Norton Ghost Image errors.

Recently I bought a Dell Inspiron 5150 notebook and Norton System Works Pro to use with it. Ghost will not create an image from this machine to either its DVD drive, a NEC ND-6100A, nor to an Iomega USB removable drive. Ghost can see this drive and says it is accessible.

My desktop which has an ASUS P4PE motherboard also uses Ghost and always successfully creates images to the same USB drive and to a Maxtor external drive.

Both machines run XP Home with 512 mb of Ram and similar software and have 80 G HDDs. Part of the logs for both processes are as follows.

Successful:
GHOSTGSCRIPT.TXT

----------------------------------------------------------

[BackupOperation]
AlreadyProcessedFile = YES
BeginTimeParam = Sat Aug 14 15:20:54 2004
CompressionParam = 1
DestFingerprintParam = 60195c65-def3-4953-bcab-9399dfc59100
DestPartitionOffsetParam = 63
EndTimeParam = Sat Aug 14 15:49:07 2004
ExecutionStateParam = ExecutionComplete
FileIdParam = 2902171
PathParam = Image 140804.gho
SourceFingerprintParam = 91e61225-7756-42bb-89c3-970439f41e38
UseImageDescriptionParam = YES
UseLFOParam = YES
WindowsPathParam = G:Image 140804.gho

[ImageCheckOperation]
AlreadyProcessedFile = YES
BeginTimeParam = Sat Aug 14 15:49:07 2004
DestFingerprintParam = 60195c65-def3-4953-bcab-9399dfc59100
DestPartitionOffsetParam = 63
EndTimeParam = Sat Aug 14 16:07:03 2004
ExecutionStateParam = ExecutionComplete
FileIdParam = 2902171
PathParam = Image 140804.gho
UseLFOParam = YES

WindowsPathParam = G:Image 140804.gho

-- GHOSTARGS.TXT

-------------------------------------------------------------

-wizard "-chkimg,@GF60195c65-def3-4953-bcab-9399dfc59100:63Image 140804.gho" –ghwrap
Unsuccessful:
his image failed on Notebook.

BackupOperation 0

-- GHOSTGSCRIPT.TXT

----------------------------------------------------------

[BackupOperation]
AlreadyProcessedFile = YES
CompressionParam = 1
DestFingerprintParam = 60195c65-def3-4953-bcab-9399dfc59100
DestPartitionOffsetParam = 63
ExecutionStateParam = ExecutionNotStarted
FileIdParam = 774921
PathParam = notebook 140804.gho
SourceFingerprintParam = 6b9a0a9b-2a01-4be6-83b3-fa3c7c7b19db
SourcePartitionOffsetParam = 96390
UseImageDescriptionParam = YES
UseLFOParam = YES
WindowsPathParam = E:notebook 140804.gho

[ImageCheckOperation]
AlreadyProcessedFile = YES
DestFingerprintParam = 60195c65-def3-4953-bcab-9399dfc59100
DestPartitionOffsetParam = 63
ExecutionStateParam = ExecutionNotStarted
FileIdParam = 774921
PathParam = notebook 140804.gho
UseLFOParam = YES
WindowsPathParam = E:notebook 140804.gho
The rest of both logs are the same.

I have uninstalled and re-installed Ghost and I have searched Google as well as Symantec online help. They said they would get back to me in 24 hours but that was days ago. Symantec tell me I am right up to date with the latest Ghost version on both computers. I have been fiddling with this issue for days and would appreciate any help.

Peter Weaver

Re: Ghost Image Problems

August 29 2004
Los Angeles

Dear Peter,

First, in case you don't have it, here is the URL for the Symantec Ghost Forum:

http://servicenews.symantec.com/cgi-bin/browse.cgi?group=symantec.support.network.ghost75.general&product=symghost&mini_version=symghost_03&tpre=ent

Second, your NEC ND-6100A is not supported, just the NEC ND-1100A.

See:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2002030414141625?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=1&Src=sg#_Section1

Third, your USB.

See:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2000101617144125?Open&src=sg&docid=2000033111503625&nsf=ghost.nsf&view=8f7dc138830563c888256c2200662ecd/b91a940eeb90ec5c882568b3006c6f9d?opendocument&prod=norton%20ghost&ver=2003%20for%20windows%202000/nt/me/98&dtype=&prod=Norton%20Ghost&ver=2003%20for%20Windows%202000/NT/Me/98/XP&osv=&osv_lvl=

BUT, one these links MAY solve your problem:

http://service1.symantec.com/support/ghost.nsf/docid/2003011609192825?Open&src=w

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2002102509582825?Open&src=sg&docid=2002090612501525&nsf=ghost.nsf&view=docid/2002090612501525?open&src=sg&docid=2002030415014425&nsf=ghost.nsf&view=8f7dc138830563c888256c2200662ecd/dc2a25c01ddc3dfe88256b72007e8ab1?opendocument&prod=norton%20ghost&ver=2003%20for%20windows%202000/nt/me/98&dtype=&prod=norton%20ghost&ver=2003%20for%20windows%202000/nt/me/98&dtype=&prod=norton%20ghost&ver=2003%20for%20windows%202000/nt/me/98&osv=&osv_lvl=

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2002030414141625?Open&src=sg&docid=2000110312324125&nsf=ghost.nsf&view=8f7dc138830563c888256c2200662ecd/c9f0682c3bf6a0598825698c00708926?opendocument&prod=norton%20ghost&ver=2003%20for%20windows%202000/nt/me/98&dtype=&prod=Norton%20Ghost&ver=2003%20for%20Windows%202000/NT/Me/98/XP&osv=&osv_lvl=

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2002030414141625?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=1&Src=sg#_Section1

After you get everything straightened out, if you want to save yourself a BUNCH of time and trouble, you can run a batch file to do your various Ghost imaging chores for you.

With all of the batch files I make, all I do is boot, put a floppy (sometimes a blank DVD too) in, Ghost does its thing and my computer boots to my desktop without ANY other input from me at all. Below are a few samples for you. I hope they help you out.

All floppies have MS-DOS files, NOT Ghost's PC-DOS:

Floppy Contents:

aspi2dos.sys
aspi4dos.sys
aspi8dos.sys
aspi8u2.sys
aspicd.sys
Autoexec.bat
btcdrom.sys
btdosm.sys
Command.com
Config.sys
flashpt.sys
Ghost.exe
Himem.sys
mscdex.exe
oakcdrom.sys

This is the Autoexec.bat file to MAKE a Ghost Image of the C: Drive, put the Image on the G: Drive, name it Newest.gho, then CRC Check it. Then the computer will boot to my desktop.

@echo off Ghost.exe - one,mode=pdump,src=1:1,dst=G:01_GhostNewest.gho -z3 -fx -sure Ghost.exe -chkimg,G:01_GhostNewest.gho -sure set comspec=c:command.com c: cd set winbootdir=c:windows c:windowswin.com

Floppy Contents:

Aspi2hlp.sys
Attrib.exe
Autoexec.bat
Chkdsk.exe
Command.com
Config.sys
Debug.exe
Drvspace.bin
Ebd.sys
Edit.com
Emm386.exe
Ghost.exe
Himem.sys
Io.sys
Msdos.sys
Sys.com

This is the Autoexec.bat file to RESTORE a Ghost Image of the C: Drive, named Newest.gho, from the G: Drive. Then the computer auto-reboots to my desktop.

@echo off Ghost.exe -clone,mode=pload,src=G:01_GhostNewest.gho:1,dst=1:1 -sure set comspec=c:command.com c: cd set winbootdir=c:windows c:windowswin.com

Floppy Contents:

aspi2dos.sys
aspi4dos.sys
aspi8dos.sys
aspi8u2.sys
aspicd.sys
Autoexec.bat
btcdrom.sys
btdosm.sys
Command.com
Config.sys
flashpt.sys
FXEject.exe
Ghost.exe
Himem.sys
mscdex.exe
oakcdrom.sys

Now THIS floppy, which has a proggy called FX Eject on it too,

(ftp://ftp.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/msdos/cdrom/fxeject.zip)

will...

1. Burn a DVD Image of my C: Drive

2. Have the tray re-close itself (Ghost auto-opens it)

3. Have Ghost CRC Check the Image file on the DVD

4. Re-load Ghost

5. Make a duplicate Image to my G: Drive

6. CRC Check THAT Image

7. Then the computer automatically re-boots to Desktop

The Autoexec.bat contents:

@echo off Ghost.exe -clone,mode=pdump,src=1:1,dst=@CD1/CDR00001.gho -z3 -fx -sure FXEject.exe -c Ghost.exe -chkimg,N:CDR00001.gho -sure Ghost.exe -clone,mode=pdump,src=1:1,dst=G:01_GhostNewest.gho -z3 -fx -sure Ghost.exe -chkimg,G:01_GhostNewest.gho -sure set comspec=c:command.com c: cd set winbootdir=c:windows c:windowswin.com

I think using these floppies instead of 2003's Windows Wizard will put speed and ease into using Ghost to handle your cloning operations.

Let the Forum know how it worked out for you.

Good luck.

Big Al

P. S. FYI: My Windows 98SE's 1050MB C: Drive takes 7 minutes to make and CRC Check (to Hard Drive) and 2:37 to restore.

Re: Ghost Image Problems

Hi Peter,

I have Norton System works professional running on my system - which has the same operating sytsem and very similar hardware as yourself.

I have used Norton Ghost without any problems and created backups to a 2nd hard drive and DVD's.

Have you turned off Norton Go-Back? Do this before creating any backups with the Ghost program.

If this doesn't work, try completly uninstalling the whole Norton Software and re-install it again.

I will say that I don't have a laptop and only use a desktop, but the HD capacity and RAM are the same as yours with Windows XP home edition.

As with any software programs, one has to carefully read all the information before trying anything difficult. That is for most people, including myself!

Anyway, I hope this helps.

Regards
RodneyJ

Re: Ghost Image Problems

I can't help you much, but here is a forum that specializes in ghost and you may find some help there.

http://radified.com/cgi-bin/YaBB/YaBB.cgi?board=general

good luck

Re: Ghost Image Problems

August 29, 2004 Los Angeles

Dear Peter,

I apologize for forgetting about the formatting that HelpScreen usually does with text. Below are the floppies I wrote about with line designators added. Again, sorry.

Big Al

All floppies have MS-DOS files, NOT Ghost's PC-DOS:

Floppy Contents:

aspi2dos.sys
aspi4dos.sys
aspi8dos.sys
aspi8u2.sys
aspicd.sys
Autoexec.bat
btcdrom.sys
btdosm.sys
Command.com
Config.sys
flashpt.sys
Ghost.exe
Himem.sys
mscdex.exe
oakcdrom.sys

This is the Autoexec.bat file to MAKE a Ghost Image of the C: Drive, put the Image on the G: Drive, name it Newest.gho, then CRC Check it. Then the computer will boot to my desktop.

@echo off
Ghost.exe -clone,mode=pdump,src=1:1,dst=G:01_GhostNewest.gho -z3 -fx -sure
Ghost.exe -chkimg,G:01_GhostNewest.gho -sure
set comspec=c:command.com
c:
cd<br> set winbootdir=c:windows
c:windowswin.com

Floppy Contents:

Aspi2hlp.sys
Attrib.exe
Autoexec.bat
Chkdsk.exe
Command.com
Config.sys
Debug.exe
Drvspace.bin
Ebd.sys
Edit.com
Emm386.exe
Ghost.exe
Himem.sys
Io.sys
Msdos.sys
Sys.com

This is the Autoexec.bat file to RESTORE a Ghost Image of the C: Drive, named Newest.gho, from the G: Drive. Then the computer auto-reboots to my desktop.

@echo off
Ghost.exe - clone,mode=pload,src=G:01_GhostNewest.gho:1,dst=1:1 -sure
set comspec=c:command.com
c:
cd<br> set winbootdir=c:windows
c:windowswin.com

-------------------------------------------------------- Floppy Contents:

aspi2dos.sys
aspi4dos.sys
aspi8dos.sys
aspi8u2.sys
aspicd.sys
Autoexec.bat
btcdrom.sys
btdosm.sys
Command.com
Config.sys
flashpt.sys
FXEject.exe
Ghost.exe
Himem.sys
mscdex.exe
oakcdrom.sys

Now THIS floppy, which has a proggy called FX Eject on it too,

(ftp://ftp.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/msdos/cdrom/fxeject.zip)

will...

1. Burn a DVD Image of my C: Drive

2. Have the tray re-close itself (Ghost auto-opens it)

3. Have Ghost CRC Check the Image file on the DVD

4. Re-load Ghost

5. Make a duplicate Image to my G: Drive

6. CRC Check THAT Image

7. Then the computer automatically re-boots to Desktop

The Autoexec.bat contents:

@echo off
Ghost.exe -clone,mode=pdump,src=1:1,dst=@CD1/CDR00001.gho -z3 -fx -sure
FXEject.exe -c
Ghost.exe -chkimg,N:CDR00001.gho -sure
Ghost.exe -
clone,mode=pdump,src=1:1,dst=G:01_GhostNewest.gho -z3 -fx -sure
Ghost.exe -chkimg,G:01_GhostNewest.gho -sure
set comspec=c:command.com
c:
cd<br> set winbootdir=c:windows
c:windowswin.com

Re: Ghost Image Problems

Thanks to all who replied. I have tried most of the suggestions.

Bidg Al: Thanks for your effort. My notebook does not have a floppy drive. I'll try your links.

Cheers

Peter Weaver

Re: Ghost Image Problems

For my two cents worth here goes.

I agree it may be a good idea to reinstall ghost. I also have Symantecs Systemsworks (2003) but I did not use the ghost program from there, I happen to have a stand-a-long ghost disk that I used to install ghost. I found this one to work better for some reason.

One thing I did also, when I installed winXP Pro, I partitioned the hard drive and set aside a partition just for the purpose of placing ghost image on that partition. Yes I know Dell does not support partitioning, but then I don't care what dell likes LOL.

This method allows me to burn the partitons to DVD-RWor CDRWs, so now I have two ways to restore the PC back to the condition I want.

I also found it helpful to tell ghost to split the images with burning to CDRWs into 600mb files. This is done by using the Advanced Ghost Command Line and putting in the command: -split=600 -auto

This seems to work better than letting ghost determine the final burned file size.

Also I find that restoring is best done using dos restore. When I tried to restore C-drive using ghost from Windows, it says C-drive is in use. I never restore a whole drive one time, I do it partiton by partition, as I find that works best also.

As you can guess there is a lot more to ghost than tutorials lead you to believe. I too found that the following forum is very good:

http://radified.com/cgi-bin/YaBB/YaBB.cgi?board=general

Another imaging program you may find helpful is Acronis. I am not a fan of Acronis, but I know many that use it successfully.

Good luck

Re: Ghost Image Problems

                                       Los Angeles

Peta, Peta, Peta: (Sorry, I couldn't resist)

No problem. I am assuming that since Notebooks don't have floppies, they are set to check the CD 1st, then the Hard Drive at bootup.

All you have to do is duplicate the floppy contents on to individual CD-R's. With the Autoexec.bat files on them, they will act just like any floppy does.

If you need a Windows 98SE boot disk, mosey on over to:

http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and get it.

ALSO, get the "Updated fdisk for Windows 98 bootdisks for hard drives over 64 Gigs" and replace the fdisk on the boot floppy.

Let the forum know how it worked out for you.

Good luck.

Big Al

Re: Ghost Image Problems

                                        Los Angeles

Dear Vikki,

Since I run Windows 98SE, I don't have the C: Drive size problems that XP users have. Taking that into consideration, I'd advise any XP Ghost 2003 user's to forgo CD's and stick with DVD's with their MUCH bigger capacity.

As my last post to Peter mentioned, the whole operation of Imaging to a HD and a DVD can be done without having to "babysit" the computer. Whether making an image just to the HD or both HD & DVD, the Batch files can be customized to do exactly what you want.

Also, re your statement "I never restore a whole drive at one time, I do it partiton by partition, as I find that works best also." I agree with you 100%, that's why I wrote the Batch file below. It will do that for you automatically. And after the 4th partition is done, you will be at a DOS A: prompt.

@echo off
ghost.exe -clone,mode=pcopy,src=1:1,dst=2:1 -sure
ghost.exe -clone,mode=pcopy,src=1:2,dst=2:2 -sure
ghost.exe -clone,mode=pcopy,src=1:3,dst=2:3 -sure
ghost.exe -clone,mode=pcopy,src=1:4,dst=2:4 -sure
---------------------------------------------------------------

This is a "Restore from the HD" Batch file that will put you at your desktop after the restore is done.

Line1@echo off
Line2Ghost.exe -clone,mode=pload,src=G:1-GhostNewest.gho:1,dst=1:1 -sure
Line3set comspec=c:command.com
Line4c:
Line5cd
Line6set winbootdir=c:windows
Line7c:windowswin.com
---------------------------------------------------------------

This is a "Restore from a DVD" Batch file that will put you at your desktop after the restore is done.

Line1@echo off
Line2Ghost.exe -
clone,mode=pload,src=N:CDR00001.gho:1,dst=1:1 -sure
Line3set comspec=c:command.com
Line4c:
Line5cd
Line6set winbootdir=c:windows
Line7c:windowswin.com

Al

Re: Ghost Image Problems

Ever wondered why Forums are needed to solve problems with software. It is because the software itself is either poorly written or poorly tested. I use Drive Image 2002 several time a week backing up to Hard Drives and CD's. Never had a fault.

Rule of thumb: Check Forums when considering purchasing software. If there are issues, stay away from the product.

I re-tried Ghost V9 two weeks ago and had instant issues. After two days of struggle, it went into the software grave.