Powercopy Hard Disk Copy Functions Table Of Contents Function Menu HELP for KEY:  B  _I_  C  E  R  M  W HELP for Powercopy BootCD	Page
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1. General Functional Description
1.1 System requirements for physical copying of hard disks
2. Installation/De-Installation of Powercopy
3. Main Procedure for all Copying Processes
3.1 Main procedures
3.1.1 Main procedure using MS Windows Operating System
A: Example for 1:1 copying of entire hard disks
B: Example for the creation of images of an entire hard disk
C: Example for the creation of images of a partition (drive letter / volume)
D: Creating an image via a network
E: Copying/Creating of an image via PC-to-PC direct data link (only available for Professional PLUS and MULTI-CLONE versions)
F: Special features when using Copy function "B" (Backup) or "R" (Restore) (only available for Professional PLUS and MULTI-CLONE versions)
3.1.2 Restoring of hard disks / image files
3.2 Comparing source and target data
3.3 DOS procedure, use of the Powercopy BootCD     * DOS procedure via network:
3.4 Additional functions of Powercopy
3.4.1 Erasing hard disks/hard disk areas
3.4.2 Determining size of Image file
3.4.3 "Washing" hard disk
3.4.4 Information on hard disks connected
3.4.5 Copying of several partitions (1:1 copy, Image)
3.4.6 Shield hard disk file systems / Use different OS on different harddisk on same computer
4. How to Proceed in the Case of Defective Hard Disks/Defective File Systems
5. Creating Your Separate Boot Floppy/CD
6. Creating Batch Processes
7. Error Messages/Command Instructions 7.1 Information about external USB2.0  drives 7.2 Formatting an external hard disk
8. Typical Applications

1. General Functional Description   [Top Of Page]
Among the various functions available, Powercopy also allows the physical copying of entire hard disks and single partitions, including creating images on a sector basis. Powercopy is easy to use.
Powercopy enables you to copy all operating systems (DOS, WfW, Windows 9x/ME, NT, Win2000, XP, LINUX, UNIX, OS/2 ...).

You may call up additional  instructional sequences here

There is a total of three copying and three transfer methods plus a variety of individual functions available:

Copying methods:

• Creation of images - All sectors of a selected hard disk or a partition/partition area are compressed and saved as a so-called image file on another hard disk or other partition. This image file will then again be decompressed if restored at a later time on the original (or any other) hard disk, so that all data on the hard disk will be restored to the original state

• 1:1 Copying of hard disk  - The hard disk is copied (cloned) bit by bit onto another hard disk, so that the latter one may also be used for booting. A Restore is also possible.

• Creation of a secured backup with restore function -  Using this copying method, a hard disk is copied 1:1, just as in the case of the aforementioned method. However, this time the backup is offset by the initial ten sectors, i.e., the first sector of the backup hard disk (target hard disk) is marked as backup, and data are stored in the other sectors which will protect the hard disk against logical overwriting.
  Advantage: With this type of backup method, Powercopy protects your hard disk, which has not been marked, from being unintentionally overwritten. The backup hard disk is not bootable, by intention, and is thus protected against unauthorized usage (e.g. operating system). Although the backup hard disk is not bootable, the creation of a backup hard disk  includes many verify functions which rule out almost any application errors.

via network (Image)	via PC-to-PC direct cable connection
within one computer	For all copying methods a subsequent or separate comparison between the source hard disk and the data on the target hard disk is possible. This feature is indispensable for modern and safe data storage.

Copying via the PC direct cable link is limited to a maximum possible data transfer rate of a gross total of 1.5 Mbytes/sec. when using the parallel interface.

The copying process is followed by an integrated read-after-write mode of operation which may be performed either immediately or in a separate process in order to make sure that all data are correctly written. Further parameters may be turned on or off.

Powercopy provides a range of additional important safety features, especially in the Backup Mode or Restore Mode and Image creation process to prevent unintentional overwriting. Nevertheless you need to be very careful in using this tool since data are overwritten physically (sector by sector), and not logically. This means that if the tool is not properly used, all data on the target hard disk will be lost.

Important notes:

• It is essential that you first read the detailed User's Guide for Copying Hard Disks as well as the Licensing Terms before you use Powercopy in a productive way.
• According to the Licensing terms, Datapower GbR does not accept any claims whatsoever for indemnity.
  
• It is highly recommended that you perform some test runs to ensure your system meets the requirements. If you have hard disks of less than 8 GB capacity, make sure they are of the same geometry when using these for copying (refer to sub-section 1.1 System  Requirements)
• Make sure you select the correct copy functions (Function Menu).
• Powercopy Versions older than V2.1, where so-called "extended partitions" have been created, these appear in summarized form on the Overview of Partitions of a hard disk, followed by the individual sub-drives. In this case, an entire "extended partition" or the corresponding individual drives may be copied individually !
• Make sure you select the correct target hard disk when using the "Copy hard disk" function!
  To see the drive letters which are assigned to the respective physical disk drive, proceed as follows:
  
  Win9x/ME: Start ->Settings -> Control Panel -> System ->DeviceManager -> DiskDrives -> <select disk> -> Properties -> Settings
  Windows 2000/XP: Start -> Run-> <Enter diskmgmt.msc>
  Windows NT: Start->Programs->Administrative Tools>DiskAdministrator
  
• The drive letters in a Windows operating system may differ from that of a DOS operating system. This is especially important to bear in mind when restoring an image file under DOS.  From Powercopy version V2.1Ri we implemented a feature to  show the (NT/2000/XP..) Drive Mapping(function key F7)
• It is assumed that a suitable backup system exists if you use the copying function as an integral part of your system and data backup (e.g. Grandfather-Father-Son principle).
• This procedure applies only to DOS: Normally code letters 1 through 3 should be selected in the Boot Menu; in the event that booting will not be possible in this latter case, then the alternative parameters 4 through 6 should be selected.
• If you wish to accelerate the copying process considerably, you may "wash" your hard disk for each drive from time to time (refer to Function Control Code "W") .  Here the data trash is written onto the free areas of a drive disk with highly compressed characters.
  
• When creating an image file, make sure that, if at all possible, this file will not be located on the same hard disk for runtime reasons and that enough disk space will be available. If you wish to determine the size and runtime for the creation of an image file, select Function Control "D".
• Booting must be performed via the DOS boot CD/FD/Memory Sticks only if your Start operating system is located on the copying area.
• 
  

  For reasons of runtime on the one hand, and because of a self-overwriting or self-backup risk on the other hand (e.g. source 'hard disk partition C:' Target images also C:\<Path>\<Image name>) saving of images should always take place on a SEPARATE medium. This may be a second hard disk, an external hard disk or a hard disk on another computer (network, second computer via PC direct cable connection).

  
  
• You may use HELP key F1 for the respective sequential steps!
  
• For selecting the various functions, you may either use the arrow keys (only on WinNT, 2000, XP) or left-click them with your mouse and make your selection with a double-click.
  After the selection has been made, you may confirm this selection by pressing a Function key as requested, a letter, the RETURN key or by right-clicking your mouse.
• Switch language: With the F5 Function key, you may change the language in the Function Menu, such as from English to German.
  

• Operating systems supported: MS WfW, Win9x, ME, 2000, NT, XP. (Free DOS is an integral part of the delivery package)
• No other program except Powercopy may run on the computer (except on the target computer in the network).
• If you want to use the PC direct-linkage feature of Powercopy, a Powercopy cable is required, which is an integral part of Powercopy Professional PLUS and Multi-CLONE versions.
• The copying of hard disks using Powercopy is basically independent of the computer, operating system or file formats used (All standard file systems, such as FAT16,  FAT32,  NTFS or Raidlevels 0, 1, 2 ,5 are supported.)
• Because of performance reasons USB2.0 is required, when using external USB2.0 hard disks. If not available, we recommend Add-On Controllers with NEC chipsets.

Supported Storage Media (target media to save image files):

• internal or external hard disk drives such as P-ATA (IDE), S-ATA, SCSI, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), USB 1.0 / 2.0 or PC-Card devices.
• Network shares
• CD-R (RW), DVD+/-R(RW) , requires installed third party DVD Burning software.
• ZIP®, Jazz® and other exchangeable data storage

• Installation of Powercopy
• Booting in DOS: No Installation/De-installation required! You will need this function if you have to perform either a restore operation of an 'entire hard disk' or a Partition on which your default operating system is stored.

• Insert CD (If the installation process does not start automatically, right-click with your mouse CD drive)
• Double-click on "p_inst-...."  and follow further instructions.
  
• Powercopy can then be started with a double click from the "Powercopy" directory on pc.exe (for 16-bit OS) or on pc32.exe (for 32-bit Operating Systems).

3. Main Procedure for all Copying Processes  [Top Of Page]

3.1.1-A: Example for 1:1 copying of an entire hard disk  [Top Of Page]

- By pressing RETURN you decide to copy the entire hard disk:

Please note:  If you are copying a Partition which contains the currently active operating system or any other drive which could not be locked by Powercopy, the compare function will fail! Don't worry about. Because for the most part, temporary files such as the pagefile.sys (swap file) and others will continuously be changed by an active OS. This is why Powercopy reports differences. After cloning, connect the cloned drive as stand-alone disk and boot from it. After logon to this system, run system tool scandisk on WIN9x/ME or chkdsk on NT/2000/XP OS for all of your volumes on this hard disk. If there are no errors, the HD cloning was successfull.

The easiest and best way of cloning the default operating system with no compare errors - except in case of a hardware failure - is to boot with the Powercopy BootCD. Other best working methods are. A) Boot with Barts PE XPBoot CD, see Internet B) Install your Windows OS on a second hard disk/ USB memory stick. Boot from second disk and clone first disk. C) Use Windows XP-PE "Preinstallation environment"

- The status display at the lower section of the picture frame shows what is taking place presently:

3.1.1-B: Example for the creation of images of an entire hard disk  [Top Of Page]

• The following display will be shown „Select source hard disk“:  (Each installed hard disk is shown in two lines; Important information for the user: At the beginning of the first line, you will see the current number of the respective hard disk #0x80 (through 87); at the end of the first line the hard disk size will be displayed in GB and MB); 
• Select the desired hard disk by moving the arrow keys to the correct position; press RETURN key;

• A green window will appear showing the assigned partitions and the heading "Should a partition (logical drive) or the entire hard disk be handled? NT/2000/XP DriveLetters are shown only if you use pc32.exe(NT/2000/XP), or if you have loaded the Driveletter Map-file of Powercopy using pc.exe by means of the F7 key (Powercopy V2.1Rg or newer)!
  

After you have selected the desired folder klick on "Open"

Only on Powercopy BootCD / DOS / Win9x / ME: Please note! If you copy disks the usage of the mouse is not supported in those cases. At file/folder selection dialog a single dot ' . ' means select current directory. A double dot ' . . 'means select previous directory. See also F1 Function Key!.

3.1.1-C: Example for the creation of images of a partition (drive letter/volume)  [Top Of Page]

Preparation: Destination storage: The directory in which the image file is to be stored must be shared within the network. (right-click the directory, Select "Sharing.." and enter "Powercopy" as Share Name; share directory); Set the permissions of the shared folder to read-write access.  XP Professional differs from the Home edition. In case of the Home edition, check the "Allow network users to change my files"

XP Home Edition

Win 9x/ME

XP professional

Map a folder. Method A

Map a folder. Method B Command line method (works on every MS operating system)

by use of the Powercopy cable

3.1.1-E1:  1:1 copying of a hard disk via PC direct connection [Top Of Page] (starting from dialogue entry on source computer)

by use of the Powercopy cable

3.1.1-E2: Creating images via PC direct cable connection [Top Of Page] (starting from entry of dialogue on source computer)

Peculiarities in using copy function "B" (Backup ) or "R" (Restore)  [Top Of Page] (only for Professional PLUS and MULTI-CLONE Versions)

• Procedural safety as a result of a number of checks to make sure an unintentional overwriting of a hard disk is ruled out
  
• The target(Backup) hard disk has been identified and protected in such a way that the file system on this backuped disk is not visible to the OS or an application!

Select the type of communication. Normally code number "1" should be selected as standard.
Select figures 2 and 3 if you require access to an external hard disk. The driver names which are integrated during the boot start can be seen on the right side.
If booting does not proceed properly on your computer, then you have the option to select figures 4,5,6 instead of 1,2,3.

The following OPTION MENU appear:


  
If the copy functions are not performed via the network, "additional settings" may be performed in the OPTION MENU. Otherwise, click "continue".

The function menu will appear.
From this point on, the procedure is largely identical with the previously described procedures!

Here you may call up a more detailed instruction sequence.

• Window "Running Network Client" :  Normally select "OK".
  
• Window "Profile OK": Normally select "OK".
• Window "Autodetect your PCI network adapter": Normally select "Auto". In the event you are asked where the updated  list of network interface cards is to be saved, select RAMDISK.
  
• If  dialog " Please select which adapter to use " should appear, then multiple network cards were found. Select the appropriate card.
  

If there is no DHCP Server in your Network available, disable the DHCP checkbox, enter the required network addresses and select OK.
Pay attention that in case of a SW or HW firewall the entered IP Address is permitted by firewall settings.
Additional information on this subject can be found on our Internet Powercopy FAQ Help pages; Activate or deactivate DHCP;

Then window "Identification Settings" will appear:



Here, enter your Windows work group name: E.g. Mshome is likely to be the name and select OK.
If the network connection was successful, the option menu will appear again . If this is not the case, the network connection was not successful (For more information, see www.datapower.de / FAQ).
Powercopy (pc.exe) will automatically start when clicking on "Continue" .
From this point on, the logical procedure is the same as described previously for the MS Windows mode.
Here you may call up a more detailed instruction sequence.

3.4 Additional functions of Powercopy  [Top Of Page]
Depending on the type of version, Powercopy has a number of additional functions:

3.4.1 Erasing hard disks/hard disk areas  [Top Of Page]
By selecting function code "E" in the Function Menu, Powercopy provides a range of erasing and identifying functions.
First select the drive on which you intend to perform a delete operation.

Window "HD-Clear... information" will appear.


Window "What should be cleared or removed" will appear. Please read the text thoroughly. Select the desired function.

 

3.4.3 "Washing" hard disk  [Top Of Page]

With Powercopy you may copy several partitions at the same time. Make your selection in this case via Function "I" (Information on installed hard disks). After selecting a hard disk, the associated partitions will then be displayed. After this procedure, select the one partition up to which you wish to make your copy. The copying process always runs from Sector Zero up to the selected partition, e.g. if you have drive letters C, D and E, and you select Partition D, then drive letters C and D are copied at the same time (as 1:1 copy or as Image, depending on what you have selected). When restoring the partitions, they will be saved again in their original location. In this latter case, this would be drive C and D (refer also to Function key F1).

3.4.6: Shield hard disk file systems / Use two operating systems on different hard disks on same computer [Top Of Page] ab Powercopy V2.1Rk

6. Creating Batch Processes  [Top Of Page]

• Creating a backup of a hard.disk to back up data and to ensure speedy work resumption by having a backed-up hard disk or by starting from the hard disk.
  
• Cloning of master sample installations for similar application PCs (for example: if you acquired multiple licenses)
  
• Backups for Server
• When buying a new computer the data of the hard disk can be transferred completely onto the new computer. The old computer may also be used as an ideal backup computer for Image files. Image files may be saved on the old computer either by using the Function "PC direct cable connection" of Powercopy (Powercopy cable available only for the PRO-PLUS VERSION) or by installing a network interface card!
• Backing up hard disk, such as in the case of a Headcrash. Before trying to restore a file system with Recovery tools, it is absolutely essential that you back up the hard disk BEFOREHAND   with Powercopy  (1:1 or HD-> Image) using the BootCD. Thus the original status (before Recovery tool was put to action) may be used as the basis for a renewed restoration effort in case the Recovery tool fails!