovery Media builder, it directly opens the Simple Restore Wizard. (See “Using the Simple Restore Wizard” on page 101.)


• Boot Corrector helps fix Windows 2000/XP/Vista boot problems, such as repairing the System Registry or an infected MBR. (See “Fixing Boot Problems” on page 104.)

• Network Configurator lets you configure network connections to be able to save files, folders, partitions, or disks elsewhere on the network.

• Log Saver starts the Log Saver Wizard. (See “Saving Log Files” on page 107.)

• View the mounted partitions displays a list of all mounted partitions. • Start the command Line opens a command line for applying Linux

commands. This option is recommended for experienced Linux users.• Reboot the computer restarts the computer. • Power off turns off the computer.Press Enter to start the selected option.

Booting in DOSWhen you choose the Safe Mode option from the initial Recovery CD startup screen, the Perfect Image menu appears. You can use this option is you have problems using the Linux option.

These same options are available when you choose the Low Graphics Safe Mode option.User your arrow keys to choose the option from the list on the left. A brief description for the selected option appears in the pane on the right.

TIP: If you have problems using the Linux option, use the DOS option. (See “Booting in DOS” on page 98.)


• Perfect Image lets you create a backup image of your hard drive or partition. (See “Creating a Backup Image Using the Recovery CD” on page 99.)

• Simple Restore Wizard lets you restore your hard drive or partition from a backup image. (See “Using the Simple Restore Wizard” on page 101.)

• One Button Copy Wizard lets you copy the first hard drive to the first empty hard disk.

• File Transfer Wizard lets you copy files or folders to a hard disk, partition, or folder.

• Boot Corrector helps fix Windows 2000/XP boot problems, such as repairing the System Registry or repairing an infected MBR (see “Fixing Boot Problems” on page 104).

• Start the command line opens a command line for applying DOS commands. This option is recommended for experienced DOS users.

• Reboot the computer restarts the computer. Click Enter to start the selected option.

Creating a Backup Image Using the Recovery CDTo create a backup image of a hard disk or partition, select the Perfect Image option to open the Perfect Image window.

Using the Perfect Image window from the CD is similar to using the program in Windows. For specific information about using the features


and settings in the CD version of the program, open the Help menu and select Help to view the Perfect Image Help window.


Using the Simple Restore WizardYou can use the Simple Restore Wizard to restore the partitions or disks on your computer without first starting the operating system. The Simple Restore Wizard can help you restore system disks and partitions that won’t boot properly, if you have a backup image made when the disk or partition was booting.You can start the Simple Restore Wizard from a bootable CD/DVD you created using Perfect Image or from the Recovery CD included with the boxed product.• To start the Simple Restore Wizard from a bootable CD/DVD you

created, insert the CD/DVD and restart your computer. The Simple Restore Wizard automatically starts when the computer boots from the CD/DVD.

• To start the Simple Restore Wizard from the Recovery CD, you can either choose the Simple Restore Wizard option from the Linux or DOS welcome screen, or you can choose to Restore from Image after starting the CD version of Perfect Image.

After the wizard starts, click Next to continue.

Choosing the Backup Image to Restore FromChoose the backup image that you want to use for restoring in the What to Restore step of the Simple Restore Wizard. Enter the full path to the backup image or click the browse button (...) to open the Select Archive dialog and locate the image.To continue, click Next.

Confirming the Backup Image to Restore FromView detailed information about the backup image you selected in the Image Properties step of the Simple Restore Wizard.Information about the selected backup image appears in the comments box. The details help you determine whether or not you’ve chosen the correct backup image for restoring. If you need to choose a different backup image, click Back.After confirming the backup image, click Next.


Choosing the Disk or Partition to Restore ToChose the disk or partition that you want restored in the Select the Destination step of the Simple Restore Wizard.All contents of the disk or partition you choose will be deleted during the restore operation. If you’re restore an entire disk, make sure that you’ve selected the entire disk in the Disk Map.To continue, click Next.

Choosing the Size of the Partition to Restore ToChoose the size you want for the partition after the restore operation completes.Make sure that the partition size you choose is large enough to hold the restored data. Expanding or reducing the partition size changes the amount of free space available on the disk and the partition.To continue, click Next.

Confirming the Simple Restore Wizard SettingsConfirm the locations of the backup image and restore destination in the Restore Summary step of the Simple Restore Wizard.Click Next to start restoring from the backup image.After the restore operation completes, click Finish to close the Simple Restore Wizard and start your operating system. Before restarting your computer, remove the CD/DVD from the drive.

Copying a DiskYou can use the One Button Copy Wizard to clone the first drive quickly. You must have an available, empty hard disk with enough space for cloning. When you choose One Button Copy Wizard from the menu, the wizard first checks to see if there is an available, empty hard disk. If there isn’t, you cannot proceed.If the wizard locates an available disk, you can select it to quickly clone your computer’s first drive.

Transferring FilesYou can use the Avanquest File Transfer Wizard to copy files, folders, partitions, or disks elsewhere. You may want to do this if you have files or folders that you haven’t backed up recently and want to try to recover


them after a problem occurs. When you choose File Transfer Wizard from the menu, the Avanquest File Transfer Wizard starts.

After the wizard starts, click Next to continue.

Selecting Items To TransferYou can transfer one or more files at a time.

Open the Source drop-down list to open a disk, partition, network device, or other storage device. In the area below choose a file or folder to copy. Then click the left arrow button to move that file or folder to the Clipboard list. You may press the SHIFT or CTRL key to select more than one object at a time.To remove an object from the Clipboard list, choose the object and click the right arrow button.You can use the buttons next to the Source drop-down list to create a new folder or delete objects in the area below.


a later step you can exclude files from the back up as needed.To continue, click Next.

Selecting a Destination Type and DestinationYou can transfer files to a local or network drive or burn them on a disc. If you select Save data to any local drive or a network share, click Next to specify the destination path.If you select Burn data to CD/DVD, click Next to choose a recorder and specify a volume label.To continue, click Next.

Confirming the SettingsIn the Transfer summary step, you can review the specified destination, the size of the transfer, and the path for transferring the files. To continue, click Next.After the restore operation completes, click Close and then click Finish to return to the startup screen.

Fixing Boot ProblemsThe Avanquest Boot Corrector is able to resolve some of the problems you might encounter during the boot process. When you choose Boot Corrector from the menu, the Avanquest Boot Corrector program starts.

Choose an option and then click Next.For detailed information about using the Boot Corrector program, click the Help button.To exit the Boot Corrector, click the Cancel button.


Correcting Windows InstallationsThe Search for Windows Installations to Correct option searches for valid Windows installations on your computer. The results are displayed and you have the following choices:• Correct the Master Boot Record

• Correct the partition boot record • Modify partition parameters• Correct boot parameters (boot.ini, BCD)

Choose from one of the options and then click Next to continue.


Correcting the Master Boot RecordThe Correct the Master Boot Record (MBR) option allows you to view the MBR, update the MBR executable code, and change the order of primary partitions. Select the hard disk from the drop-down list and then choose the option you want.

To View the MBRClick the View MBR option and then click Next.You can open the Partition Table Entry drop-down list to change the partition.

To Update the MBRClick Update the MBR executable code and then click Next.After the MBR is updated, you can view a report, start over, or close the Boot Corrector program.

To Change the Order of Primary PartitionsClick Reorder primary partitions then click Next. Choose the partition from the list and then click the up and down arrows to move the partition.To save your changes, click Apply.After the partitions are updated, you can view a report, start over, or close the Boot Corrector program.

Correcting the Partition Boot RecordThe Correct the Partition Boot Record option corrects the partition boot record for a selected partition and drive. To correct a partition boot record, choose the drive from the drop-down list and then choose the partition. Click Next to continue.

Modifying the Partition ParametersThe Modify Partition Parameters option gives you the options to view the a partition’s properties, change the active status, hide or show the partition, and change its serial number and ID using the buttons at the bottom of the window.Choose from one of the options and then click Next to continue.


Saving Log FilesWhen you choose the Log Saver option, the Logs Saver Wizard starts. This wizard helps collect log files created by using the Recovery CD. You can select a log file or zip log files together and save them to any hard drive or removable media. These log files can be very helpful to Avanquest Technical Support to better assist you in the event you experience problems.To continue, click Next.1. Change the Save Status of each log file by selecting log files from

the list and then clicking the Save or Do not Save button. (The button changes depending on the selected log file.)You can choose Save all the logs into one archive file to save all the selected files in a single compressed file.

2. Click Next and choose where to save the log files.3. Click Next and specify the destination path to save the log files.4. Click Next to save the log files.5. Click Finish to exit the wizard.In the final wizard screen you can send the logs by e-mail if you wish.


Perfect Image Disk and Partition Management • 109

DISK AND PARTITION MANAGEMENT

Hard Drive and Partitioning Basics 111

Managing Hard Drives and Partitions 125

110 • Disk and Partition Management Perfect Image

Perfect Image Hard Drive and Partitioning Basics • 111

Hard Drive and Partitioning Basics

OverviewPerfect Image gives you several powerful tools that can change the partitioning of your hard drive. This section provides technical background information about hard drives and partitioning fundamentals that will help you fully understand the features offered by Perfect Image.

What is a Partition?A partition is a basic container for data on your hard drive. Although many hard drives have only one partition, Perfect Image allows you to back up a hard drive that has several partitions. Each partition occupies a physically separate area of the hard drive and operates almost as if it were an independent hard drive. Because of this, a partition can be given its own name, or label, can contain its own operating system and file system, or can simply operate as an additional area for better organization of your files. In Windows, partitions are assigned drive letters such as C, D, E, etc.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Backup your system before making changes to your hard drive or partitions.

112 • Hard Drive and Partitioning Basics Perfect Image

Types of Partitions: Partition TerminologyPrimary partitions: A hard drive can be divided up into a maximum of four primary partitions. The first partition on a hard drive is numbered Partition 0; subsequent primary partitions are Partitions 1, 2, and 3.Extended and Logical Partitions: To provide more than four partitions, a primary partition can be designated as an extended partition. An extended partition can be subdivided into several more sections known as logical partitions. The example below shows a partitioning configuration using logical partitions to contain different operating systems.

Beginning of Drive


Bootable PartitionsSome partitions can be made bootable, which means that an operating system can be started from that partition. A bootable partition is also known as an active partition. A non-bootable partition cannot initialize an operating system. The ability for a partition to be bootable is controlled by the operating system. For example, Windows only allows a primary partition to be bootable and won’t allow a logical partition to be bootable. In contrast, other operating systems, like Linux®, can be installed to allow a logical partition to be bootable.To start up, every computer must contain at least one bootable partition. For example, a new Windows system normally uses the first active primary partition (Partition 0) of the first hard drive in the computer (Drive 0). It is assigned the drive letter C. To run more than one operating system on your computer, you typically want to configure a separate bootable partition for each operating system.

Disk Formatting and PartitionsTo understand partitioning, it’s helpful to understand the structure of a typical hard drive and the formatting process.

Hard Disk MechanicsA hard drive consists of stacked metallic disks, or platters, that rotate together on a spindle. Read/write heads (one for each side of a platter) are mounted on arms that allow them to move in and out quickly and accurately to reach any part of the surface of each disk. These heads record and read the magnetic charges that represent your data.For a new hard drive mechanism to become usable, it must go through three processes:1. Physical Formatting (see page 114)2. Partitioning (see page 115)3. Logical Formatting (see page 115)

WARNING: Formatting can destroy all data on the drive.


Physical FormattingThe first stage of formatting is physical or low-level formatting. The hard drive manufacturer performs this operation in their factory. This process creates a magnetic structure on the hard drive platters that allows data to be accurately written and retrieved. The example below shows the elements resulting from the physical formatting procedure: sectors, tracks, and cylinders.

Sectors: A sector is the smallest part of the drive that can be addressed. Each sector can hold a defined amount of data, typically 512 bytes (1/2 KB).Tracks: Tracks are concentric rings onto which data can be written. Each track has a number of sectors. Every disk surface on one drive has the same number of tracks, starting with track 0. Cylinders: A cylinder consists of all the same-numbered tracks on all platters in the hard drive. For example, in a hard drive that has four platters, there are eight tracks numbered track 0 (one track 0 on the top surface, and one on the bottom surface of each platter). All of these track 0s form a cylinder 0. Drives today have thousands of cylinders.


PartitioningFollowing the low-level physical formatting by the drive manufacturer, the hard drive can be divided into one or more partitions. Each partition is assigned a set of contiguous cylinders, so that each partition corresponds to a separate physical area of the hard drive. The following example is a simplified drawing of a drive with four partitions.

The partition process is typically done the first time by the operating system’s limited partitioning utility, such as Disk Administrator in Windows XP.

Logical FormattingFollowing partitioning, the disk is given a file structure that allows the disk and the operating system to exchange data. This process is part of logical formatting, and is performed by the operating system software’s Format program. After this, the operating system can be installed loading the operating system’s installation utility. After a partition has been formatted, it is known as a volume. When using Windows or DOS operating systems, each partition can correspond to a drive letter, starting with drive C. Each volume (partition) can also be given a name, or label, that will help you remember what is in that partition.Linux does not use drive letters, but assigns each volume a name, such as HDA0, HDA1, etc.


Characteristics of File SystemsWhen partitioning a hard drive, there are two important things you should know about file systems:• Operating System and File System Compatibility (see below)• Operating System and Partition Size Limitations (see page 118)

Operating System and File System CompatibilityEach operating system is designed to work with a particular file system, which is known as its native file system. Although some operating systems are compatible with multiple file systems, some are compatible with only one type of file system. Common file systems and Operating System system compatibility are summarized below.File Allocation Table (FAT): FAT is the native file system for DOS and Windows. For very small partitions under 32 MB, a version known as FAT12 is used, while larger sizes require FAT16. Although FAT12 uses 12 bits to record drive address, and FAT16 uses a 16-bit drive address, they are very similar file systems and both are generically referred to as FAT.FAT32: FAT32 supports 32-bit file records to allow a partition size beyond 2 GB. It can also help reduce wasted space on hard drives.The FAT32 file system can only be seen by Windows 95 OSR2 and later. Other operating systems such as DOS, Windows NT, and the first version of Windows 95 will not see FAT32 partitions. You should also avoid a FAT conversion if your drive is using disk compression, since the compression software might not understand FAT32.High Performance File System (HPFS): OS/2 uses HPFS as its native file system and is compatible with FAT. Older versions of NT are also compatible with HPFS.


NT File System (NTFS): NTFS is the native file system for Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003, and Windows Vista. Windows 95/98/Me, DOS, and most other operating systems cannot see NTFS file systems. There are also several versions of NTFS, such that Windows NT cannot understand the newer versions of NTFS. Ext2, Ext3: These are Linux file systems. The Ext3 is an enhancement of the older Ext2 file system. Ext3 is a journaling file system, which is much faster for consistency checks than Ext2.Linux Swap2: A Linux Swap file is an extension of the physical memory of the computer that are generally created during the initial Red Hat Linux 9 setup.ReiserFS: Another popular Linux journaling file system.UFS: This is the Unix File System used by many Unix and Unix-like operating systems. A separate file system must be created on each separate partition of the disk

Common Operating System an File System Compatibility

Operating System File SystemDOS and Windows 3.x FATWindows 95 FATWindows 95 OSR2, 98, Me FAT, FAT32Windows NT v3 and older FAT, HPFS, NTFSWindows NT 4 FAT, NTFSWindows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista FAT, FAT32, NTFSLinux (depends on version) Ext2, Ext3, ReiserFS, SwapOS/2 FAT, HPFSSolaris UFS, NFS, VxFS, QFS, FAT


Operating System and Partition Size LimitationsThe operating system and related file system support different maximum partition sizes. The table below shows how each version of DOS and Windows has increased the maximum partition size.

Limitations

* Accessing partitions larger than 137 GB requires hardware and BIOS support.

Existing disk partitions can’t be changed without deleting the data within the partition.As drive sizes have grown, the operating system, the BIOS, and computer hardware have also required changes. For example, IDE drives over 137 GB in size require new computer hardware and BIOS to work past this limit. These only became available in 2002. Perfect Image supports large drives (beyond 137 GB) when the computer hardware also supports such drives. Without such support, the disk will be limited to the first 137 GB, and the remainder of the disk will be inaccessible to the system.

Operating System File System

Maximum Partition Size

DOS 2.1 and older FAT12 15 MBDOS 3.x FAT12

FAT1615 MB 16 to 32 MB

DOS 4.0 and higher FAT 16 2 GBWindows (all) FAT 16 2 GBWindows 95 OSR2, 98, Me FAT 32 1000+ GB*Windows NT HPFS

NTFS8 GB 1000+ GB*

Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista FAT32 NTFS

1000+ GB 1000+ GB


Learning About Partition TypesThis section shows you some of the major operating systems you might be using. The table below outlines some of the considerations for using a partition type.

Windows File System Benefits Disadvantages

95, 98, Me FAT • Compatible with DOS

• Limited to 2 GB max.

95B, 98, Me FAT32 • No real size limits • DOS and NT can’t see it

NT, 2000, XP, 2003

FAT • Compatible with DOS

• Limited to 2 GB max.

2000, XP, 2003 FAT32 • No real size limits • DOS and NT can’t see it

NT, 2000, XP, 2003, Windows Vista

NTFS • No real size limits• Higher security• Improved stability

• 95/98/Me/DOS can’t see it

• More difficult to fix if problems occur

• NT can’t see XP/2003 NTFS due to version differences


Dynamic DiskWindows 2000, XP, 2003, and Windows Vista have the ability to use a new type of partition called a “Dynamic Disk.” It contains dynamic volumes created by using Windows “Disk Management.” Dynamic disks do not use traditional partition tables like primary and logical drives and cannot be accessed by Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, or DOS operating systems. Consult Microsoft’s web site for more about Dynamic disks at www.microsoft.com. There are five types of dynamic disks:• Simple dynamic disks use free space from a single disk.• Spanned dynamic disks are created from free disk space linked

together from two or more physical disks.• Striped dynamic disks are interleaved across two or more physical

disks.• Mirrored dynamic disks are fault-tolerant volumes in which the data

is duplicated on two physical disks.• RAID-5 dynamic disks are fault-tolerant volumes of data that are

striped across three or more physical disks.

NTFS Volume Sets (Fault Tolerance)Fault Tolerant or “spanning” partitions combine areas of unallocated space from multiple disks into one logical volume, allowing you to more efficiently use all the space and all drive letters on a multiple-disk system.

CAUTION: You do not want to delete one of the partitions that are spanned. If one of the disks containing a spanned volume fails, the entire volume fails.

http://www.microsoft.com


LinuxDifferent Linux distributions might offer more than one choice, or require one specific file system. The most common types are shown in the following table.

RAIDs Hardware-based RAID uses an intelligent drive controller and a redundant array of disk drives to protect against data loss in the event of media failure and to improve the performance of read/write operations.Hardware-based RAID levels 1 through 5 automate redundancy and fault tolerance at the hardware level. All levels (0 through 5) incur no overhead on the system processor. Individual data files are typically spread across more than one disk. It is possible to implement a hardware-based RAID solution that provides your system with seamless, non-stop recovery from media failure.Depending on the configuration, hardware-based RAID generally provides good performance. It also makes it much easier to manage multiple disks, allowing you to treat an array of disks as one disk. You might even be able to replace a failed drive without shutting down the system.Perfect Image Installation and the control of multiple operating systems are compatible with Hardware RAIDs, but not software-emulated RAIDs.

Linux File System Benefits Disadvantages

Ext2 • Optimized for small drives and small files

• Older file system, now falling out of favor

• Very slow consistency checks

Ext3 • Journaling File System• Very fast consistency

checks• Easy to move from

Ext2

• Journaling is a layer on top of Ext2 (could be a benefit)

ReiserFS • Journaling File System• Very fast consistency

checks• Efficient for small files• Excellent choice for

large partitions

• Not recommended for partitions under 100 MB


Level 0 This level is also known as disk striping because of its use of a disk file system called a stripe set. Data is divided into blocks and spread in a fixed order among all disks in an array. RAID 0 improves read/write performance by spreading operations across multiple disks, so that operations can be performed independently and simultaneously.

Level 1 This level is also known as disk mirroring because of its use of a disk file system called a mirror set. Disk mirroring provides a redundant, identical copy of a selected disk. All data written to the primary disk is written to the mirror disk. RAID 1 provides fault tolerance and generally improves read performance (but might degrade write performance).

Level 5 Also known as striping with parity, this level is the most popular strategy for new designs. RAID 5 stripes the data in large blocks across the disks in an array. It differs in that it writes the parity across all the disks. Data redundancy is provided by the parity information. The data and parity information are arranged on the disk array so that the two are always on different disks.


Partitioning and Booting InformationThe hard drive keeps track of its partitioning structure and its booting information on hard drive 0, the first hard drive in your system. The example below shows a basic hard drive organization, including the Master Boot Record (MBR) and Disk Partition Table.

Master Boot Record and Partitioning Table

Master Boot RecordThe Master Boot Record (MBR) is contained in the first sector of the hard disk (Cylinder 0, Head 0, Sector 1). It specifies which operating system starts up the system. When a boot managing utility is used to install multiple operating systems, it replaces the original boot record with its own MBR to control the boot process and allows you the choice of how to boot the system. The old MBR is automatically saved to provide an uninstall option.

Disk Partition TableThe Disk Partition Table is a hidden part of the hard drive that specifies how the hard drive is partitioned. Under Windows 95, 98, and Me, the FDISK utility can be used to view and change the partition information. Under Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003, and Windows Vista, the Disk Administrator can also perform limited partitioning.

GUID Partition Table (GPT)GUID Partition Table (GPT) is the next generation of a hard disk partitioning scheme developed to lift restrictions of the old MBR:


• Up to 128 primary partitions for the Windows implementation (only 4 in MBR);

• The maximum allowed partition size is 18 exabytes (only 2 terabytes in MBR);

• More reliable thanks to replication and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) protection of the partition table;

• A well defined and fully self-identifying partition format (data critical to the platform operation is located in partitions, but not in un-partitioned or hidden sectors as this is the case with MBR).

Perfect Image Managing Hard Drives and Partitions • 125

Managing Hard Drives and Partitions

OverviewThe hard drive keeps track of its partitioning structure and its booting information on hard drive 0, the first hard drive in your system. The example below shows a basic hard drive organization, including the Master Boot Record (MBR) and Disk Partition Table.

Perfect Image allows you to update your Master Boot Record (MBR) and clone hard drives and partitions.

Master Boot Record (MBR)

Disk Partition Table

126 • Managing Hard Drives and Partitions Perfect Image

Updating the Master Boot RecordThe Master Boot Record (MBR) is contained in the first sector of the hard drive. (Cylinder 0, Head 0, Sector 1). It looks at the partition table and determines which partition is active. The active partition is used to start the operating system when you start up the system (see “Master Boot Record” on page 123).Perfect Image allows you to overwrite the current bootable code in the MBR. This feature can repair corrupted bootable code on a hard drive caused by viruses or malfunctions in the boot management software.


Cloning a Hard Drive or PartitionHard drive duplication is popular among computer users. Many people clone hard disks just to back up data for security reasons. Perfect Image can successfully transfer all on-disk information, including standard bootstrap code and other system service structures, for maintaining the operating system’s functionality. In the event of a system malfunction, you can get your computer back on track in minutes, without the inconvenience of additional configuration.Another use for cloning your hard drive is when performing an upgrade to a new hard drive. The capacity of a modern hard drives doubles every two years, creating new possibilities for software developers. As a result, programs become more complicated and require a considerable amount of free space, which can lead you to a hard drive upgrade. Usually, this means that besides purchasing a new hard drive, you also face a large re-installation procedure spanning several days of tedious work. However, this can be avoided by copying the contents of the old hard drive to a new one proportionally resizing the partitions.Cloning of hard drives can also be of great use when setting up similar computers. There is no need for a system administrator to install an operating system from scratch on every one of them. Cloning the hard drive also copies all of the configuration information.Perfect Image also allows you to clone a single partition.


Using the Clone Hard Disk WizardThe Clone Hard Disk wizard is used to create an exact duplicate of a hard drive. During this process, Perfect Image moves controlling records of used partitions, the bootstrap code, and on-disk partitions. You can’t substitute this process by copying all on-disk partitions.

For information on changing the settings, see “Clone and Backup Options” on page 159.

To Run the Clone Hard Disk Wizard1. Start the Clone Hard Disk wizard using one of the following methods:

• Open the Wizards menu and choose Clone Hard Disk.• Click the Clone Disk link in the Clone Tasks section of the task

bar.• Click the Clone Hard Disk button in the toolbar.• Select a disk in the Disk Map and click Clone the entire hard

disk in the Explorer frame.2. Click Next in the Welcome step to begin the wizard.3. Choose the hard drive you want to copy by selecting it in the Disk

Map.

All partitions from the selected hard disk will be copied to the destination hard drive.

NOTE: To clone a hard disk, you must have at least one additional hard drive attached to your computer with enough available free space to save the copy.


4. Click Next to continue.

5. Choose the target disk from the Disk Map.All data from the source disk will be copied to the target disk.

6. Click Next to continue.7. If the target disk has data, you get a warning, and want to continue

with this disk, check the Yes, continue clone operation box and click Next.

TIP: Click the Properties icon next to the drive letter to view details for the partitions.


8. Choose from the following copy options:Clone Options

• HDD raw clone ignores the source disk’s structure and copies all files, including hidden ones and unallocated space, to the target disk.

• Partitions raw clone creates an exact copy of the partitions on the disk including used and unused sectors.

• Perform incremental clone creates a copy of just the changes that were made since the last related full clone of a hard disk was made.

Resize Options

• Remove free blocks between partitions doesn’t keep blocks of free space between partitions on the targeted hard drive.

• Clone data and resize partitions proportionally changes the size of partitions keeping their relative order proportional and intact. The option can be useful when upgrading the hard drive to a larger one.

Verification Options

• Perform surface test scans the surface of the disk prior to writing. Bad sectors found on the disk are marked as unusable.


10. Review the disk copy settings.

TIP: When you click an option, a description of the option appears at the bottom of the wizard.


11. Click Next to accept the settings.12. Click Finish to close the wizard and start the clone operation.

Using the One Button Copy WizardInstead of using the Clone Hard Disk Wizard, you can use the One Button Copy Wizard to quickly clone a hard disk.

To Run the One Button Copy Wizard1. Select the hard disk to clone in the Disk View tab.2. Start the One Button Copy Wizard by using one of the following

methods:• Open the Wizards menu and choose One Button Copy Wizard.• Click the One Button Clone Disk link in the Clone Tasks section

of the task bar.3. Specify the disk for the cloned data.4. Click Next.

Using the Clone Partition WizardThe Clone Partition wizard is used to create an exact duplicate of a partition.

For information on changing the settings, see “Clone and Backup Options” on page 159.

To Run the Clone Partition Wizard1. Start the Clone Partition Wizard by using one of the following

methods:• Open the Wizards menu and choose Clone Partition.• Click the Clone Partition link in the Clone Tasks section of the

task bar.• Click the Clone Partition button in the toolbar.• Select a disk in the Disk Map and click Clone the selected

partition in the Explorer frame.2. Click Next in the Welcome step to begin the wizard.

NOTE: To clone a hard disk, you must have at least one area of unallocated space on a hard drive large enough to save the copy.


3. Choose the partition you want to copy by selecting it in the Disk Map.

All data from the selected partition will be copied to the destination partition.


5. Choose the target disk that contains the target partition from the Disk Map and then choose the target partition.All data from the source partition will be copied to the target partition.

TIP: Click the Properties icon next to the drive letter to view details for the partitions.




7. Choose the location and size of the target partition.• If you checked the Clone the partition with resize box, you can

specify the size of the partition and how much free space to place before and after the new partition.

• If you didn’t check the Clone the partition with resize box, you can choose to place the block of data at the beginning or the end of the free block.

8. Click Next to continue.If you want to change any settings, click the Back button.

9. Review the expected changes on the target disk and click Next.10. Click Finish to start the clone operation.

Perfect Image Program Management • 135

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Using the Scheduler 143

Using Virtual Operations 137

Changing Program Settings 157

136 • Program Management Perfect Image

Perfect Image Using Virtual Operations • 137

Using Virtual Operations

OverviewIf you enable Virtual Operations, using the wizards doesn’t actually make any physical changes to your hard drive. Any wizard you use creates pending changes, or virtual operations. For these changes to take affect, you need to apply them. The buttons in the Virtual Operations tool bar contain the tools you need to view, discard, undo, and redo your pending changes. Click the Apply button to accept all pending changes and make the physical modifications to your hard drive. For more information, see “Applying Partition and Hard Drive Changes” on page 141.To enable Virtual Operations check the Allow virtual mode box in the Edit settings dialog. (See “Virtual Mode Options” on page 160.)

To Show the Virtual Operations Tool BarOpen the View menu and choose Toolbar > Virtual Operations.A checkmark next to the menu item means that it is currently shown.

If there are no pending changes, the buttons in the toolbar are dimmed.

NOTE: The Allow virtual mode box is selected by default. To have changes take effect immediately, clear the Allow virtual mode box.

138 • Using Virtual Operations Perfect Image

Viewing Proposed ChangesAny pending change is stored in a list. To view this list, click the View Changes button to view the Pending Changes dialog. The dialog contains a list of both changes that are pending and those that have been undone.

Choose a hard drive to view in the Disk Map from the View the changes for drop-down list.A Disk Map of how the hard drive currently looks and a map of how the disk will look after any proposed modification to the partitions appears at the bottom of the window.

TIP: Click the Properties icon next to a drive letter to view details for the partition.


Making Changes to the ListAt the bottom of the Pending Changes window are four buttons.• Undo Last removes the most recent item from the pending changes

list. (See “Undoing a Pending Change” on page 140.)• Redo Last replaces the most recent undone change back to the

pending changes list. (See “Redoing a Pending Change” on page 140.)

• Apply commits all pending changes for processing. (See “Applying Partition and Hard Drive Changes” on page 141.)

• Close closes the dialog without applying any of your pending changes.

You can change the status of items on the View Changes list until you are ready to apply your changes. All items that are effective and pending are processed when you apply the changes. Those items that have been undone are not applied and are removed from the list after the pending changes have been applied.

Undoing and Redoing Proposed ChangesYour list of proposed changes contains your currently pending changes and a list of pending changes that you have selected not to apply, or those that you have “undone.” All pending and undone pending changes remain in the View Changes list until you either apply the changes or discard all changes. (See “Applying Partition and Hard Drive Changes” on page 141 or “Discarding All Proposed Changes” on page 141.)

CAUTION: Before applying any changes, you should backup all important data files.


Undoing a Pending ChangeAny pending changes on your pending changes list can be removed from this list and placed in an “undone” list. Undone changes are not applied.To undo the last pending change, click the Undo button on the toolbar. This removes the last pending change you’ve done and places it in the ineffective list. To undo a specific pending change, click the Undo button’s arrow and choose the pending change you want to undo.You can also undo the last change using the Undo Last button located on the bottom of the View Changes dialog. For more information, see “Viewing Proposed Changes” on page 138.

Redoing a Pending ChangeAny pending changes that you have removed from your pending changes list can be added back to this list. Redone changes are made effective and are included when you apply your pending changes.To redo the last pending change, click the Redo button on the toolbar. This removes the last pending change you’ve undone and places is back in the effective list. To undo a specific pending change, click the Redo button’s arrow and choose the undone pending changes you want to redo.You can also redo the last change using the Redo Last button located on the bottom of the View Changes dialog. For more information, see “Viewing Proposed Changes” on page 138.


Discarding All Proposed ChangesIf you decide that you no longer want to apply any changes, or perhaps your list of proposed changes is not in the order you want, you can discard all your proposed changes. When you discard the changes, all effective and ineffective changes are removed from the list.

To discard all pending changes, click the Discard button on the toolbar. A message appears asking if you want to discard all the pending changes. Click Yes to discard all pending changes or click No to cancel.

Applying Partition and Hard Drive ChangesWhen you have Virtual Operation enabled, all the changes that you have set up have not yet taken effect. All pending changes must be applied before any real changes occur.To apply all pending changes, click the Apply button on the toolbar. A message appears asking if you want to apply all the pending changes. Click Yes to apply all pending changes and view the processing window. Clicking No closes the window, but leaves all your pending changes in the list.

NOTE: After you discard your changes, they can’t be recovered using Undo or Redo.


Processing Applied Changes in WindowsSome applied changes don’t require the program to restart. These are generally minor changes that have a minimal effect on your hard drive, such as backing up a partition.

Processing Applied Changes at RestartSome of the processes in Perfect Image require the computer to restart and process the changes prior to restarting Windows. These are typically changes that inspect or modify your hard drive or partitions in some way.If the process requires a restart, a message appears.Click the Restart now button to restart the computer and start the pending changes.

After the computer restarts, the boot processing window appears.The boot processing window contains a progress bar and processing times at the top of the window. The lower part of the window gives a brief explanation of the processes that are being applied.

When all processes have completed, your operating system restarts and then restarts Perfect Image.

CAUTION: If you click Cancel, all pending changes are removed from the pending changes list.

CAUTION: Cancelling this operation can cause damage to your hard drive and affect the ability to boot your operating system.

Perfect Image Using the Scheduler • 143

Using the Scheduler

OverviewThe best way to make sure that you’re making backup images on a regular basis is to schedule the backup operations. Several of the wizards give you the option of scheduling the time for running the operation. You can schedule program operations as frequently as you want and have them run whenever you want. For example, you can schedule a nightly differential backup that can run when you’re not using your computer, and also schedule a weekly full backup.To view and manage your list of scheduled tasks, click the Scheduled Tasks tab in the Explorer Pane.

Scheduling Tasks Choose when and how often that you want to perform program operations in the Scheduler step of a wizard. You can choose to run the operation once, when an event occurs (like when you start your computer), or at specific time intervals.Depending on the choice you make, different options are available for scheduling the operation. For example, if you choose to run a backup once, you can choose the date and time for it to start. If you choose to run a backup weekly, you can choose the time of the backup, how many weeks apart each backup should occur, the day of the week when the backup will run, and a beginning and end date for the scheduled task.If you’re performing an operation that requires automatic logging onto your computer, click the Specify user name and password link near the bottom of the wizard. (See “Entering Login Information” on page 150.)Especially, if the task will be done automatically, check the Generate unique names for scheduled backups box to preserve existing data.

144 • Using the Scheduler Perfect Image

Scheduling a One-Time TaskIf you want to perform the operation one time, choose Once from the Scheduler drop-down list.

Choose the date and time when you want to perform the task from the Run the task on drop-down lists.If you want your computer to shut down after the task completes, check the Shutdown system after backup box.If you want to perform the task once when you start your computer or logon to Windows, see “Scheduling at Startup” on page 145 or “Scheduling at Logon” on page 146.


Scheduling at StartupIf you want to perform the task after your computer starts, but before you logon to Windows, choose At System Startup from the Scheduler drop-down list.

You can choose how often you want the event to trigger the task.• On every system startup performs the task each time you start your

computer.• On the next system startup, then delete the task performs the task

the next time you start your computer, and then removes the task from the scheduler.

• On system startup with the interval of performs the task the next time you start your computer, and then again after the number of days you enter in the box.For example, you can enter 1 to run the task for only one system startup per day, or enter 3 to perform the task at system startup and then perform it again at a system start up in three days.

If you want to perform the task when you logon to Windows, see “Scheduling at Logon” on page 146.


Scheduling at LogonIf you want to perform the task immediately after you logon to Windows, choose At Logon from the Scheduler drop-down list.

You can choose how often you want the event to trigger the task.• On every logon performs the task each time you logon.• On the next logon and then delete the task performs the task the

next time you logon, and then removes the task from the scheduler.• On logon with the interval of performs the task the next time you

logon, and then again after the number of days you enter in the box.For example, you can enter 1 to run the task for only one logon per day, or enter 3 to perform the task at logon and then perform it again at a logon in three days.

If you want to perform the task when you start your computer, see “Scheduling at Startup” on page 145.


Scheduling Daily TasksIf you want to perform the task once a day or a specific number of days apart, choose Daily from the Scheduler drop-down list.

Choose the date and time when you want to perform the task for the first time from the Run the task on drop-down lists.Enter how often you want to perform the task by entering the number of days in the Every box. For example, you can enter 1 to perform the task once each day, or enter 3 to perform the task once every three days.If you want to stop performing the task after a specific period of time, check the Do not run the task after box and then choose the date from the drop-down list.If you want your computer to shut down after the task completes, check the Shutdown system after backup box.If you want to perform the task on specific days of the week (such as weekdays only), see “Scheduling Weekly Tasks” on page 148.


Scheduling Weekly TasksIf you want to specify the day or days of the week that you want to perform the task, choose Weekly from the Scheduler drop-down list.

Choose the date and time when you want to perform the task for the first time from the Run the task on drop-down lists.Enter how often you want to perform the task by entering the number of weeks in the Every box. For example, you can enter 1 to perform the task on the specified day(s) each week, or enter 3 to perform the task on the specified day(s) every three weeks.Choose the day or days of the week when you want to perform the task by checking the box next to each day.If you want to stop performing the task after a specific period of time, check the Do not run the task after box and then choose the date from the drop-down list.If you want your computer to shut down after the task completes, check the Shutdown system after backup box.


Scheduling Monthly TasksIf you want to specify the date of the month that you want to perform the task, choose Monthly from the drop-down list.

Choose the date and time when you want to perform the task for the first time from the Run the task on drop-down lists.In the Every box enter the date of the month when you want to perform the task.If you want to stop performing the task after a specific period of time, check the Do not run the task after box and then choose the date from the drop-down list.If you want your computer to shut down after the task completes, check the Shutdown system after backup box.


Entering Login InformationIf you’re performing a task that requires automatic logging onto your computer, click the Specify user name and password link near the bottom of the wizard.

If logging onto your computer doesn’t require a password, choose the Do not specify a password option. Otherwise, choose the Use the specified username and password option.• Enter the username in the User box that is used for logging onto your

computer.• Enter the password in the Password box, if a password is required for

logging onto your computer.To return to the Scheduling options, click the Edit scheduling options link.


Viewing and Modifying Scheduled TasksTo view and manage your list of scheduled operations, click the Scheduled Tasks tab in the Explorer Pane.

You can reschedule or disable the tasks in the list to remove conflicts between the scheduled operations.To run a scheduled task, right-click the task in the list and then choose Run Now from the shortcut menu.To edit the script of a scheduled task, right-click the task in the list and then choose Edit Script from the shortcut menu. (See “To Open a Script Task for Editing” on page 154.)To delete a scheduled task, right-click the task in the list and then choose Delete Task from the shortcut menu. To edit a scheduled task, right-click the task in the list and then choose Properties from the shortcut menu to open the Task Properties dialog. (See “Using the Task Properties Dialog” on page 152.)


Using the Task Properties DialogTo view the Task Properties dialog, select a task in the Schedule Tasks list and then click the Properties button on the Explorer frame toolbar.

General TabThe General tab shows you macros and paths for performing the scheduled tasks, and a checkbox for enabling and disabling the scheduled task.• Program displays the full path to the program-interpreter of the

macro-commands that describe the scheduled task.• Script displays the parameters for starting the interpreter (the task

described in macro-language).• Comments displays a description of the scheduled task.To disable the scheduled task, clear the Enabled box near the bottom of the dialog.To edit the script file, click the Edit button. (See “To Open a Script Task for Editing” on page 154.)To change the script file for the task, click the Browse button. (See “To Assign a New Script File to a Task” on page 155.)


Schedule TabThe Schedule tab shows the timetable for the scheduled task. You can change the timetable directly in this dialog. (See “Scheduling Tasks” on page 143.)To modify login information, click the Run As button near the bottom of the dialog. (See “Entering Login Information” on page 150.)After making changes, click the Apply button to apply the changes to the scheduled task or click OK to save the changes and close the Task Properties dialog.


To Open a Script Task for Editing1. Click the Scheduled Tasks tab in the Explorer frame.2. Select the task from the Scripts list.3. Right-click the selected task and choose Edit Script from the shortcut

menu.The script file opens in your default text editor

4. Edit the script as needed, save it, and close the text editor.

For more information about scripting, click the Script Manual link in the News and Documentation section of the task bar. (See “Task Bar” on page 24.)


To Assign a New Script File to a TaskEach task on the Scheduled Tasks list has a script file associated with it. You can modify the script of the task by editing it or by assigning a script file to the task. (See “To Open a Script Task for Editing” on page 154.)To assign a script file to a scheduled task:1. Select the task in the Scheduled Tasks list.2. Click the Properties button on the Explorer frame toolbar to open the

Task Properties dialog.3. Click the Browse button to search for script files.

4. Browse to the location of the script file you want to use.5. Choose the file from the list and then click Open to return to the Task

Properties dialog.6. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog.


Perfect Image Changing Program Settings • 157

Changing Program Settings

OverviewYou can open the Edit settings dialog to customize the features and behaviors of Perfect Image. To open the Edit settings dialog, open the Tools menu and choose Settings.

When you choose an option from the list on the left, the available settings for that option are available on the right.After you finish using the Edit settings dialog, click OK to close the dialog and save any changes you made.

158 • Changing Program Settings Perfect Image

General OptionsGeneral options affect all operations performed by Perfect Image. To view the general options, click General options in the list on the left side of the Edit settings dialog.Choose the options you want to use by checking or unchecking the box:• Enable data loss protection forces Perfect Image to work in

“fail-safe” mode ensuring a greater level of safety for program operations by maintaining a journal of the operation’s progress. If you have a hardware malfunction, power outage, or system failure during an operation, insert the Recovery CD and restart the computer. Perfect Image automatically detects the journal and completes the interrupted operation.We recommend that you enable this option.

• Try to Access Non-BIOS Disk Cylinders works for Windows 95, 98, and Me operating systems. With this option activated, Perfect Image detects the actual disk capacity of a hard drive, instead of using the disk size defined in the system BIOS.

• Enable Initial Backup reminders backs up the disk’s information before doing anything to the disk.

Backup Image OptionsBackup image options affect backup and restore operations. To view the backup image options, click Backup image options in the list on the left side of the Edit settings dialog.Choose among the following options by checking or unchecking the box next to the option, choosing an option from a drop-down list, or entering information in a box:• Control image integrity enables writing special data during a backup

operation that is used to control the integrity of the data during a restore operation. Choosing this option can decrease the speed of backup operations.

• Set image file names automatically allows Perfect Image to automatically name files for multi-partition backup images.

• Compression level allows you to choose how much compression to use for each backup. When you chose a compression option, a description of the compression level appears below the option.

• Enable image splitting allows you to choose to split large backup images into smaller file by entering the Maximum split size.


Clone and Backup OptionsClone and backup options affect backup and clone operations. To view the clone and backup options, click Clone and backup options in the list on the left side of the Edit settings dialog.Choose among the following options by checking or unchecking the box next to the option:• Hdd raw processing creates an exact copy of the disk, including

unused sectors. Choosing this option can increase the time it takes to make a backup image or clone of a disk.

• Partition raw processing creates an exact copy of the partition, including unused sectors. Choosing this option can increase the time it takes to make a backup image or clone of a partition.

• Perform incremental clone creates a copy of just the changes that were made since the last related full clone of a hard disk was made. This decreases the amount of time and space required for a disk clone operation.

• Skip OS auxiliary files allows backup and clone operations to skip auxiliary files provided by the operating system, such as pagefile.sys and hiberfil.sys. Choosing this option can increase the speed of backup and clone operations.

• Skip image files stored in image library omits image files from the backup or clone operation. Choosing this option can increase the speed of backup and clone operations.

CD/DVD Recording OptionsCD/DVD recording options affect CD or DVD burning operations. To view the CD/DVD recording options, click CD/DVD recording options in the list on the left side of the Edit settings dialog.Choose among the following options by checking or unchecking the box next to the option, choosing an option from a drop-down list, or entering information in a box:• Burn every CD/DVD disk to the end creates a CD/DVD disk that can

be compatible with other programs that you might use to copy the CD/DVD.

• Recording speed allows you to choose the recording speed to use for each CD/DVD write operation. When you chose an option, a description of the recording speed appears below the drop-down list.


• Boot options allow you to specify the ISO file to use on bootable disks and how you want your computer to boot from a disk. Click Browse to specify the ISO file.

• ISO image folder allows you to specify the location where the ISO file is placed when creating a bootable CD/DVD. Click Browse to specify the location for the ISO file.

Hot Processing OptionsHot processing options affect operations that are performed using Perfect Image hot processing. To view the hot processing options, click Hot processing options in the list on the left side of the Edit settings dialog.Choose among the following options by checking or unchecking the box next to the option or choosing an option from a drop-down list:• Enable hot processing allows you to perform backup operations

while the operating system is active.• Hot processing technology allows you to choose a method for

creating hot backup images.For more information about creating hot backups, see “Making a Hot Backup” on page 53.

Use the buttons at the bottom of the pane to change the Operation list quickly.

Virtual Mode OptionsVirtual mode options allow you to enable or disable virtual mode operation. To view the virtual mode options, click Virtual mode options in the list on the left side of the Edit settings dialog.Choose among the following options by checking or unchecking the box next to the option:• Allow virtual mode places all operations in the list of pending

operations, allowing you to start the operations at a later time.• Close progress dialog automatically closes the progress dialog that

indicates the progress of an operation after the operation completes.

File System Conversion OptionsWith the file system conversion options you can specify a time zone or language. To view the conversion options, click File system conversion options in the list on the left side of the Edit settings dialog.


Choose among the following options by choosing an item from the drop-down list:• Select a time zone specifies the time zone to use when scheduling

operations.• Select language for file names determines which language to use for

automatically-generated file names.Check the Confirm settings before NTFS<->FAT/FAT32 conversion box to customize the settings for each conversion.

Copy/Backup Exclude OptionsYou can exclude specific files and folders from Perfect Image operations. To view the excluded files and folders, click Copy/Backup exclude options in the list on the left side of the Edit settings dialog.Click the Add category button to specify a file or folder by name. Click the Change general backup options to access and change those options. See “Clone and Backup Options” on page 159.


Perfect Image References • 163

REFERENCES

Glossary of Terms 165

Index 207

Complimentary Technical Support 173

164 • References Perfect Image

Perfect Image Glossary of Terms • 165

Glossary of Terms

Active PartitionAn Active Partition is a partition from which an x86-based computer starts up. The active partition must be a primary partition on a basic disk. If you use Windows exclusively, the active partition can be the same as the system volume. In the DOS partitioning scheme, only Primary Partitions can be active due to limitations of the standard bootstrap.

Bootstrap CodeThe Bootstrap Code is a small program that loads the software required to start up and run the computer.

ClusterA Cluster is the smallest amount of disk space that can be allocated to hold a file. All file systems used by Windows organize hard disks based on clusters, which consist of one or more contiguous sectors. The smaller the cluster size, the more efficiently a disk stores information. If no cluster size is specified during formatting, Windows picks defaults based on the size of the volume. These defaults are selected to reduce the amount of space that is lost and the amount of fragmentation on the volume. A cluster is also called an allocation unit.

166 • Glossary of Terms Perfect Image

Extended PartitionAn Extended Partition is a type of partition that you can create only on basic master boot record (MBR) disks. Extended partitions are useful if you want to create more than four volumes on a basic MBR disk. Unlike primary partitions, you do not format an extended partition with a file system and then assign a drive letter to it. Instead, you create one or more logical drives within the extended partition. After you create a logical drive, you format it and assign it a drive letter. An MBR disk can have up to four primary partitions, or three primary partitions, one extended partition, and multiple logical drives.

GUID Partition Table (GPT)GUID Partition Table (GPT) is the next generation of a hard disk partitioning scheme developed to lift restrictions of the old MBR.

Hidden PartitionsThe concept of hidden partitions was introduced in the IBM OS/2 Boot Manager. Operating systems don’t mount “hidden” partitions, preventing access to their contents.

Hot ProcessingHot Processing is a technology that enables you to run backup and clone operations without having to reboot the Windows system, which might interrupt some other process on the computer.

MBR (Master Boot Record)The MBR (Master Boot Record) is the first track of the hard disk on the 0 sector of the disk. It contains important information about the disk layout:• The partitioning scheme• The starting records of the Partition Table• The standard bootstrap code (or the initial code of boot managers,

disk overlay software, or boot viruses)Generally, the 0 sector is used for similar purposes in all existing partitioning schemes.The capacity of the MBR is not sufficient to place sophisticated boot programs. This means that the on-boot software uses the entire 0 track of the hard disk in addition to the 0 sector because it is not included in any partition. For example, boot managing utilities such as LILO, GRUB, and Avanquest System Commander are located in the 0 track.

Perfect Image Glossary of Terms • 167

Partition IDPartition ID, also knows as File system ID, is the identifier of a file system that is placed in the partition. The partition ID is used to detect partitions of supported types. Some of the operating systems rely completely on the Partition ID when distinguishing supported partitions, while others don’t. The partition ID is saved in appropriate entries of the Partition Table and uses only one byte of space.

Partition LabelPartition Label, also known as Volume Label, is a small text field (up to 11 characters) that is located in the partition’s boot sector. This value is used for notification purposes only. It is detectable by any partitioning tool including DOS’ FDISK utility.Modern operating systems use other methods to save the Volume Label within the file system, such as a special hidden file. The Volume Label is able to contain a relatively large amount of text in multiple languages.

Root DirectoryThe Root Directory is the top-level directory of a formatted logical drive and includes other files and directories.Modern file systems, such as Linux Ext2/Ext3, NTFS, and even FAT32, have a Root Directory that doesn’t differ from other directories in properties. This is not the case for old FAT12 and FAT16 file systems.

Secure PartitionThe Secure Partition is a special hidden partition on your hard drive designed for saving backup images. You can access the contents of the Secure Partition only by using the Image Explorer.

168 • Glossary of Terms Perfect Image

Serial NumberIn the DOS partitioning scheme, every hard drive and every partition has a Serial Number, which consists of 32 bits and is represented by an 8-figure hexadecimal value. The hard drive’s Serial Number is stored in the MBR. Its value is assigned when the MBR sector is initialized by standard disk managing tools from Microsoft, such as Windows Disk Administrator and FDISK utility. The hard drive’s Serial Number is not important for most operating systems and software. Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Vista store hard drive Serial Number values in the database of assigned drive letters.A partition’s Serial Number is stored in its Boot Sector (in FAT16, FAT32, and NFTS file systems). Its value is assigned when the partition is formatted. The partition’s Serial Number doesn’t play an important role for most operating systems and software.

Volume LabelSee “Partition Label” on page 167.

Perfect Image Index • 169

Index

Aapplying

hard disk changes 141partition changes 141pending changes 137, 141

Bbackups

creating 34, 45differential 35, 54hot backup 53image list 79offline 99restoring 37, 85scheduling 36secure partition 74updating 35, 54wizard 46

basicshard disks 111partitions 111, 111

Boot Corrector 104boot problems 104bootable partitions 113

CCD/DVD

recovery 19

changingpending changes list 139

checking backup image integrity 81clone hard disk wizard 128clone hard disks 127clone partition wizard 131creating

Recovery CD 19cylinders 114

Ddifferential backups 35, 54disc

recovery 19discard pending changes 141Disk Administrator 123disk map 28, 28disk map legend 29disk partition table 123, 125disk view 26dynamic disk 120

Eexcluding files/folders 161

170 • Index Perfect Image

explorer frame 26disk view 26help 27image list 26scheduled tasks 26volume explorer 26, 26

exportingvolume explorer 31

extended partitions 112Ext2 117, 121Ext3 117, 121

FFAT 116FAT16 116FAT32 116, 160, 160fault tolerance (NTFS) 120FDISK 123file system 160file systems 116files 161Flash drive

recovery 19folders 161formatting 114

logical 115

Hhard disks

cloning 127managing 125mechanics 113

help 27, 39hot backup 53, 160HPFS 116

Iimage list 26, 79images

creating 34, 45integrity 81restoring 37, 85scheduled backups 36updating 35, 54

installing the program 17, 18

Kkey benefits 16

Llanguage 160, 160legend bar 27Linux 121

Swap2 117log files 107Log Saver 107logical partitions 112

Mmanaging

hard disks 125manual (see user’s guide) 41master boot record 123, 125MBR 123, 125

correcting 106updating 126

menu bar 22Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service 53,

160

NNTFS 160, 160

file system 117volume sets 120

Oonline help 40

Ppartition table 123partitions

basics 115boot record 106secure backup partition 74types 119viewing backup images 82

pending changes 137primary partitions 112processing

changes at restart 142changes in windows 142

Perfect Image Index • 171

program settings 157program tour 21program window

explorer frame 26legend bar 27menu bar 22overview 22status bar 27task bar 24tool bar 23

RRAID 121recovery

CD/DVD 19Flash drive 19

Recovery CD 19, 81, 95, 96Boot Corrector 98, 99DOS 98Linux 97Log Saver 98Mounted Partitions 98PerfectImage 97, 99Simple Restore Wizard 97, 99

recovery media builder wizard 19redo

pending changes 139, 140ReiserFS 117, 121restore

backup image 37, 85simple restore wizard 101wizard 86

running the program 18

Sscheduling

backups 36daily 147login information 150logon 146modifying 151monthly 149once 144startup 145tasks 26, 143, 143viewing 151weekly 148

sectors 114secure backup partition 74settings

backup image options 158CD/DVD recording options 159clone and backup options 159copy/backup exclude options 161editing 157file system conversion options 160general options 158hot processing options 160virtual mode options 160

size limitations 118spanning (NTFS) 120starting the program 18status bar 27, 41support, technical 173Swap2 117system requirements 17

Ttask bar 24technical highlights 16technical support 173time zone 160, 160tool bar 23ToolTips 41tracks 114

UUFS 117undo

pending changes 139, 140

172 • Index Perfect Image

updatemaster boot record (MBR) 126

user’s guide 41

Vviewing

backup images 82hard drive information 28, 29partition information 28, 30pending changes 138

virtual operations 137, 160volume explorer 26, 26, 31Volume Shadow Copy Service 53, 160

WWindows

file systems 119

Perfect Image Complimentary Technical Support • 173

Complimentary Technical Support

Before contacting Avanquest technical support, please review the user’s guide or the online help from the Help menu within the program. We are also pleased to offer you 24/7 access to our complimentary web support at:http://www.avanquest.com/USA/aq-you/support Here you can access the latest product updates, extensive FAQs, and other information about your product. The FAQs might have information and helpful hints that are more current than the user’s guide and online help.If the FAQs do not help, you can submit a free email incident from the FAQ page.When reporting a difficulty, please include any information that might help us diagnose the problem. The following details are often the most helpful:• The version of the software you are using (check Help > About).• The version of Windows that you are running.• The circumstances and sequence of steps that led to the problem.• The text of the exact error messages (if any appeared).• A list of other Windows programs that you were running when the

error occurred.Avanquest is dedicated to quality and fast support. Most email incidents are handled within one business day.

NOTE: This technical support policy is subject to change without notice. Support services will be provided according to the prices, terms, and conditions in place at the time the services are used.

http://www.avanquest.com/USA/aq-you/support

174 • Complimentary Technical Support Perfect Image