ACRONIS TRUEIMAGE DELUXE User manual

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
User’s guide

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Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
3
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 5
1. INSTALLING AND STARTING WORK WITH ..................................................
A
CRONIS TRUEIMAGE DELUXE ............................................................... 14
1.1 ACRONIS TRUEIMAGE DELUXE SYSTEM PACKAGE ................................... 14
1.2 INSTALLATION ........................................................................................... 14
1.3 REPAIRING ACRONIS TRUEIMAGE DELUXE .............................................. 23
1.4 REMOVING THE SOFTWARE ....................................................................... 24
1.5 USER INTERFACE ....................................................................................... 24
1.5.1 TERMINOLOGY ...................................................................................................24
1.5.2 USER INTERFACE BASICS ....................................................................................24
1.5.3 WINDOWS...........................................................................................................25
1.5.4 DIALOGS AND CONTROLS...................................................................................27
1.5.5 INFORMATIVE ELEMENTS ................................................................................... 33
1.5.6 SPECIAL DIALOG TYPES .....................................................................................34
1.6 RUNNING ACRONIS TRUEIMAGE DELUXE SOFTWARE .............................. 35
1.7 FINISHING THE WORK WITH ACRONIS TRUEIMAGE DELUXE SOFTWARE .. 35
2. CREATING DISK/PARTITION IMAGES ....................................................... 36
2.1 CREATING A DISK/PARTITION IMAGE ON A HARD DISK ............................. 36
2.1.1 WELCOME PAGE .................................................................................................36
2.1.2 SELECTING AN OPERATION .................................................................................37
2.1.3 SELECTING PARTITIONS FOR IMAGE CREATION ...................................................38
2.1.4 IMAGE DEVICE TYPE ...........................................................................................39
2.1.5 A PARTITION/DISK ARCHIVE FILE........................................................................ 40
2.1.6 IMAGE’S DATA COMPRESSION LEVEL .................................................................. 43
2.1.7 CREATING ARCHIVE VOLUMES ...........................................................................43
2.1.8 PROTECTING AN ARCHIVE FILE WITH A PASSWORD.............................................45
2.1.9 COMMENTING AN ARCHIVE FILE ......................................................................... 46
2.1.10 IMAGE CREATION SCRIPT ..................................................................................47
2.1.11 CREATING AN IMAGE ........................................................................................48
2.1.12 FINISHING IMAGE CREATION.............................................................................49
2.2 CREATING A DISK/PARTITION IMAGE ON REMOVABLE MEDIA................... 49
2.2.1 SELECTING A PARTITION AND AN OPERATION ..................................................... 49
2.2.2 SELECTING A REMOVABLE DISK DRIVE ...............................................................49
2.2.3 THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS .................................................................................. 50
2.2.4 THE SCRIPT WINDOW ..........................................................................................52
2.2.5 THE SCRIPT PROGRESS ........................................................................................ 52
3. RESTORING A DISK/PARTITION FROM AN IMAGE .................................... 54
3.1 RESTORING A PARTITION (DISK) ................................................................ 54
3.1.1 SELECTING AN ACTION: RESTORE A PARTITION/DISK..........................................54
3.1.2 SELECTING AN ARCHIVE FILE.............................................................................. 55
3.1.3 ENTERING A PASSWORD......................................................................................57
3.1.4 ARCHIVE FILE PARTITIONS.................................................................................. 57
3.1.5 DESTINATION PARTITION....................................................................................58
3.1.6 EXCLUSIVE PARTITION ACCESS...........................................................................59
3.1.7 PARTITION TYPE (PRIMARY/LOGICAL) ................................................................60
3.1.8 FILE SYSTEM.......................................................................................................61
3.1.9 CHANGING SIZE OF A PARTITION TO BE RESTORED.............................................. 62
3.1.10 SELECTING A LETTER FOR A PARTITION TO BE RESTORED .................................64
3.1.11 THE NEXT PARTITION/DISK TO BE RESTORED ....................................................65

4 Table of Contents
3.1.12 RESTORATION SCRIPT ....................................................................................... 66
3.2 PARTITION RESTORATION PECULIARITIES ................................................. 67
3.3 PECULIARITIES OF RESTORATION FROM REMOVABLE MEDIA.................... 69
3.4 RESTORING SEPARATE FILES ..................................................................... 70
3.4.1 CONNECTING A DRIVE FROM A PARTITION IMAGE...............................................70
3.4.2 SELECTING AN ARCHIVE FILE.............................................................................. 71
3.4.3 DISCONNECTING A DRIVE ...................................................................................75
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................. 78
APPENDIX A. GENERAL INFORMATION. HARD DISKS ................................ 80
A.1 HARD DISK ORGANIZATION ...................................................................... 80
A.2 OPERATING SYSTEM AND HARD DISKS..................................................... 81
A.3 HARD DISK PARTITIONS ............................................................................ 82
A.4 CREATING PARTITIONS FOR OTHER OSES................................................. 83
A.5 PRIMARY AND LOGICAL PARTITIONS ........................................................ 83
A.6 FORMATTING HARD DISKS ........................................................................ 84
A.7 FILE SYSTEMS............................................................................................ 85
APPENDIX B. GLOSSARY ............................................................................... 86

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe 5
Introduction
What is Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe is the first title in a new generation of software
for creating exact images of hard disks (and partitions). It will let you store an
image of your disk in an archive file on a hard disk or on one of numerous
removable media, such as Iomega Zip or Jaz, CD-R(W) or DVD-R(W) disc.
Having an exact copy of your hard disk, you will be able to restore its data at
anytime – in case of a system error, virus infection, or even disk malfunction.
With the help of a hard disk image and the Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
software, you will be able to deploy a system on a new PC hard disk, i.e.
install all operatings systems, applications without using installation
disks/discs, and thus avoiding the re-set of all those system and program
parameters.
Having created an exact hard disk image, you can be assured that all your
data, operating systems, and applications (along with all their related
settings!) are safe. In case of an operating system error or a virus attack,
you will be able to easily restore the content of your PC hard disk, having
created its exact image with Acronis TrueImage Deluxe. If you need to
restore only several files, Acronis TrueImage Deluxe will let you connect the
stored file as a logical drive and copy all the files you need from it.
The unique technology developed by Acronis Inc., and used in the TrueImage
Deluxe software, will let you create exact disk images and restore your PC
disk contents under Windows without rebooting.
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe makes image creation and hard disk content
restoration easy for users of any level. Irrespective of their qualification and
PC experience, every user can truly use this software.
The TRUE differences between Acronis TrueImage Deluxe and other back-up
software:
• The opportunity to create images of disks (and partitions), including
system partitions, under Windows, without rebooting your computer. No
other software for storing images of partitions (and disks) in archive files
allows you to perform these functions under Windows!
• The opportunity to restore partitions under Windows (with the except of
system partitions or those containing swap files).
At the point of partition restoration, Acronis TrueImage Deluxe will let you
change its size and location on a disk, as well as its type and file system.

6 Introduction
• Convenient tools for restoration of separate files and folders from an archive
file: you can connect a logical drive from an archived image and simply
copying files.
Connecting a logical drive from an image file means that you will be able
to browse stored and encoded partition contents like any real disk
partition in Windows or in a Windows Explorer window. (see Figure 3.24
below).
• Unlike per-file back-up software, Acronis TrueImage Deluxe allows you to
restore partitions even if they were deleted, formatted, had its Partition
Table erased, or its disk bootsector infected by a virus!
The software combines a convenient graphical user interface with
exceptional simplicity and user availability. Back-up and restoration
operations can be performed in several easy steps!
Archive file
An archive file is a file containing images of partitions and disks. The images
contain both data of partitions and/or disks and information, allowing you to
restore a partition (disk) from the image.
Partition images include all its files and folders, irrespective of their attributes
(hidden, system, etc.), Master Boot Record (MBR), File Allocation Table
(FAT), and a root directory (Root).
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software stores only the data sectors of a hard
disk in its partition image.
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software creates an archive file with a ’.tib’
extension. The .tib file can contain images of several partitions and/or disks.
An archive file of large disk partitions or several partitions (and disks) can
become quite large. In this case Acronis TrueImage Deluxe will split the
image into more than one archive volume or archive volume files. Splitting an
archive into separate volumes may also be required for writing to removable
media.
Computer errors
Unfortunately personal computers are not 100% reliable or foolproof –
operating systems (OS) are subject to failures; application and hardware
drivers can cause errors as well. The Internet brings additional information
security problems such as the threat of virus infection and the computer’s
future inoperability. A hard disk also accumulates various «garbage» as a
result of installing and removing software as well as decreases in the
perfomance of your PC from continuous Internet access.
PC hard disks can encounter critical errors when executable files and
applications cannot be run and operating system cannot be loaded. In many

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe 7
cases this means that some system or data files are corrupt or newly
updated driver are inoperable. Quite often it is extremely difficult to fix such
problems, or even determine the exact software component that is causing
the problem.
The necessity of software back-ups
Data files are the most critical and valuable files on your PC hard disk as they
contain information of a «personal» nature. Operating system and
applications can be reinstalled with disks/discs. Information in data files are
unique, so it is vital to keep back-up copies of the most important on a hard
disk as well as on other back-up removable media.
The restoration of operating system and applications with their diskettes or
CD-ROMs usually takes a considerable amount of time. And do not forget the
need to restore all those settings! It should be obvious that this is not the
best way to restore your PC hard disk drive.
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software offers you the most effective way to
restore your PC’s operability. You can quickly and easily restore system or
data partitions or even whole hard disks from a previously created partition
(disk) image. Acronis TrueImage Deluxe offers back-up copying of whole hard
disks and their partitions, with separate partition (and disk) images stored in
archive files.
General information on back-up copying
The need for system and data files back-up was realized long ago. The
majority of industrial systems still feature bulky tape back-up. This type of
back-up is usually performed by qualified specialists with the help of rather
complex and time consuming devices.
With widespread PC use, the variety and volume of back-up data grew
exponentially. At same time the need for simple back-up devices and
software to help even inexperienced users became apparent.
There are two groups of software for back-up copying of individual PC users’
data. They differ most in the level of work and the type of back-up copies
they allow one to make. These programs back-up:
• (group 1) Separate files and folders,
• (group 2) Partitions and whole disks data.
Both groups have benefits as well as some disadvantages. But as hard disks
and removable media capacity grew, and their cost decreased, it turned out
that back-up copying of whole disk partitions became more effective and
simple. Back-up copying of hard disk system partitions became largely
available to new users. Performing back-up copying and restoration of
system files and folders by means of the first group’s software assumed that
the user had great system and PC operating knowledge.

8 Introduction
The usage of partition and disk back-up copying software turned out to be
simpler as well as more visual. Such programs allow the user to work by
means of a simple and user-friendly interface, while minimizing storing and
restoring operations to several easy steps.
The purpose and capabilities of Acronis TrueImage Deluxe system
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software is used to create exact images of hard
disks (and disk partitions) that can be used to restore disk contents, deploy
hard drive on new PCs, or to replace a hard disk. A disk image is stored in an
archive file on a hard disk or any removable media. This file may contain
images of several disks (and partitions) at once.
Restoring a disk/partition from an archive file, a user can easily select the
image of a needed disk/partition; select a disk/partition to restore to, and
change its size, location, and other parameters. A user can restore whole
disk/partition as well as separate files from a disk image.
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software works under Windows 9x/Me, Windows
NT/2000/XP and supports FAT16/32 and NTFS as well as the Linux ext2, ext3,
ReiserFS file systems.
You can install the software only under Windows, but you will be able to run Acronis
TrueImage Deluxe from a bootable diskette or CD-R(W) under any other OS includin
g
Linux.
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software works with any disks connected to your
PC (including IDE, SCSI, USB, FireWire, and/or PCMCIA interfaces). An
archive file can be created on a hard disk as well as on any other recording
device running under an OS, such as Iomega Zip, CD-R(W) or DVD-R(W)
drives, magneto-optical disk, and other media.
The software has a user-friendly graphical user interface that allows you to
work with both the mouse and keyboard.
Working with the software is performed through our easy image creation and
restoration wizard.
It takes just a few simple steps to start the disk/partition image creation
procedure:
• Select the operation of partition (disk) image creation;
• Select partition(s) and/or disk(s) to create images of (store data in an
archive file);
• Select type of a device for image creation (storing image in an archive
file): fixed or removable. For example, a hard disk, magneto-optical disk,
CD-R(W), DVD-R(W), etc.;
• Enter archive file name and specify its path;

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe 9
• Select the disk/partition data compression level for archive file creation;
• Specify if you need a single file or the one split into several volumes of
fixed size (for example, for creating a large disk/partition archive file on a
CD-RW);
• Protect an archive file with a password if needed;
• Enter a comment for your archive file with information about stored
images of disks/partitions, their data files, OS version, or any other
information if needed;
• Execute the disk/partition image creation script, you created while working
with the software wizard.
It takes a few simple steps as well to start disk/partition restoration from an
image stored in archive file, or to deploy disk/partition contents onto a new
PC hard disk:
• Select the operation of disk/partition restoration from a disk/partition
image;
• Select an archive file on a hard disk (or removable media) that contains
the image of a disk/partition to be restored;
• Select a disk and/or partition to be restored in the archive file;
• Select a partition (disk and free space) to restore a disk/partition image,
stored in an archive file, to;
• Select the type of a disk/partition to be restored;
• Select the disk/partition file system;
• Change partition size and/or location as needed;
• Select the next partition to be restored to change its size and/or location
as needed;
• Execute restoration script.
Procedures of disk image creation (restoration) on a hard disk (from a hard
disk) and removable media (from removable media) slightly differ (these
differences will be described below).
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software runs either under Windows from the Start
menu, or from a specially created bootable diskette or CD.
Disk operations are delayed in Acronis TrueImage Deluxe. It means that a
partition or disk image creation (or restoration) script is created first, and
then executed only when you are ready. Until a script is executed you can
return one or a few steps back to select another disk and/or partition and
image creation parameters.

10 Introduction
Opportunities for Acronis TrueImage Deluxe usage
There are several variants of Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software usage:
1. Creating images of and restoring your PC’s information.
You can use Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software to create images of
separate partitions of your PC hard disk, or the whole drive in an archive
file on another disk or removable media. You can use our software to
regularly create images of your information, applications and your
operating system update.
If new drivers, new applications, or an operating upgrade or change leads
to instability of your PC, you can easily revert back to its previous state. In
the same easy way you will be able to restore your system in case of a
serious error or accidental destruction or deletion of files. The more you
use Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software to create disk images, the higher
the possibility of restoring the newest version of your data, applications,
and operating systems.
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software can be used not only to restore system in case
of a critical error, but also to revert the system back to its previous state. For
example, you may wish to restore after a perfomance falloff or instability caused by
a driver update.
Disk/partition image creation and data restoration from disk/partition
images are the main function of Acronis TrueImage Deluxe. However you
may want to use it for other purposes . . .
2. Deploying the system on identical PCs (disk cloning).
If you have to regularly set-up many identical PCs (install and set-up the
same operating systems and applications), you can utilize the disk-cloning
feature implemented in Acronis TrueImage Deluxe. All you have to do is:
Install and set-up an operating system and applications to a hard disk of
one of identical PCs. Create a disk (system partition) image in an archive
file. Boot the next PC up with a diskette containing Acronis TrueImage
Deluxe, and restore the hard disk contents from the image stored in the
archive file.
If you already have a PC with installed system and applications, you will
be able to clone another in just a few minutes! Create an image of the
first PC’s disk on any media (hard disk, CD-RW, DVD-RW), connect it to
the second PC, boot it from Acronis TrueImage Deluxe diskette or CD, and
restore disk contents from the image. You will save considerable time and
effort with Acronis TrueImage Deluxe!
3. Replacing a hard disk of your PC.
If you want to install a new higher capacity hard disk on your PC, and do
not want to spend all the day re-installing operating system and

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe 11
applications, and restoring their settings, simply use Acronis TrueImage
Deluxe! Create an image of your hard disk in an archive file on any media,
be it another hard disk or CD-R, CD-RW. Install a new disk, boot with a CD
(or diskette) containing Acronis TrueImage Deluxe, and restore the old disk
contents from the image to a new disk. You can also change disk partition
size and location along with their type and operating system if needed.
Who Acronis TrueImage Deluxe is intended for
As everybody faces possible hardware or software failures, Acronis
TrueImage Deluxe software can help the widest circle of users.
PC users get software with simple and user-friendly interfaces that will
guarantee data will not be lost in case of any PC failures. And after serious
malfunctions with their system, they will be able to restore in no time without
help of an outside IT specialists.
More experienced users who test all new software on their PCs, will be able to
restore back to an original stable operating state any time should they
encounter an unsuccessful application or driver version or after any experiments
with their OS settings.
Administrators in small companies will get a simple, effective, and
inexpensive tool for creating images of disks (workstation and server system
partitions, user data partitions). PC assemblers can use Acronis TrueImage
Deluxe for quickly equipping whole PC consignments with software. The
simplicity and convenience of Acronis TrueImage Deluxe allows all users, to
take advantage of its unique technology and utility.

12 Introduction
How to find the necessary information in this guide
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe user’s guide contains the following main chapters:
• 1. «Installing and Starting Work with Acronis TrueImage Deluxe» - this
describes how to install, run, and remove the software;
• 2. «Creating a disk/partition image on a hard disk» - this describes how to
store an exact disk/partition image on a hard disk or removable media;
• 3. «Restoring a disk/partition from an image» - this describes how to
restore partitions with an image stored in an archive file, and how to
restore separate partition files;
• Appendix A. «General Information. Hard Disks» - this describes the
construction of hard disks, installation into a PC, disk file structures, and
interaction with an operating system;
• Appendix B. «Glossary» - contain a dictionary of technical terms to help
you to better understand this Guide.
Legend
Designation Meaning
Courier New font Strings displayed or entered by a user.
• Enumeration Enumeration item.
1. Press a button... A procedure step performed by a user.
Information we recommend you pay very
close attention to.
Operation selection Dialog boxes and their element names.
Quit Button and key names.

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe 13
Hardware and software requirements
To take full advantage of Acronis TrueImage Deluxe one should have:
• A PC-compatible computer with a Pentium CPU or similar,
• 32 MB RAM,
• A floppy or a CD-RW drive,
• VGA monitor,
• A mouse (recommended),
• Free disk space for archive files.
Software usage conditions
The conditions for Acronis TrueImage Deluxe software usage are described
in the «License agreement», included with this package. The supplied
registration card is the confirmation of your legal purchase and usage of
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe on your system. Each registration card has its
own unique registration number.
Under current legislation the «License agreement» is considered a contract
between a user (you) and a software manufacturer (Acronis Inc.). The
contract has legal effect and its violation may entail a court examination.
Illegal use and/or distribution of this software will be prosecuted.
Technical support
Users of legally purchased and registered copies of Acronis TrueImage
Deluxe receive free technical support from Acronis Inc. In case you have
problems with installation or use that cannot be solved with this guide or
read-me file, please visit our support web-site or e-mail our support
department at the addresses shown below. You must also send us the
registration number of your Acronis TrueImage Deluxe copy. This number is
written on a registration card supplied with this product.
Support URL: http://www.acronis.com/support/
E-mail: [email protected]

14 1 : Installing and Starting Work with Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
1. Installing and Starting Work
with Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
1.1 Acronis TrueImage Deluxe system package
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe system package includes:
• An installation disc,
• This guide,
• License agreement,
• Registration card,
• Advertising materials.
1.2 Installation
You can purchase the Acronis TrueImage Deluxe program on a compact disc
(CD-ROM) or download it from the Internet.
The CD-ROM contains an installer that can be run in Windows 9x/ and
Windows NT/2000/XP operating systems.
If you purchased TrueImage Deluxe on CD-ROM, to run it do the following:
1. Insert the compact disc into CD-ROM drive.
If you have the Windows operating system installed, run the Windows
Explorer and click the CD-ROM drive with the mouse. You will now see the
set-up.exe executable on the compact disc. Double-click it to run the
installation program.

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe 15
The executable will then be loaded into the computer memory and the
following window will appear on the screen:
Click Next button to continue.
2. To continue working with the software you will need to accept the
conditions of the license agreement between you (the user) and the
software developer.
For this purpose set the switch in the lower part of the window to I accept
this agreement position.
Click the Next button to continue.

16 1 : Installing and Starting Work with Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
3. If you disagree with the agreement conditions, set the switch to I decline
this agreement position and click the Next button. In this case you will be
thanked for the interest in the software, and the program will terminate.
4. In the next window you will need to enter the product serial number that
you will find on the Acronis TrueImage Deluxe registration form – AND
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER YOUR SOFTWARE TOO!
Click the Next button after entering the serial number.

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe 17
5. In the next page you should specify a folder to install TrueImage Deluxe
program to. The default folder is C:\Program Files\Acronis\TrueImage. If
you agree with it, click Next . If you want to install the program to a
different folder, enter its name and path into the appropriate field. If there
is no such folder on a disk, it will be created during installation.
You can choose a folder for program installation by clicking Browse…. You
will see a folder tree of your hard disk. Select a folder with mouse and
click OK. (You can select any computer disk for installation.)
After selecting a folder, click Next to continue.

18 1 : Installing and Starting Work with Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
6. On the next page you will be offered to make TrueImage Deluxe available
to all users of the computer or only to the current user. If you want to
make the program available to all users, check the Yes, I want to install
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe for all users box. (This page of InstallationWizard
is specificial for Windows NT/2000/XP operating systems.)
If you use Windows 9x/Me family operating system the above page of the
wizard will be omitted.
Click Next to continue.

Acronis TrueImage Deluxe 19
7. In the next page you will be offered to create a new program group for
Acronis TrueImage Deluxe program or to select an existing. If you agree
to create a new group just click Next . If you want to use one of the
existing program groups, select it by clicking it with the mouse.
After selecting a program group, click Next to continue.
8. After selecting program group the installation program will show you the
generated installation script. Before you click the Proceed button you can
change any of its parameters: disk and folder, program group, or for
example, make the program accessible only for yourself.

20 1 : Installing and Starting Work with Acronis TrueImage Deluxe
9. If you are sure all installation parameters are correct, click the Proceed
button. The process of copying of Acronis TrueImage Deluxe files on your
computer will be executed and shown in a special window.
10. On the next page you will be asked to create a bootable diskette or
CD-R(W) for Acronis TrueImage Deluxe. This is very important as the disk
partition data restoration software can only be run from a bootable
diskette or CD-R(W). Therefore it is strongly recommended you create
either of them. You can also create the bootable diskette or CD-R(W)
when the set-up process is finished.
If you wish to create a bootable disk/disc, check the Yes, I would like to
create bootable rescue media box and press Next.