How to use Ghost 'Hot Imaging' to create images while the computer is running

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Issue/Introduction

 

Resolution

Question

How do you use Ghost "Hot Imaging" to create an image while the computer is running?

Hot imaging is the ability to create an image of a computer while the computer is running the production operating system. For example, with Ghost hot imaging, you can create an image of Windows XP while you are logged on and using Windows XP.

While the image is being created, you can continue to work in the production operating system, but any file changes made after the imaging process is started, will not be captured in the image.

 

Answer

Hot images are created by running Ghost in the production operating system. This can be accomplished from a command prompt or from a Deployment Server Run Script task.

(Important: When using the hot imaging feature of Ghost, you cannot save the image being created to the same partition that is being captured in the image.)

NB: Hot Imaging has been disabled for all Server operating systems. http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/on-technology.nsf/docid/2008121215010060

Sample Deployment Run Script Task:

REM Map a drive

net use z: \\Provo\express

REM Run Ghost to capture image

Z:\Ghost\Ghost32.exe -clone,MODE=create,SRC=1,DST=Z:%COMPNAME%.gho -sure

Important: The only spaces in the preceding script are located before a dash. Do not put spaces after the commas.

The following information explains the command-line switches used in the sample script:

Command or Switch	Description
Z:\Ghost\Ghost32.exe	The path and name of the Ghost program being used.
-clone, MODE=create,SRC=1,	Create an image of drive 1.
DST=Z: COMPNAME%.gho	Create the image on the Z: drive. The variable of %COMPNAME% will be replaced with the name of the computer being imaged. The path used to store the image cannot be the same partition that is being captured.
-sure	Eliminates the need to manually confirm the creation of the image.

                                   

(Important: Configure the task to run in the production environment using the Security Context of either Specific user or Run script in console user session. The account used, must have rights to create the image on the destination server.)