Acronis TRUE IMAGE 9.1 User Manual
User's Guide
Acronis
True Image 9.1
Server for Windows
Compute with confidence
www.acronis.com
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006. All rights reserved.
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2 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
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SOFTWARE.
Acronis True Image Server for Windows (the Software) is Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-
2006. All rights are reserved. The ORIGINAL PURCHASER is granted a LICENSE to use the
software only, subject to the following restrictions and limitations.
1. The license is to the original purchaser only, and is not transferable without prior
written permission from Acronis.
2. The original purchaser can use the software on a single computer. You cannot use
the software on more than a single machine, even if you own or lease all of them, without
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the following:
A. Providing or permitting use of by, or transferring the software to, third parties.
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multiple user arrangement to users who are not individually licensed by Acronis.
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SOFTWARE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE OR THAT ANY DEFECTS WILL BE
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Illegal use and/or distribution of this software will be prosecuted.
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 3
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE SERVER FOR WINDOWS – A COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR CORPORATE USERS ............... 7
1.2 NEW IN ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE 9.1 SERVER FOR WINDOWS.......................................................................... 8
1.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORTED MEDIA ......................................................................................... 9
1.4.1 Minimum system requirements............................................................................................................. 9
1.4.2 Supported operating systems................................................................................................................ 9
1.4.3 Supported file systems........................................................................................................................ 10
1.4.4 Supported storage media.................................................................................................................... 10
1.5 TECHNICAL SUPPORT .................................................................................................................................. 10
CHAPTER 2. ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE SERVER FOR WINDOWS INSTALLATION AND
STARTING.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1 INSTALLING ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE SERVER FOR WINDOWS ...................................................................... 11
2.2 EXTRACTING ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE SERVER FOR WINDOWS..................................................................... 12
2.3 RUNNING ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE SERVER FOR WINDOWS .......................................................................... 12
2.4 REMOVING ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE SERVER FOR WINDOWS........................................................................ 12
CHAPTER 3. GENERAL INFORMATION AND PROPRIETARY ACRONIS TECHNOLOGIES...... 13
3.1 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FILE ARCHIVES AND DISK/PARTITION IMAGES.................................................. 13
3.2 FULL, INCREMENTAL AND DIFFERENTIAL BACKUPS .................................................................................... 13
3.3 ACRONIS SECURE ZONE.............................................................................................................................. 14
3.4 ACRONIS STARTUP RECOVERY MANAGER.................................................................................................. 15
3.4.1 How it works....................................................................................................................................... 15
3.4.2 How to use.......................................................................................................................................... 15
3.5 ACRONIS SNAP RESTORE ............................................................................................................................ 15
3.5.1 How it works....................................................................................................................................... 15
3.5.2 How to use.......................................................................................................................................... 16
3.6 ACRONIS UNIVERSAL RESTORE .................................................................................................................. 16
3.7.1 How to use.......................................................................................................................................... 17
3.7.2 Using Acronis Universal Restore in virtual environment...................................................................18
3.7.3 Hints on using Acronis Universal Restore ......................................................................................... 18
3.7.4 Benefits............................................................................................................................................... 18
3.7 USING DYNAMIC DISKS AND VOLUMES ....................................................................................................... 19
3.8 BACKING UP TO TAPE DRIVE ....................................................................................................................... 19
3.9 VIEWING DISK AND PARTITION INFORMATION............................................................................................. 20
CHAPTER 4. USING ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE SERVER FOR WINDOWS.......................................... 21
4.1 MAIN PROGRAM WINDOW ........................................................................................................................... 21
4.2 MANAGING A LOCAL COMPUTER................................................................................................................. 23
CHAPTER 5. CREATING BACKUP ARCHIVES........................................................................................ 25
5.1 BACKING UP FILES AND FOLDERS (FILE BACKUP)........................................................................................ 25
5.2 BACKING UP DISKS AND PARTITIONS (IMAGE BACKUP) ............................................................................... 29
5.3 SETTING BACKUP OPTIONS.......................................................................................................................... 31
5.3.1 Archive protection.............................................................................................................................. 32
5.3.2 Source files exclusion......................................................................................................................... 32
5.3.3 Pre/post commands............................................................................................................................ 32
5.3.4 Database support............................................................................................................................... 33
5.3.5 Compression level.............................................................................................................................. 34
5.3.6 Backup performance........................................................................................................................... 34
5.3.7 Fast incremental/differential backup.................................................................................................. 35
5.3.8 Archive splitting ................................................................................................................................. 35
5.3.9 File-level security settings ............................................................................................ ...................... 36
5.3.10 Media components............................................................................................................................ 36
5.3.11 Additional settings............................................................................................................................ 37
CHAPTER 6. RESTORING THE BACKUP DATA...................................................................................... 38
4 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
6.1 RESTORE UNDER WINDOWS OR BOOT FROM CD? ....................................................................................... 38
6.1.1 Network settings in rescue mode........................................................................................................ 38
6.2 RESTORING FILES AND FOLDERS FROM FILE ARCHIVES ............................................................................... 38
6.3 RESTORING DISKS/PARTITIONS OR FILES FROM IMAGES .............................................................................. 41
6.3.1 Starting the Restore Data Wizard....................................................................................................... 42
6.3.2 Archive selection................................................................................................................................ 42
6.3.3 Restoration type selection .................................................................................................................. 43
6.3.4 Selecting a disk/partition to restore.................................................................................................... 44
6.3.5 Selecting a target disk/partition ......................................................................................................... 44
6.3.6 Changing the restored partition type.................................................................................................. 44
6.3.7 Changing the restored partition file system........................................................................................ 45
6.3.8 Changing the restored partition size and location............................................................................. 45
6.3.9 Assigning a letter to the restored partition......................................................................................... 46
6.3.10 Restoring several partitions at once................................................................................................. 46
6.3.11 Setting restore options...................................................................................................................... 46
6.3.12 Using Acronis Universal Restore..................................................................................................... 46
6.3.13 Restoration summary and executing restoration.............................................................................. 48
6.4 SETTING RESTORE OPTIONS......................................................................................................................... 48
6.4.1 Files to restore exclusion ................................................................................................................... 49
6.4.2 Files overwriting mode....................................................................................................................... 49
6.4.3 Pre/post commands............................................................................................................................ 49
6.4.4 Restoration priority............................................................................................................................ 49
6.4.5 File-level security settings ............................................................................................ ...................... 49
6.4.6 Additional settings.............................................................................................................................. 50
CHAPTER 7. SCHEDULING TASKS............................................................................................................ 51
7.1 CREATING SCHEDULED TASKS .................................................................................................................... 51
7.1.1 Setting up daily execution................................................................................................................... 52
7.1.2 Setting up weekly execution................................................................................................................ 53
7.1.3 Setting up monthly execution.............................................................................................................. 54
7.1.4 Setting up one-time execution............................................................................................................. 54
7.2 MANAGING SCHEDULED TASKS................................................................................................................... 55
CHAPTER 8. MANAGING ACRONIS SECURE ZONE ............................................................................. 56
8.1 CREATING ACRONIS SECURE ZONE ............................................................................................................ 56
8.2 RESIZING ACRONIS SECURE ZONE .............................................................................................................. 57
8.3 DELETING ACRONIS SECURE ZONE............................................................................................................. 57
CHAPTER 9. CREATING BOOTABLE MEDIA.......................................................................................... 59
CHAPTER 10. OTHER OPERATIONS ......................................................................................................... 61
10.1 VALIDATING BACKUP ARCHIVES............................................................................................................... 61
10.2 OPERATION RESULTS NOTIFICATION ......................................................................................................... 61
10.2.1 Email notification............................................................................................................................. 62
10.2.2 WinPopup notification...................................................................................................................... 62
10.3 VIEWING LOGS.......................................................................................................................................... 63
10.4 EVENT TRACING........................................................................................................................................ 64
10.4.1 Windows event log............................................................................................................................ 64
10.4.2 SNMP notifications........................................................................................................................... 64
10.5 MANAGING SYSTEM RESTORE.................................................................................................................. 64
CHAPTER 11. MOUNTING AN IMAGE AS A VIRTUAL DRIVE............................................................ 66
11.1 MOUNTING AN IMAGE............................................................................................................................... 66
11.2 UNMOUNTING AN IMAGE .......................................................................................................................... 68
CHAPTER 12. TRANSFERRING THE SYSTEM TO A NEW DISK......................................................... 69
12.1 GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................... 69
12.2 SECURITY.................................................................................................................................................. 69
12.3 EXECUTING TRANSFERS ............................................................................................................................ 70
12.3.1 Selecting Clone mode....................................................................................................................... 70
12.3.2 Selecting source disk........................................................................................................................ 70
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 5
12.3.3 Selecting destination disk................................................................................................................. 71
12.3.4 Partitioned destination disk.............................................................................................................. 72
12.3.5 Old and new disk partition layout.................................................................................................... 72
12.3.6 Old disk data.................................................................................................................................... 72
12.3.7 Destroying the old disk data............................................................................................................. 73
12.3.8 Selecting partition transfer method.................................................................................................. 74
12.3.9 Partitioning the old disk................................................................................................................... 75
12.3.10 Old and new disk partition layouts................................................................................................. 75
12.3.11 Cloning summary ........................................................................................................................... 76
12.4 CLONING WITH MANUAL PARTITIONING.................................................................................................... 76
12.4.1 Old and new disk partition layouts................................................................................................... 76
CHAPTER 13. ADDING A NEW HARD DISK.............................................................................................78
13.1 SELECTING A HARD DISK........................................................................................................................... 78
13.2 CREATING NEW PARTITIONS...................................................................................................................... 78
13.3 DISK ADD SUMMARY................................................................................................................................. 79
CHAPTER 14. COMMAND-LINE MODE AND SCRIPTING.................................................................... 80
14.1 WORKING IN THE COMMAND-LINE MODE.................................................................................................. 80
14.1.1 Supported commands ....................................................................................................................... 80
14.1.2 trueimagecmd.exe usage examples................................................................................................... 85
14.1.3 Command-line mode usage under DOS........................................................................................... 86
14.2 SCRIPTING................................................................................................................................................. 86
14.2.1 Script execution parameters............................................................................................................. 86
14.2.2 Script structure................................................................................................................................. 87
14.2.3 Script usage examples...................................................................................................................... 87
6 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 Acronis True Image Server for Windows – a complete solution for
corporate users
You have come to rely on your servers to run your business and retain key enterprise data.
Acronis True Image Server for Windows provides comprehensive, reliable, and cost-effective
system protection and recovery for corporate servers. With Acronis True Image Server for
Windows you have peace of mind knowing you are protected and can recover from any
situation.
Minimizes downtime
Acronis True Image Server for Windows enables you to restore systems in minutes, not
hours or days. An entire system can be restored from an image that includes everything the
system needs to run: the operating system, applications, databases, and configurations. No
reinstallation or reconfiguration is required. Moreover, complete system restoration can be
performed to an existing system or to a new system with different hardware or to virtual
machines. With the new Acronis Snap Restore feature, users can access a system during
restore, further decreasing downtime. File-based backups provide you with the flexibility to
only backup specific critical files.
Eases Administration
Wizards guide users through backup and recovery tasks, ensuring the product can be
implemented with minimal user training.
Automates Backup
With the scheduling capability in Acronis True Image Server for Windows, you simply create
backup tasks, tailored by group, at certain times or at certain events, automating backups.
To ensure that backups have occurred, or user intervention is required, you can request
notifications via email or pop-up. You can view Acronis events in Windows Application Events
Log or Acronis own log. Log messages can be automatically sent out to SNMP clients.
The product also supports the creation of custom commands before and after backups. For
example, users can automatically run anti-virus products before an image is created and
verify the validity of backups after they have been created.
Ensures 24 X 7 Uptime
With the Acronis Drive Snapshot systems can be imaged while they are i n use, supp orting 24
by 7 availability. This technology enables the product to backup and image critical operating
system files, the master boot record and any partition-based boot records without requiring
a reboot. A CPU allocation feature allows you to limit the amount of CPU usage for the
application to maximize the CPUs available for mission critical applications. Moreover, users
can control hard disk drive writing speeds and control network bandwidth used during
backups, allowing you minimally disrupt business operations.
A several-second database suspension is provided for correct backup of mission critical
applications such as Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle with
support VSS. If your database or operating system does not support VSS, Acronis True
Image Server for Windows will execute your custom commands to realize database
suspension.
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 7
Supports Cutting Edge Technology
Businesses today are moving to leverage the latest technologies, dual -core 64 bit processors
and 64 bit operating systems. With Acronis True Image Server for Windows, you can protect
these new machines, as well as legacy ones, running one solution.
Leverages Existing Technology Investments
The product can leverage your current storage infrastructur e by supporting a wide variety of
storage media, so you can avoid costly hardware purchases to implement the solution. The
product supports key storage technologies such as: Direct Attached St orage (DAS), Network
Attached Storage (NAS), Storage Area Networks (SAN), Redundant Arrays of Independent
Disks (RAID) devices, tapes, USB and IEEE-1394 (FireWire) compliant storage devices, CDs,
DVDs, removable drives (Floppy, Zip, etc.) and shared storage. Moreover, the product
ensures that you maximize the space on these resources with four levels of compression.
Disk cloning and new disk deployment
Acronis True Image Server for Windows can be used to clone an image onto multiple
servers. For example, a company purchased several servers and needs similar environments
on each of them. Traditionally, an IT manager should install the operating system and
programs on every server. With Acronis True Image Server for Windows, the IT manager
can create a disk image of the first system deployed. That image can then be duplicated
onto multiple servers.
If you need to upgrade the server hard disk drive, Acronis True Image Server for Windows
simplifies the task to few mouse clicks creating the exact copy of your old disk t o a new one
and adjusting partitions size to fit a new hard disk.
1.2 New in Acronis True Image 9.1 Server for Windows
• Support for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows Server 2003 x64
Editions
• Support for GPT hard disks (disks with GUID partition table)
• Backup to/restore from FTP servers
• Acronis Snap Restore – A user can start working in seconds while the system is still
being restored
• Acronis Universal Restore (optional) – Hardware-independent live system restore
• File-level backup and recovery, including files opened in exclusive usage mode - In
addition to an entire partition/system backup
• Differential backup – Backup only the changes made since the full backup
• Fast incremental/differential backup – Users can choose to compare files with their
archived copies by date/size (fast process) or by file contents (precise, but timeconsuming process)
• Files and folders backup/restore filtering – Saves space when creating file backups
by only backing up files of the types the users want to keep. Similarly, a user can tell the
program not to restore certain files from the file archive
• Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) support (for Windows 2003 Server
and higher) – Easily backup VSS compatible databases (Exchange, Oracle, SQL Server)
without taking databases offline and ensuring data consistency
8 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
• Pre/post backup/restore commands – Users can specify their own commands which
will be executed before and after the backup or restore process. For example, one might
want to remove some temporary files from the disk before starting backup or configure a
third party antivirus product to be started each time before the backup starts
• User-editable default backup options – Users can configure and save backup
parameters, such as backup performance (hard disk writing speed, network bandwidth
during backups), validate backup archive after backup completion, file-level security
settings (preserving files’ security settings in the archive, storing encrypted files in
encrypted or decrypted state)
• User-editable default restore options – Users can configure and save restore
parameters, such as files overwriting mode, the original or current date and time for
restored files etc.
• Read-write mode of mounting images
• Bootable backup media – When backing up to removable media, users can make this
media bootable in the same manner as rescue CD, so separate recover media is not
required
• Bootable disks ISOs and RIS packages – In addition to burning a bootable rescue
disk, users can save its ISO image for burning later, or create a RIS package for remote
boot of Acronis True Image Server for Windows
• Windows Event Log and SNMP support – Store event log messages, issued by
Acronis True Image Server for Windows, to Windows Event Log or send them to SNMP
clients
• Manage System Restore tool (for Windows 2003 Server and higher) – Turn on/off the
Windows native System Restore tool directly from Acronis True Image Server for
Windows
• Context Help
1.4 System requirements and supported media
1.4.1 Minimum system requirements
Acronis True Image Server for Windows requires the following hardware:
• Pentium processor or higher
• 256 Mb RAM
• FDD or CD-RW drive for bootable media creation
• Mouse (recommended).
1.4.2 Supported operating systems
• Windows NT 4.0 Workstation SP6/2000 Professional SP4/XP Professional SP2
• Windows NT 4.0 Server SP6/2000 Server/2000 Advanced Server/2003 Server
• Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions
Acronis True Image Server for Windows also enables creating a bootable diskette or CD-R/W
that can back-up and restore a disk/partition on a computer running any PC-based operating
system including Linux®.
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 9
1.4.3 Supported file systems
• FAT16/32
• NTFS
• Ext2/Ext3
• ReiserFS
• Reiser4
• Linux SWAP
• XFS
• JFS
If a file system is not supported or is corrupted, Acronis True Image Server for Windows can
copy data using a sector-by-sector approach.
For XFS and JFS file systems partition resizing feature is not supported.
1.4.4 Supported storage media
• Hard disk drives
• Networked storage devices such as Storage Area Networks ( S ANs) and Network Attached
Storage (NAS)
• SCSI tape drives
• IDE and SCSI RAID controllers of any level
• FTP-servers*
• CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW**
• USB 1.0 / 2.0, FireWire (IEEE-1394) and PC card storage devices
• ZIP®, Jaz® and other removable media
* - an FTP-server must allow passive mode for file transfers. Data recovery directly from
FTP-server requires the archive to consist of files no more than 2 Gb in size.
** - requires third-party DVD recording software to be installed.
1.5 Technical support
Users of legally purchased copies of Acronis True Image Server for Windows are entitled to
free technical support from Acronis. If you experience problems installing or using Acronis
products that you can’t solve yourself by using this guide, then please contact Acronis
Technical Support.
More information about contacting Acronis Technical Support is available at the following
http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/support/
link:
10 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
Chapter 2. Acronis True Image Server for
Windows installation and starting
2.1 Installing Acronis True Image Server for Windows
To install Acronis True Image Server for Windows:
• run the Acronis True Image Server for Windows setup file
• in the Install Menu, select the program to install: Acronis True Image Server for Windows
• follow the Install Wizard instructions on the screen.
Acronis True Image Server for Windows Install Window
Typical, Custom and Complete installation is available. Having pressed Custom, you can
choose to install, besides Acronis True Image Server for Windows, Rescue Media Builder
and Bart PE plug-in.
With Rescue Media Builder you can create bootable rescue disks or RIS packages (see
details in
purchased a boxed product that contains a bootable CD. Installing the Bootable Rescue
Media Builder will allow you to create bootable media, its ISO image or a bootable RIS
package at any time from the main program window or running Bootable Rescue Media
Builder on its own.
Well-known Bart PE utility is used to boot Windows-like environment from CD. Applications
are installed into Bart PE in the form of plug-ins. Choosing Bart PE plug-in installation
(disabled by default) provides the ability to include Acronis True Image Server for Windows
into Bart PE plug-in tab. The plug-in files will be placed to the installation folder along with
other program files.
Chapter 9. Creating bootable media
When installed, Acronis True Image Server for Windows (local version) creates a new device
in the Device Manager list (Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager
-> Acronis Devices -> Acronis TrueImage Backup Archive Explorer). Do not disable
or uninstall this device, as it is necessary for connecting image archives as virtual disks (see
Chapter 11. Mounting an image as a virtual drive
). You might not need this tool if you
).
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 11
2.2 Extracting Acronis True Image Server for Windows
When installing Acronis True Image Server for Windows, you can save the setup (.msi) file
on a local or network drive. It will help you modify or recover the existing component
installation.
To save a setup file:
• run the Acronis True Image Server for Windows setup file;
• in the Install Menu, right-click on the program name and select Extract;
• select location for setup file and click Save.
2.3 Running Acronis True Image Server for Windows
You can run Acronis True Image Server for Windows in Windows by selecting Start ->
Programs -> Acronis -> Acronis True Image Server for Windows -> Acronis True
Image Server for Windows or clicking on the appropriate shortcut on the desktop.
If your operating system does not load for some reason, you can run Acronis Startup
Recovery Manager. However, this must be activated prior to use; see
Recovery Manager
server bootup, when you see a corresponding message that tells you to press that key.
Acronis True Image Server for Windows will be run in the standalone mode, allowing you to
recover the damaged partitions.
to learn more about this procedure. To run the program, press F11 during
3.4 Acronis Startup
If your disk data is totally corrupted and you cannot boot (or if you have not activated
Acronis Startup Recovery Manager), load the standalone Acronis True Image Server for
Windows version from the bootable media (supplied with the retail box or created by you
using Rescue Media Builder) or RIS-server. Then you will be able to restore the disk from its
previously created image.
2.4 Removing Acronis True Image Server for Windows
Select Control panel -> Add or remove programs -> <Acronis True Image Server
for Windows> -> Remove. Then follow instructions on the screen. You may have to
reboot your computer afterwards to complete the task.
12 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
Chapter 3. General information and
proprietary Acronis technologies
3.1 The difference between file archives and disk/partition images
A backup archive is a file or a group of files (also called in this Guide “backups”), that
contains a copy of selected files/folders data or a copy of all information stored on selected
disks/partitions.
When you back up files and folders, only the data, along with the folder tree, are
compressed and stored.
Backing up disks and partitions is performed in a different way: Acronis True Ima ge Server
for Windows stores a sector-by-sector snapshot of the disk, which includes the operating
system, registry, drivers, software applications and data files, as well as system areas hidden
from the user. This procedure is called “creating a disk image,” and the resulting backup
archive is often called a disk/partition image.
Acronis True Image Server for Windows stores only those hard disk parts that contain data
(for supported file systems). Further, it does not back up swap file information (pagefile.sys)
and hiberfil.sys (a file that keeps RAM contents when the computer goes into hibernation).
This reduces image size and speeds up image creation and restoration.
A partition image includes all files and folders independent of their attributes (including
hidden and system files), boot record, FAT (file allocation table) and root.
A disk image includes images of all disk partitions as well as the zero track with master boot
record (MBR).
By default, files in all Acronis True Image Server for Windows archives have a “.tib”
extension.
It is important to note, that you can restore files and folders not only from file archives, but
from disk/partition images, too. To do so, mount the image as a virtual disk (see
Mounting an image as a virtual drive
specified files or folders.
) or start the image restoration and select Restore
Chapter 11.
3.2 Full, incremental and differential backups
Acronis True Image Server for Windows can create full, incremental and differential backups.
A full backup contains all data at the moment of backup creation. It forms a base for
further incremental or differential backup or is used as a standalone archive. A full backup
has the shortest restore time as compared to incremental or differential ones.
An incremental backup file only contains data changed since the la st full or incremental
backup creation. Therefore, it is smaller and takes less time to create. But as it doesn’t
contain all data, all the previous incremental backups and the initial full backup are required
for restoration.
Unlike incremental backup, when every backup procedure creat es the next file in a “chain, ” a
differential backup creates an independent file, containing all changes against the initial
full archive. Generally, a differential backup will be restored faster than an incremental one,
as it does not have to process through a long chain of previous backups.
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 13
A standalone full backup may be an optimal solution if you often roll back the system to the
initial state (like in a gaming club or Internet café, to undo changes, made by the guests). In
this case, you need not to re-create the initial full image, so the backup time is not crucial,
and the restore time will be minimal.
Alternatively, if you are interested in saving only the last data state to be able to restore it in
case of system failure, consider the differential backup. It is particularly effective if your data
changes tend to be little as compared to the full data volume.
The same is true for incremental backup. In addition, it is most useful when you need
frequent backups and possibility to roll back to any of stored states. Having created a full
backup once, if you then create an incremental backup each day of a month, you will get the
same result as if you created full backups every day. However, the cost in time and disk
space (or removable media usage) will be as little as one tenth as much.
It is important to note that the above arguments are nothing but examples for your
information. Feel free to make up your own backup policy in accordance with your specific
tasks and conditions. Acronis True Image Server for Windows is flexible enough to meet any
real-life demands.
An incremental or differential backup created after a disk is defragmented might be
considerably larger than usual. This is because the defragmentation program changes file
locations on disk and the backups reflect these changes. Therefore, it is recommended that
you re-create a full backup after disk defragmentation.
3.3 Acronis Secure Zone
The Acronis Secure Zone is a special hidden partition for storing archives on the computer
system itself. For archive security purposes, ordinary applications cannot access it. In the
Acronis True Image Server for Windows Wizards’ windows the zone is listed along with all
partitions available for storing archives. Acronis Secure Zone is necessary for using Acronis
Startup Recovery Manager and Acronis Snap Restore features (see below).
Acronis Secure Zone is always available for archive creation as long as ther e is space for the
backup file. If there is not enough space, older archives will be deleted to create space.
Acronis True Image Server for Windows uses the following scheme to clean up Acronis
Secure Zone:
• If there is not enough free space in the zone to create a backup, the program deletes the
oldest full backup with all subsequent incremental/differential backups.
• If there is only one full backup (with subsequent incremental/differential backups) left
and a full backup is in progress, then the old full backup and incremental/differential
backups are deleted.
• Otherwise, (only one full backup left, and an incremental/differential backup is in
progress) you will get a message about space error. In that case you will have to either
re-create the full backup or increase Acronis Secure Zone.
Thus, you can back up data automatically on a schedule (see
Chapter 7. Scheduling tasks
and not worry about zone overflow issues. However, if you keep long chains of incremental
backups, it will be a good practice to periodically check the zone free space, indicated on the
second page of the Manage Acronis Secure Zone wizard.
),
How to create, resize or delete Acronis Secure Zone using this wizard, see in
Managing Acronis Secure Zone
14 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
.
Chapter 8
.
3.4 Acronis Startup Recovery Manager
3.4.1 How it works
The Acronis Startup Recovery Manager enables starting Acronis True Image Server for
Windows without loading the operating system. With this feature, if the operating system
won't load for some reason, you can run Acronis True Image Server for Windows by itself to
restore damaged partitions. As opposed to booting from Acronis removable media or RIS
server, you will not need a separate media or network connection to start Acronis True
Image Server for Windows.
3.4.2 How to use
To be able to use Acronis Startup Recovery Manager at boot time, prepare as follows:
1. Install Acronis True Image Server for Windows.
2. Create Acronis Secure Zone on the server hard disk (see
Secure Zone
).
Chapter 8 Managing Acronis
.
3. Activate Acronis Startup Recovery Manager. To do so, click Activate Acronis Startup
Recovery Manager and follow the Wizard’s instructions.
If you try to activate Acronis Startup Recovery Manager while Acronis Se cure Zone is missing
from the system, you will be prompted to create the zone,
then Acronis Startup Recovery
Manager will be activated. Otherwise, Acronis Startup Recovery Manager will be activated
immediately.
When Acronis Startup Recovery Manager is activated, it overwrites the master boot record
(MBR) with its own boot code. If you have any third-party boot managers installed, you will
have to reactivate them after activating the Startup Recovery Manager. For Linux loaders
(e.g. LiLo and GRUB), you might consider installing them to a Linux root (or boot) partition
boot record instead of MBR before activating Acronis Startup Recovery Manager.
If failure occurs, turn on the computer and press F11 when you see the "Press F11 for
Acronis Startup Recovery Manager" message. This will run a standalone version of Acronis
True Image Server for Windows that only slightly differs from the complete version. For
information on restoring damaged partitions, see
Be careful! Disk letters in standalone Acronis True Image Server for Windows might
sometimes differ from the way Windows identifies drives. For example, the D: drive
identified in the standalone Acronis True Image might correspond to the E: drive in
Windows.
Chapter 6. Restoring the backup data
.
3.5 Acronis Snap Restore
With this feature you can boot the OS on the crashed computer before the system is
completely restored from an image, and start the work seconds after the restoration is
launched. The restoration will be continued in the background.
This feature is currently available for images, being restored from the Acronis Secure Zone
(see above). Naturally, Acronis Snap Restore cannot be used if the image contains no
operating system (a logical partition or disk image) or when restoring file archives.
3.5.1 How it works
When the restoration procedure is started, Acronis True Image Server for Windows:
1. Finds the sectors in the image, containing system files, and restores these sectors first.
Thus, the OS is restored and can be started in a very short timeframe. Having started the
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 15
OS, the user sees the folder tree with files, though file contents still is not recovered.
Nevertheless, the user can start working.
2. Writes on the hard disk its own drivers, capable to intercept the system queries to the
files. When the user opens files or launches applications, the drivers receive the system
queries and restore the sectors that are necessary for the current operation.
3. At the same time, ATIES proceeds with the complete sector-by-sector image restoration in
the background. However, the system requested sectors have the highest priority.
Finally, the image will be fully restored even if the user performs no actions at all. But if you
choose to start working as soon as possible after the system failure, you will gain at least
several minutes, considering that restoration of a 10-20 Gb image (most common image
size) takes about 10 minutes. The larger the image size, the more time you save.
3.5.2 How to use
To be able to use Acronis Snap Restore in case of system crash, prepare as follows:
1. Install Acronis True Image Server for Windows.
2. Create Acronis Secure Zone on the server hard disk (see
Secure Zone
3. Activate Acronis Startup Recovery manager (see
).
. r
3 4 A c onis Startup Recovery Manager
Chapter 8 Managing Acronis
.
)
and create bootable media or RIS package with Acronis True Image Server for Windows (see
Chapter 9. Creating bootable
4. Back up (image) the local computer’s system disk to Acronis Secure Zone (see
Backing up disks and partitions (image backup)
media).
5.2
). You can back up other disks/partitions as
well, but the system image is mandatory.
When performing Snap Restore, the current Acronis True Image Server for Windows version
always restores the entire system disk. Therefore, if your system disk consists of several
partitions, all of them must be included into the image. Otherwise partitions, missing in the
image, will be lost.
If failure occurs, boot the server from t he bootable media, or RIS server, or using F11. Start
the recovery procedure (see
6.3 Restoring disks partitions or files from images
/
), select the
system disk image from Acronis Secure Zone, choose Use Snap Restore and in the next
window click Proceed. In a few seconds the computer will reboot to the restored system.
Log in and work – no more reboots or other actions required.
You can perform Snap Restore running Acronis True Image Server for Windows in supported
Windows Server operating systems as well. However, it is mandatory to have a bootable
media in case of Windows cannot boot.
3.6 Acronis Universal Restore
One of the fastest ways of cloning a Windows system is to deploy its image to a different
computer.
However, the deployment will not be a success if the target hardware is incompatible with
the most critical drivers included in the image. The restored system may be unbootable
because startup drivers and components, used by the source system, cannot operate on a
different motherboard, processor etc.
Using Microsoft System Preparation Tool (sysprep) does not solve this problem, because
Sysprep allows replacing drivers only for Plug-and-Play devices (sound cards, network
adapters, video cards etc.). As for system HAL and boot device driver, they must be identical
16 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
in the source and target computers (see Microsoft Knowledge Base, articles 302577 and
216915).
Acronis Universal Restore technology provides an ef ficient s olution f or hardware -ind epende nt
system restoration by replacing the crucial HAL and hard disk controller drivers.
Acronis Universal Restore does not conflict with Microsoft System Preparation Tool
(sysprep). If you got accustomed to using Sysprep, you can use both tools on the same
system.
Acronis Universal Restore is an optional program feature. It should be purchased separately
and installed from a separate .msi setup file. Acronis Universal Restore can only be installed
on a computer where at least one of the following Acronis components is installed:
Acronis True Image Server for Windows
Acronis Bootable Media Builder.
3.7.1 How to use
You can perform the following procedure either locally or remotely, using Acronis True
Image Management Console.
1. Boot the target computer into Acronis recovery environment from th e bootable media, or
RIS server, or using F11.
2. Start the recovery procedure (see
6.3 Restoring disks/partitions or files from images
) and
select the image of the source computer for restoration.
3. You can specify Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) and hard disk controller drivers to be
used by the restored system and/or provide a path to a driver repository on the network.
Hence, Acronis Universal Restore uses three sources for drivers search: the list of userspecified (enforced) drivers, driver repository, and the Windows default driver storage
folders (in the image being restored). The program will find the most suitable drivers of all
available and install them into the restored system. However, the user-defined drivers will
have the priority. They will be installed, with appropriate warning, even if the program finds
the better driver.
The Windows default driver storage folders are determined in the registry key SOFTWARE > Microsoft -> Windows -> Current version -> DevicePath. Generally, it is WINDOWS/inf
folder.
4. When the restore process runs Acronis True Image Server for Windows will:
- detect the machine type and install appropriate driver for HAL
- detect IDE and SCSI controllers and install appropriate drivers. If no appropriate drivers are
found in all three above sources, the user will be prompted to browse the following locations
for the drivers:
Network share drive
Floppy disk
CD drive
5. The machine reboots.
6. Windows takes control and initiates the usual first-start process.
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 17
The recovery procedure can proceed under Windows as well (for example, if the operating
system is loaded from the C: drive, the system partition of the other computer can be
restored from an image to the D: drive). In this case, the user prompt for driver search on
Network-Floppy-CD will not be issued. If a compatible driver cannot be found, Windows will
suggest to ignore it or cancel restoration.
3.7.2 Using Acronis Universal Restore in virtual environment
Virtual machine technologies provide a powerful tool to help accelerate the development,
testing, deployment and support of PC applications. Using Acronis True Image Server for
Windows with Acronis Universal Restore you can perform real-to-virtual and virtual-to-real
computer migration in the same way as with real systems.
If the virtual hard drive uses SCSI controller, you should provide appropriate drivers while
performing system restore to the virtual machine. For example, the widespread VMware
environment requires Buslogic or LSI logic drivers. Use drivers bundled with your virtual
machine software or download the latest drivers versions from the software manufacturer
website.
3.7.3 Hints on using Acronis Universal Restore
1. The system recovered by Acronis Universal Restore may not start if the partition structure
in the image or the target disk partitioning does not coincide with that of th e source disk. As
a result, the loader, restored from the image, will point to the wrong partition and the
system will not boot or will malfunction.
Such might be the case if you:
- image not the entire source disk, but only the selected partitions
Keep in mind, that the source disk may have a hidden maintenance partition created by the
computer vendor. Therefore, if you check each partition for backup instead of checking the
disk, this hidden partition will not be included into the image.
- restore not the entire source disk, but only the selected partitions. In some cases,
especially if your system resides on other than the first partition, this can confuse th e loader
and prevent the restored system from startup
- image the system residing on the RAID array and restore t he system to a RAID array with
different configuration.
To avoid the problem, we recommend that you image and restore the entire system disk and
use the identical RAID configuration on the source and the target computer.
2. As appears from the above, a bootable system migration from RAID to HDD and vise
versa is impossible.
3. When migrating from RAID to RAID, be sure to provide an app ropriat e driver for the RAID
controller, otherwise a basic HDD driver will be installed.
4. Acronis Universal Restore option is not available when restoring dynamic disks and
volumes.
3.7.4 Benefits
1. Acronis Universal Restore can be used “after the fact”: it is not necessary to create an
image with the option, you can restore any image to different hardware.
2. Acronis Universal Restore allows the user to exactly specify drivers during restore,
enabling their maximum compatibility with the hardware.
18 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
3. Acronis Universal Restore does not strip security identifier (SID) and user profile settings .
This means that you will not need to re-join your domain or re-map network user profiles
after a restore.
4. Acronis Universal Restore supports a driver repository to centrally store all drivers so users
don’t need to go looking for them.
3.7 Using dynamic disks and volumes
Acronis True Image Server for Windows supports Windows LDM (also called Dynamic Disks).
However, as dynamic disks are organized differently than basic, physical disk drives, their
backup has some peculiar features.
You can create an image of the entire dynamic disk or one or more dynamic volumes. This is
because a dynamic volume is located on several dynamic disks, so a partial backup would
not create a usable image.
The current version of the software is not capable of changing the volume size and file
system when an image is being restored to a dynamic volume. However, this is possible
when you restore a dynamic volume to a basic disk partition.
When you create a dynamic volume image, its type information (simple, mirror, and the like)
is lost, so the restoration is performed independently. In each case, the program st ores and
restores volume contents only.
If a basic disk image is restored to a dynamic disk, it will destroy the dynamic disk’s
contents. As a result, you will end up with a basic disk.
If Acronis True Image Server for Windows runs in rescue mode (for example, booted from
Bootable Rescue media), dynamic disks will be not accessible. Therefore, to be able to repair
a system partition, you must keep its image on a basic, network, or removable disk.
3.8 Backing up to tape drive
Acronis True Image Server for Windows supports SCSI tape drives. It can store backups on
the tape and restore data from the tape, st ore large backups to multiple tapes, and append
incremental/differential changes to a tape with the existing archives.
If a SCSI tape drive is connected to the server, the list of devices available for backup
storage will be extended with a name corresponding to the drive type.
Backup and restore on the tape proceed in the same way as with other devices, with the
following exceptions.
1. A full backup can be stored on an empty tape only. If you use tape that already contains
data, its contents will be overwritten.
2. In case you want to keep more than one archive on the tape, for example, back up two
disks separately, choose
incremental
second disk. In other situations, incremental backup is used for appending changes to the
previously created archive.
backup mode when creating initial
full
backup for the
3. You do not have to provide filenames for backups.
You might experience short pauses that are required to rewind the tape.
Low-quality or old tape, as well as dirt on the magnetic head, might lead to pauses that can
last up to several minutes.
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 19
3.9 Viewing disk and partition information
You can change the way of data representation in all schemes you see in various wizards.
To the right are three icons: Arrange Icons by, Choose Details and i (Display the
properties of the selected item), the last duplicated in the context menu invoked by
right-clicking objects.
To sort messages by a particular column, click the header (another click will switch the
messages to the opposite order) or Arrange Icons by button and select the column.
To select columns to view, right-click the headers line or left-click the Choose Details
button. Then flag the columns you want to display.
If you click the i (Display the properties of the selected item) button, you will see the
selected partition or disk properties window.
This window contains two panels. The left panel contains the properties tree and the rig ht
describes the selected property in detail. The disk information includes its physical
parameters (connection type, device type, size, etc.); partition information includes both
physical (sectors, location, etc.), and logical (file system, free space, assigned letter, etc.)
parameters.
You can change the width of columns by dragging their borders with the mouse.
20 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
Chapter 4. Using Acronis True Image Server for Windows
Acronis True Image Server for Windows supports the command-line mode for data ba ckup
and restore, as well as the GUI mode, and can be used to execute XML scripts. Here we
describe the operations available in GUI mode, which provides more functionality. For
console commands and scripting see
Chapter 14. Command-line mode and scripting
4.1 Main program window
The main program window contains the menu, the toolbar, the sidebar, the Active Tasks
pane and the main area. The main area contains operation icons, while the side bar features
Tools and Help panels.
.
Most of the operations are represented tw o or even three times in different window areas,
providing several ways to select them for more convenience. For example, you can start the
necessary operation or tool by clicking its icon in the main area or by selecting the same
item from the Operations or Tools menu.
The main window contains operation icons divided into two groups.
The Task group contains the following operations:
• Backup – create a backup archive
• Recovery – restore data from a previously created archive
• Clone Disk – transfer the OS, applications and data from the old disk to the new one
• Add New Disk – add a new disk for data storage leaving th e OS a nd applications on the
old one.
The Tools group contains the following items:
• Mount Image – connect a disk/partition image as a virtual drive
• Unmount Image – disconnect the connected virtual drive
• Validate Backup Archive – runs the archive integrity checking procedure
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 21
• Show Log – opens the Log Viewer window
• Manage Acronis Secure Zone – used to create, delete and resize a special hidden
partition for storing archives (Acronis Secure Zone)
• Activate Acronis Startup Recovery Manager – activates the boot restoration
manager (F11 key).
Program menu
The program menu line features the Operations, View, Tools and Help items.
The Operations menu contains a list of the available operations, including scheduling tasks.
The View menu contains items for managing the program window look:
• Toolbars – contains commands that control toolbar icons
• Common Task Bar – enables/disables the sidebar
• Status Bar – enables/disables the status bar
• Active tasks – enables/disables the Active Tasks pane at the bottom of the main area.
The Tools menu contains the following items:
• Manage Acronis Secure Zone – used to create, delete and resize a special hidden
partition for storing archives (Acronis Secure Zone)
• Activate Acronis Startup Recovery Manager – activates the boot restoration
manager (F11 key)
• Validate Backup Archive – runs the archive integrity checking procedure
• Manage System Restore – allows you to turn on/off Microsoft Windows System
Restore tool and set its options directly from Acronis True Image Server for Windows
• Create Bootable Rescue Media – runs the bootable media creation procedure
• Show Log – opens the Log Viewer window
• Options – opens a window for editing default backup/restore options, setting text
appearance (fonts), configuring email/Winpopup notifications etc.
The Help menu is used to invoke help and obtain information about Acronis True Image
Server for Windows.
Active Tasks pane
The Active Tasks pane displays the scheduled and currently-being-executed tasks. It
features its own toolbar. You can customize this toolbar view by right-clicking on it and
selecting the desired options.
Status bar
At the bottom of the main window, there is a status bar divided into two parts. The left sid e
briefly describes the selected operation; the right side indicates operation progress and
results. If you double-click on the operation results, you will see the logs window.
Taskbar notification area icon
During most of the operations, a special indicator icon appears in the Windows taskbar
notification area (the right portion of the stat us bar with the clock). If you mouse over the
icon, you will see a tool tip indicating the operation’s progress. This icon doesn’t depend on
the main program window being open. It is present for background execution of scheduled
tasks as well.
22 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
4.2 Managing a local computer
You can perform the following operations on the local computer.
• Backup and restore data, including system disks/partitions
Click Backup or Recovery, then follow the Wizard’s instructions. See details in
Creating backup archives
• Schedule backup operations
Click the very left button on a tasks pane toolbar, then follow the Wizar d’s instructions. See
details in
• Set up backup/restore options, such as system/network resources usage,
Select Tools -> Options -> Default backup options or Default restoration options
and make settings. See details in
options.
• Validate backup archives wherever they reside, be it local, network or
Click Validate Backup Archive, then follow the Wizard’s instructions. See details in
Chapter 7. Scheduling tasks
before/after backup commands etc.
removable media
Validating backup archives
• Set up sending notifications about Acronis True Image Server for Windows
operation and tracing this operation in Windows Application Event Log
Select Tools -> Options -> Notifications or Event tracing and make settings. See
details in
10.2 Operation results notification
and
Chapter 6. Restoring the backup data.
.
5.3 Setting backup options
.
and
10.4 Event tracing
and
.
6.4 Setting esto e
Chapter 5
r r
.
10.1
• Browse logs of Acronis True Image Server for Windows operation
Click the very right button on a tasks pane toolbar at the bottom of the window. See details
10.3 Viewing logs
in
• Manage Acronis Secure Zone
Click Manage Acronis Secure Zone, then follow the Wizard’s instructions. See details in
Chapter 8. Managing Acronis Secure Zone
• Activate Acronis Startup Recovery Manager
Click Activate Acronis Startup Recovery Manager, then follow the Wizard’s instructi ons.
See details in
• Mount partitions’ images to explore and modify their contents, or to restore
individual files
Click Mount image, then follow the Wizard’s instructions. See details in
Mounting an image as a virtual drive
• Unmount previously mounted partition images
Click Unmount image, then follow the Wizard’s instructions. See details in
3.4 Acronis Startup Recovery Manager
Unmounting an image
• Transfer the system to a new hard disk
.
.
.
Chapter 11.
.
11.2
.
Chapter 12. Transferring the system to a new disk
See
• Format partitions on a new hard disk
Chapter 13. Adding a new hard disk
See
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 23
.
.
• Turn on/off Windows System Restore tool
10.5 Managing Sys em Restore
See
t
.
• Create bootable rescue media, its ISO or RIS package
Chapter 9. Creating bootable media
See
.
Some of the above operations can be executed in command-line as well. For more
information on Acronis True Image Server for Windows command-line mode see
Working in the command-line mode
.
14.1
24 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
Chapter 5. Creating backup archives
To be able to restore the lost data or roll back your system to a predetermined state, you
should first create a data or entire-system backup file.
If you are not concerned about restoration of your operating system along with all settings
and applications, but plan to keep safe only certain data (the current project, for example),
choose file/folder backup. This will reduce the archive size, thus saving disk space and
possibly reducing removable media costs.
Backing up the entire system disk (creating a disk image) takes more disk space but enables
you to restore the system in minutes in case of severe data damage or hardware failure.
Moreover, the imaging procedure is much faster than copying files, and may significantly
speed the backup process when it comes to backing up large volumes of data (see details in
3.1 The difference between file archives and disk/partition images
5.1 Backing up files and folders (file backup)
1. Invoke the Create Backup Wizard by clicking on the backup operation icon in the main
program window.
).
2. Click Next.
3. Select Backup files and click Next.
4. From the tree pane, select files and folders to back u p. You can select a random set of
files, folders, partitions, disks and even computers.
If you select a partition, disk or computer, and archive all its files, including system and
hidden files, the bare-metal restore of that disk (partition, computer) still will not be
possible. You also may not be able to boot the restored operating system. Therefore, it is
recommended that you select only files and folders containing user data. To back up a disk
or partition, use image backup.
5. Click Next.
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 25
6. Set filters for not to back up files of specific types. For example, you may want hidden and
system files and folders, as well as files with .~, .tmp and .bak extensions, not to be stored
in the archive.
You can also apply custom filters, using the common Windows masking rules. For example,
to exclude all files with extension .exe, add *.exe mask. My???.exe mask will reject all .exe
files with names, consisting of five symbols and starting with “my”.
All of these settings will take effect for the current task. How to set the default filters, that
will be called each time you create a file backup task, see in
5.3.2 Source files exclusion
.
7. Click Next.
8. Select the name and location of the archive file.
If you are going to create a full backup, type the file name in the File Name line, or use the
file name generator (a button to the right of the line). If you select an existing archive, it will
be overwritten.
If you are going to create an incremental backup (see
backup
), select the latest full or incremental backup you have.
In fact, if all incremental backup files are stored together, it doesn't matter which one you
select, as the program will recognize them as a single archive. If you stored the files on
several removable disks, you must provide the latest archive file; otherwise, restoration
problems might occur.
3.2 Full, incremental and differential
If you are going to create a differential backup, select the full backup which will be a base,
or any of existing differential archives. Either way, the program will create a new differential
archive file.
26 Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006
The “farther” you store the archive from the original folders, the safer it will be in case of
data damage. For example, saving the archive to another hard disk will protect your data if
the primary disk is damaged. Data saved to a network disk, ftp-server or removable media
will survive even if all your local hard disks are down. You can also use Acronis Secure Zone
(see details in
3.3 Acronis Secure Zone
) for storing backups. In that case, you need not
provide the file name.
You will need DVD UDF recording software installed for burning images on DVD disks.
Examples of this software are Roxio DirectCD or Ahead InCD.
An FTP server must allow passive mode for file transfers. To enable data recovery directly
from FTP server split the archive to files no more than 2 Gb in size.
9. Click Next.
10. Select whether you want to create a full, incremental or differential backup. If you ha ve
not backed up the selected files/folders yet, or the full archive seems too old to append
incremental changes to it, choose full backup. Otherwise it is recommended that you create
an incremental or differential backup (see
3.2 Full, incremental and differential backup
).
Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2006 27
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