Solved re-installed macrium

[billybellfoot]

hi

i uninstalled macrium using revo uninstaller

then re-installed macrium

and then used to make an image of win partition 36gb used data

image creation time was 15mins and image size is 7gb again?

see enclosed screenshot

 

[MilesAhead]

I would try Easus ToDo Backup Free. See if it also produces an image that's too small. If it works and Macrium doesn't, well that leads one to an obvious course of action.

edit: the other consideration is, 36 GB used. But I don't think Macrium backs up the restore points. If you have like 20 GB of restore points, it's just going to skip them.

 

[whs]

Miles, The restore points are not the problem - I think. But it is something to be checked. When he made an image with the WinPE CD, the image size was 18.5GB.

 

[whs]

billy, lets check how much you have in restore points. The command is

vssadmin list shadowstorage

 

[billybellfoot]

ok i will do this
where do i type in vssadmin list shadowstorage

 

[billybellfoot]

i got it heres screen

 

[billybellfoot]

however surely the fact that it is large should have no affect on the desktop macrium image size.. as the winpe tool image was larger ?

macrium desktop image size 7gb
winpe image size 18gb

different imaging methods on same machine with same restore points surely should come out same size ?

also just to note. i have not created any restore points nor have i changed any settings related to restore points i.e increased decreased size or ammount of restore points. (windows is fresh clean install)

 

[MilesAhead]

I don't know how you have a clean install with 18 GB of restore points. Something is weird.
@whs what's this continued from another thread? I'm confused.

If the OP really just installed windows then I'd turn protection off, then back on.. to get rid of the 18 GB of RPs if that's what it is. Either that or somehow the backup image is in the shadow copy? I've never seen this type of stuff.

 

[whs]

Well, 18GB restore points and 18GB system is possible. Let's test it. Run this command (best is to copy/paste it):

vssadminresize shadowstorage /For=C: /On=C: /MaxSize=300MB

How big is your system now.

 

[billybellfoot]

I don't know how you have a clean install with 18 GB of restore points. Something is weird.
@whs what's this continued from another thread? I'm confused.

it is clean install i formatted drive and performed clean vista install ?

If the OP really just installed windows then I'd turn protection off, then back on.. to get rid of the 18 GB of RPs if that's what it is. Either that or somehow the backup image is in the shadow copy? I've never seen this type of stuff.

how do i do this turn protection off/on etc?

i have an eisa (hidden) partition (scer system restore) but thats not what im imaging so should not affect

 

[MilesAhead]

Because it's Vista there's no limit unless set from the command line. It must be making a new point on every boot.

 

[MilesAhead]

how do i do this turn protection off/on etc?

You can either use WHS's command above to cut it to 300MB or hit Winkey Pause key combination. The Gui that pops up has a link System Protection. Go in there and uncheck the drives that are protected and hit Apply Button.

 

[whs]

@whs what's this continued from another thread? I'm confused.

Miles, this discussion has been going on since several days in a couple of threads and 25 PMs.

The bottom line is that he ended up with a 7GB image using the installed Macrium and an 18,5GB image using the WinPE CD. That's where the mystery is. Neither num makes sense with 18GB of shadowstorage and 18GB of system.

 

[MilesAhead]

I see. I've never tried doing the image save from a boot disc. So I'm not sure how it's supposed to go. Esp. with WinPE involved.

 

[billybellfoot]

Well, 18GB restore points and 18GB system is possible. Let's test it. Run this command (best is to copy/paste it):

vssadminresize shadowstorage /For=C: /On=C: /MaxSize=300MB

How big is your system now.

1.
dont i need some restore points though? and is 300mb enough?

2.
why is what windows has set not ok? as i have not changed it?

3.
if i change this setting can i change back if it does not help the problem?

thanks

p.s

also if that is causing the small image size is that a problem as if the macrium image does not copy the restore points anyway why would the size of them affect the image in terms of it being a good or bad image ?

thanks

 

[MilesAhead]

300 MB is just for the test. You're not going to leave it like that. Don't worry.

 

[whs]

Nothing is permanent. It can always be changed back. With the command I gave you the current restore points will be lost though. But that is not a big loss.

 

[billybellfoot]

300 MB is just for the test. You're not going to leave it like that. Don't worry.

oh ok thanks for re-assurance. i only ask as i would not know how to put it back how it supposed to be and if it was related to a seperate issue down the line i may forget what had been done etc..

thanks

 

[billybellfoot]

Nothing is permanent. It can always be changed back. With the command I gave you the current restore points will be lost though. But that is not a big loss.

wont i need them? or is there a way to save them or something in case i do? as at the moment with no restore points if something goes wrong my only option to get system back would be reinstall win vista? and dont want to go all through that again..

also
if that is causing the small image size is that a problem as if the macrium image does not copy the restore points anyway why would the size of them affect the image in terms of it being a good or bad image ?

 

[whs]

Well, if we assume that the image from the WinPE CD is OK, you won't need the restore points. But you are right, we are taking a little chance.

On the other hand, we'll have to skin this cat one way or another.