We are trying to create a process that allows us to clone (create images of) our NT Server hard drives (using Drive Image Pro). This process should be automated so it can run at night with no user intervention. We have already created boot diskettesthat will automatically log onto the network, map a drive to the "image server" and create the images for us. The problem is that someone would have to be here at the office to pop the diskette out when the process is done and the server reboots. We have tried using a CMOS read/write program to change the drive boot order, but it seems that NT will not allow these (dos based) programs to write to the CMOS.
Someone suggested manipulating the BOOT.INI file, but I don't know how i could dothis from DOS when the hard drive is only NTFS?
To get the points, please provide step-by-step instructions.
Thanks.
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Sorry - no step by step instructions here. However, there is a product called NTFSDOS which will allow you to create a DOS boot diskette that can read an NTFS partition. Go to http://www.winternals.com to test and/or purchase this product. Good luck!
PS - I just realized I said "read" an NTFS partition not meaning to be too specific - NTFSDOS allows you to read, write, etc. - in other words, manipulate files on an NTFS partition.
Norton Ghost allows you to create drive images while NT is booted. You may also selectively restore files, as well as the whole disk. I think researching different software is your answer.
Take a look at Microsoft Q119467 on how to make a boot disk that starts from the floppy then shifts to the hard drive for the rest of the boot up. You could add some lines to the end of your existing process to copy the reqired boot files to the floppy from either the image server or from a directory on the floppy. example: copy \\imageserver\server1\ntdetect.com A: copy \\imageserver\server1\setupldr.bin A: copy \\imageserver\server1\boot.ini A: copy \\imageserver\server1\ntbootdd.sys A: restart
This as about as close as I can get to a step by step without knowing what your hardware configuration is and how your current autoexec is setup.
Not worried about the points, just hope this solves your problem.
You might consider a bootable CD. I'm not sure where I got this article but it has help be with issues like this, just need a cdr
A bootable 3.5-inch floppy diskette is necessary to start the process. The CD will have the same booting informationas the chosen floppy diskette, so it is important to verify that the bootable floppy diskette being used follows the desired boot-up process. Once a useable floppy diskette has been chosen, launch Easy CD Creator, cancel the Wizard, and click the DATA CD LAYOUT tab. Before selecting any data files, click FILE, then click CD LAYOUT PROPERTIES, then select ISO 9660 from the drop-down menu, then click the button next to BOOTABLE. A message will appear prompting insertion of the floppy boot diskette and two files will be taken from the floppy disk and added to the layout that will make the CD bootable. The remaining data files may be added at this point, and the bootable CD is ready to be created.
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Automated Cloning of NT Server without a
We have tried using a CMOS read/write program to change the drive boot order, but it seems that NT will not allow these (dos based) programs to write to the CMOS.
Someone suggested manipulating the BOOT.INI file, but I don't know how i could dothis from DOS when the hard drive is only NTFS?
To get the points, please provide step-by-step instructions.
Thanks.