Is Ghost "safe" to clone a computer?

[dannydanny]

Hi,

I haven`t had any experience at using Ghost 2001. I want to clone a computer so that I have an exact replica.

The problem is that this computer has some propriety software, so I don`t have the installation disks for these software. The software exists only on this computer, so I want to create an exact clone computer.

But if Ghost somehow corrupts this computer during the cloning process, my job would probably be on the line.
I`ve researched and read about Ghost failing to clone, or corrupt images...... Is there a chance that Ghost could "damage" the source drive?

Any info much appreciated,
Danny.

 

[epohl]

The only way Ghost could corrupt the source drive is if you accidentally choose the source drive as the destination. Just realize that depending on what Operating System you are cloning the destination machine should have similar hardware.

 

[dannydanny]

Hi epohl,

Thanks for the info. By "similar hardware", what components should be the same? Say if the cache levels, hard disk size, or internal PCI components were different, would that rule out a successful clone? Then I guess the destination hardware should be at least 90%+ the same as the source one?

Thanks again,
Danny

 

[epohl]

Really it depends on what Operating System you are cloning, Windows 2000 and Windows 98 do ok. It is Windows NT that can give you problems if the hardware is different. This article discusses some of the issues you may encounter.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/1999070716282425

 

[ToddWilburn]

No, Ghost will not "blow up" or damage your computer.
I have been using Ghost, several versions, for 2 years with Win95, 98, NT4, and 2K. Making an image is pretty much fool proof and a great way of backing up server settings.
If you are concerned about creating a bad image you can verify the image after you create it. Make sure you have enough free space on another PC to hold the image. Todd Wilburn

http://www.providence.org