Can I make an full Image copy of my C:\ drive so it is bootable?

[netconuk]

I have downloaded a trial of System Recovery 2013. I wish to create a full backup of my system disk (C:\) and in the event of a failure to install the disk into my PC and boot off it. Is this possible? Have I downloded the right product?

[criley]

and in the event of a failure to install the disk into my PC and boot off it

Can you elaborate on this please? What exactly do you mean by this?

[netconuk]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I have a blank hard disk in a USB carrier. I have my system disk inside the PC case. I want to be able to make a full image backup of the system disk to the USB one. Then if my system disk should fail, I can simply take out the backup disk from the USB carrier, insert it into my PC, connect up the SATA cables and boot up from it.

Thanks

[criley]

No, that's not possible. A backup just creates an image file (known as a recovery point). That image file is then used for restores, you cannot boot a machine from it.

Maybe you need to review the copy my hard drive option (see Page 319 of http://www.symantec.com/docs/DOC7717).

[netconuk]

That clarifies it. Many thanks for your help Chris.

[Dollypee]

Alternatively, you can do a BMR backup of your current system which includes your C:\ drive. In the event of crash, you can do a dissimilar restore which will take you back to point in time. Thanks

[netconuk]

Thank you Dolly. Can you elaborate please? How do I achieve a BMR backup/restore?

[Dollypee]

Hi Netconuk,

Please see following link forum for a quick HOWTO. I also have a video demo which i will forward the link once am able to lay my hands on it. Thanks.

http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/netbackup-bare-metal-recovery-75-windows

[netconuk]

I think this solution only applies to a server doesn't it? I've just got a single PC.

[criley]

That article is for NetBackup. Wrong product ....

[criley]

This may help:

http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH129112

[netconuk]

Chris, Although titled backup and restore, it only seems to talk in depth of restoration. It doesn't mention that you can create a bootable disk from it.

[criley]

The backup process is very simple - just select the partitions to backup, and off you go. Refer to the User Guide for more details.

Bootable disk? To be clear; if you are doing a backup/restore, you are bringing back the machine to the state it was at the time of backup. In other words, take this example:

1. Run backup
2. Something happens to make Windows not bootable (i.e. power cut)
3. Restore from backup
4. Machine is back in a good state

[netconuk]

Chris, I created this thread because I wanted to know what Symantic product I needed in order to make a bootable backup disk so that I could simply open the PC case and replace the dead disk with the one that was backed up onto. (I haven't got a CD/DVD drive on this PC) On 25th March you said that this was not possible with any products which I accepted. So I'm confused as to what you are now saying. Is it passible or is it not possible? I'm on Win7 by the way.

[criley]

My earlier comments about the copy my hard drive option still apply.

I was just responding to the comments from 'Dolly' .....

I am not sure I understand the relevance of this machine not having a CD/DVD drive. Can you clarify please?

[netconuk]

Chris - the relavence of it not having a DVD/CD drive is that (as far as I know), you can only make a recovery disk on a CD/DVD. That was why I was investigating how to make a bootable hard disk.

[criley]

You can also create a recovery disk on USB:

http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO56024