up vote 3 down vote favorite
2
share [g+] share [fb]

Possible Duplicate:
Windows backup by Imaging

I'm wondering what the community uses for getting a new blank box up and running quickly?

I'm using Windows XP w/ VS / SQL server, and every 5 or 6 months I need to do a fresh install because Windows File System becomes very slow.

I've used Norton Ghost in the past, but lately it has crashed a couple times, is expensive, etc...

I'm wondering if there are any FOSS solutions that other developers are using to quickly get a dev environment booted onto a blank disk from an image on a DVD?

Thanks.

link|improve this question
1  
feedback

migrated from stackoverflow.com Aug 4 '09 at 17:38

This question came from our site for professional and enthusiast programmers.

closed as exact duplicate by TheTXI Aug 4 '09 at 18:53

This question covers exactly the same ground as earlier questions on this topic; its answers may be merged with another identical question. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

4 Answers

up vote 3 down vote

Acronis True Image is rather nice! I use it myself and I can recommend it.

(not FOSS, but very reasonably priced and has a fantastic "Just Works" quotient)

link|improve this answer
We use Acronis at my place of business. We love it, makes 4-5hour installs of servers a thing of the past. We have one image as a template for SQL, DCs, Exchange etc... – RateControl Aug 4 '09 at 19:37
feedback
up vote 2 down vote

CLonezilla

For the best free tool out there, I recommend clonezilla. It will do everything you need and then some.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

Maybe it will be better to find out why your file system becomes slow instead of reinstalling it every half a year? On NTFS systems it is recommended that at least 12% of free space needed on the drive. When free space is lower - it goes very slow.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote -2 down vote

Darik's Boot And Nuke

never used it myself but I have seen it recommend across the web

link|improve this answer
Darik's Boot and Nuke is very good, but that only helps with blanking a machine, it doesn't help with installing a new OS. – Pauk Aug 4 '09 at 17:34
As Pauk stated, DBAN is not a cloning program, but a disk erasing program. – phuzion Aug 4 '09 at 17:42
maybe to run that before loading the new image on... – RateControl Aug 4 '09 at 19:36
feedback

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.