Backing Up with DriveImage XML v2.14

Last week I decided it was time to wipe and reload my desktop operating system.  At this time, I also decided to move up to Windows 7 from XP (still not sure I'm too happy with that decision, but I will adapt with time).  During the planning stages of my plan, I didn't want to loose all of my data.  Especially not remembering what had infact been backed up to CD or DVD prior to reformatting.  I had an external hard drive handy and I decided to jump into making a clone image of my Windows XP Partition.

The next task was to find a clone solution that didn't cost a whole lot (because I'm cheap), and would be pretty reliable.  I did some research over about 3 days time and I settled down with DriveImage XML.  For several reason, DriveImage XML has the ability to make a clone image of the drive without having to reboot and load up a live cd or boot utlility.  This was the first check on my list.  Second, it had to have a built in viewer.  So after my image was complete, all I needed to do to extract my data is to run DriveImage XML and load the clone image.  DriveImage XML offered this feature as well; second check on my list.  And lastly, it's Private Edition is free of charge.  That price was definitely in my price range. :)  Other features include creation of a WinPE boot CD used for restoring the image to a new drive/partition.

The program is small, weighing in around 1.78MB.  It's a quick download and setup.  Once installed, you are greeted with a rather dated looking GUI interface.  But, I'd trade pretty for functional any day.  And it is exactly that.  I found the software to be extremely user friendly.  Simply run the application and select the 'Backup' button.

The program will then scan your system and report the partitions found during the scan.  Here you can select the partition (or partitions) you'd like to copy.  As you can see in the screen cap, DriveImage XML found two partitions (in this case two separate hard drives).  Make note that if you have multiple partitions on a hard drive (i.e.: if you have two Windows installs on the same drive), if will detect those as well.  In my case, I had my external hard drive connected and it found it as well.  On this screen you can also see detailed information about each drive/partition found.   Simply select the drive/partition to copy and click 'Next'.

Now the 'Backup Wizard' will launch and step you through the process of initiating the backup.  The first screen shows the drive you selected, simply click 'Next'.  The second screen in the Wizard will let you rename the image file's name, allow you to select whether or not to use 'RAW mode' and set compression.  You can also select where you'd like the image to be stored.  Other options let you select what 'strategy' to use when backing up.  The way DriveImage XML makes it's backup images without the need to stop using the computer is accomplished by using 'Microsoft's Volume Shadow Services (VSS)', here you can choose whether to let DriveImage attempt to 'Lock' the volume being backed up first or try VSS first.  If you leave it at the default, the program will simply try to lock the Volume.  Since it's in use, it will fail and default to using VSS instead.  Personally, I left the defaults alone (except for Compression, which I sat at Fast).  And hit the 'Next' button.

One quick note, if you choose to use 'Raw Mode' the image created can only be used for restoring to a new partition/drive.  If you want to be able to load up the image in DriveXML later to pull out a single file (instead of using it to fully restore the system), leave 'Raw Mode' unchecked.  Also, raw mode copies everything (used and unused sectors) so it will be the same size as your original system.

That's it!  The program will initiate the back up and all you need to do is let it run.  Keep in mind, the system can be backed up using VSS while you are using it.  An ideal practice would be to leave the system alone until it is finished backing up.  But in today's world, it isn't a necessity.  Also remember, if you download a file after invoking the backup, it will not be saved.

For restoring data with the created image, look for the next post!

Get DriveImage XML at: http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm