Copyright: Copyright © 1997-2002 by Star-Tools GmbH
Citation: Star-Tools DriveStar, Copyright © 1997-2002 by Star-Tools GmbH


Contents

Introduction:

Short Overview

System Requirements

Problems / Solutions:

Overview

Problems with Hardware

Problems with Software

Program:

Menu "File":

Open Partition

Save Partition

Copy Partition

Copy Harddisk

Open Master Boot Record

Save Master Boot Record

Build Emergency Disk

Menu "Edit":

Properties of partition

Select Partition Type

Remove

Menu "Windows":

Partition table

Extended Partition table

Menu "Help":

Registration

Command Options:

Overview

Script File

Return Values Using Exitcode

Others:

Shareware

Order

Updates

Copyright

Liability / Warranty

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

History of Development


Index

Build Emergency Disk

Command Line Options (Overview)

Copy Harddisk

Copy Partition

Copyright

Properties of partition

Extended Partition Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

History of Development

Liability / Warranty

Open Master Boot Record

Open Partition

Order

Partition Table

Problems (Overview)

Problems with Hardware

Problems with Software

Registration

Remove

Return Values Using Exitcode

Shareware

Save Master Boot Record

Save Partition

Select Partition Type

Script File

Short Overview

System Requirements

Updates


Short Overview

The drive imager DriveStar offers you the following functions:

·	Scope of functions like FDISK with many extra features

·	Unlimited support of all operating and all file systems (incl. Windows 2000)

·	Two programs: One program for DOS and one for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP

·	Complete functionality with user interface as well as with own script language

·	Integrated partitioner with comfortable interface and many additional features

·	much more...

See also:

System Requirements


System Requirements

In order to be able to use the drive imager DriveStar, you will need an Intel-compatible 80486 PC (or later model).

All operating systems and all file systems are supported, since the Drive-Imagers DriveStar "How It Works" is not dependent on the operating and/or file system.

There are two programs: One for DOS (starting with version 4.0) and one for Windows (starting with Windows 95 / NT 3.51).

See also:

Short Overview

Problem (Overview)

Problems with Hardware


Problems (Overview)

General:

·	For most operating systems, it might be necessary to set the harddisk in the BIOS to the "LBA" mode.

·	While running DOS Hard drives, which need a software driver (either because of their size and/or age) usually cannot be used with the drive imager DriveStar.

·	While running Windows the partition Windows has been started can't be saved, copied or modified. The reason for this is Windows blocked the partition. You can solve this problem by using the DOS version of this program. Please note that this does not function from within the DOS box offered by Windows because the same problem would occur.

See also:

Problems with Hardware

Problems with Software


Problems with Hardware

ABIT Controller:

Problem:

·	Error while loading partition tables

Solution:

·	perhaps BIOS Update

SCSI Controller Adaptec 2940 Firmware Version 1.20-1.22:

Problem:

·	Error while loading partition tables (158)

·	The program cannot be started

Solution:

·	Deactivate "Interrupt 13 BIOS Extensions Support" (Harddisks smaller than 8 GigaBytes)

·	Firmware Update to version 1.23 or higher

IOMEGA ZIP Drives and Windows NT:

Problem:

Single error message "Drive not Ready" when starting the prorgam.

Solution:

Select "Ignore." (This prompt is based on a Windows NT bug.)

BIOS with Anti-Virus Options (Almost All BIOS):

Problem:

Warning after which a program tries to modify the master boot record. This is most likely a virus.

Solution:

This might be a message from an anti-virus program: The bootmanager BootStar modifies the master boot record. That is the reason why some anti-virus programs erroneously eport this as a virus. Please permit the modification because the drive imager DriveStar can otherwise not be modify the partition table.

See also:

Problems (Overview)

Problems with Software


Problems with Software

Bootmanager with Installation in the master boot record:

Problem:

The drive imager DriveStar does not recognize the bootmanager. It thus cannot handle the "hidden" partitions correctly.

Solution:

Does not exist: You should utilize the drive imager DriveStar if you have installed a bootmanager in the master boot record! (Exception: The bootmanager BootStar.)

Antivirus Programs:

Problem:

Warning after which a program tries to change the master boot record. This is most likely a virus.

Solution:

This might be a message from an antivirus program: The drive imager DriveStar modifies the master boot record. That is the reason why some antivirus programs erroneously report this as a virus.

Norton AntiVirus:

Problem:

Norton AntiVirus reports a "Bloodhound.Boot" warning for the emergency disk.

Solution:

Not required: This message is just a warning about a potential virus and does not mean an actual virus has been detected.

See also:

Problems (Overview)

Problems with Hardware


Open Partition

Program:

Partition table / File / Open Partition...

Extended partition table / File / Open Partition...

You may load the contents of an entire partition from a previously saved file. In this case, the entire contents of the partition will be deleted and overwritten with the contents of the partition from file.

The partition is selected by making the appropriate choice in the partition table.

See also:

Save Partition

Copy Partition


Save Partition

Program:

Partition table / File / Save Partition...

Extended partition table / File / Save Partition...

The following settings have to / can be made for each saving:

Name:

Enter the file name.

File Size:

Files of saved partitions can be rather large. It is thus possible to split these files onto several smaller ones. The split can be carried out either automatically (data volume is full), or you can specify a fixed file size. The latter is best if, e.g., these files are to be saved on CD-ROMs later on.

Disk Change Prompt:

If the file size has been set manually, all files are usually created in the same directory first and subsequently distributed to different data volumes. To facilitate this process, the prompt for changing the data volume can be suppressed.

File Compression:

Since the generated files can easily become rather large, it is frequently recommended to compress them. A compression disadvantage is the longer program runtime.

If this program supports the logical save of partitions, this process will be activated automatically.

See also:

Open Partition

Copy Partition


Copy Partition

Program:

Partition table / File / Copy Partition...

Extended partition table / File / Copy Partition...

You can copy the entire content of a currently selected partition to another partition. The content of the partition does not matter for the copying process. (For example, this will preserve the Windows 95/98/ME long file names.)

However, this function only works if the number of heads and sectors of the harddisk and the position of the partition are identical on the harddisk. (Exception: FAT 12, FAT 16, or FAT 32 partitions. These can be copied as desired.)

If the selected target partition is larger than the source partition, the target partition is adjusted accordingly.

See also:

Open Partition

Save Partition

Copy Harddisk


Copy Harddisk

Program:

Partition table / File / Copy Harddisk...

You can copy the entire content of a currently selected harddisk to another harddisk. The content of all partitions does not matter for the copying process. (For example, this will preserve the Windows 95/98/ME long file names.)

However, this function only works if the number of heads and sectors of the harddisk are identical on the hard disk.

See also:

Copy Harddisk


Open Master Boot Record

Program:

File / Open Master Boot Record... / nth Harddisk

You may load the content of the master boot record in its entirety from a previously created binary file (*.bms). (This file should have been created during installation.)

In this case, you should make sure that the master boot record contains the bootstrap as well as the partition table and is written in its entirety from the partition table to the file of the master boot record. Loading an outdated or invalid partition table can result in the loss of partitions.

It rarely serves any purpose to load a master boot record. Should the restoration of the bootstrap be absolutely necessary, the following process might be helpful:

·	Save partition table to file (*.bmt).

·	Open master boot record.

·	Open partition table from the file generated above (*.bmt).

See also:

Save Master Boot Record

Partition Table

Build Emergency Disk


Save Master Boot Record

Program:

File / Save Master Boot Record... / nth Harddisk

You may save the entire master boot record to a binary file (*.bms). This file may later be used to restore the master boot record exactly as it has been saved.

See also:

Open Master Boot Record

Build Emergency Disk


Build Emergency Disk

Program:

File / Build Emergency Disk

You can create an emergency recovery disk, which will contain the following:

·	FreeOS

·	Program (DOS version)

·	Master Boot Record as binary file (*.bms) for every hard disk

·	Partition table (*.bmt)

·	Bootimage table (*.bmi), if needed

You may use this disk to restore your system if all or part of it has been destroyed (due to a technical error or by mistake).

Note:

It is not possible to create the emergency disk from the same drive used to start the program! (If necessary, please copy the program to another drive before building the emergency disk.)

The drive imager DriveStar has no connection with FreeDOS. The drive imager DriveStar does not use any function or functionality of FreeDOS. FreeDOS will be used only to make the emergency disk bootable.

FreeDOS is a completely independent and different program.

See also:

Open Master Boot Record

Save Master Boot Record

Copyright

Liability / Warranty


Properties of partition

Program:

Partition table / Edit / Properties...

Extended partition table / Edit / Properties... / Selection

The following settings have to / can be made for each partition:

Size:

Size of parition in MegaByte and in per cent

Start:

Beginning of partition

End:

End of partition

Type:

Pressing the button "Selection" offers a list from which to choose the partition type.

Name:

Here you may indicate a name

See also:

Partition table

Select Partition Type


Select Partition Type

Program:

Partition table / Edit / Properties... / Selection

Extended partition table / Edit / Properties... / Selection

A list will offer different partition types. Select the one based on the file system to be used.

You may also select a partition type based on the operating system being used:

Partition Types

See also:

Properties of partition

Partition table


Remove

Program:

Partition table / Edit / Remove...

Extended partition table / Edit / Remove...

You can remove an existing partition. This removes the reference pointing to this partition within the partition table. The used space on the hard disk is thus marked as "free".

However, the data contained within the partition are not deleted (overwritten), Use the Data Killer WipeStar to completely delete partitions, which then prevents the recovery of these data with a harddisk editor.

See also:

Partition Table


Partition Table

Program:

Windows / nth Harddisk

This table displays all partitions of the harddisk.

You will see the following:

·	Number (position) and name of the partition

·	Active partition ("<A>")

·	Start / end of the partition (only the cylinder specifications are indicated here. You will receive information that is more detailed if you edit the respective partition).

·	Type of partition

See also:

Properties of partition


Extended Partition Table

Program:

Partition table / Window / Extended Partition

You may edit the extended partition table the same way as the partition table.

If you would like to boot from a secondary partition, you have to activate that secondary partition within the extended partition table; then switch this extended partition from inactive to "active" in the partition table

Some operating systems do not support booting from secondary partitions at all or only if no primary partition is visible.

See also:

Properties of partition

Partition table


Registration

Program:

Help / Registration...

This menu item is only in the shareware version available!

Here you can type in your registration key, which you will receive after ordering.

This registration key always consists of an "User-ID" and a "Key."

All future installations performed with this program (EXE file) will be executable afterwards without any restrictions as well.

See also:

Shareware (Restictions)

Updates

Order

Copyright / Support

Liability / Warranty


Command Line Options (Overview)

All functions of this program may also be called from within "batch files" using so-called "command options." This is of special interest to companies that have to perform many installations.

Call:

DSDOS.EXE [/Hidden] [/File[:File]] [/MBR[,HDDn]] [/ClearMBR[,HDDn]]

DSWin.exe [/Partition[:n[,HDDn][=tt|:File]|:[NNN]-[s][,HDDn]|,HDDn]]

          [/Harddisk:n:s]

          [/Reboot[:Off]] [/Password:PPP] [/?]

/MBR

Reinitializes the bootstrap in the master boot record, a default bootstrap will be generated.

Return:

"1," if successful.

/MBR:File

Loads the master boot record.

Return:

"1," if successful.

/ClearMBR

Deletes die MBR partition table(s).

Return:

"1," if successful.

/Partition

Indicates the partition table.

Return:

Number of existing partitions.

/Partition:n

Activates the n.partition.

Return:

"n," if partition exists.

/Partition:n:File

Loads the "n"th partition from the file "file".

Return:

"n," if partition exists.

/Partition:n:s

Loads the "n"th partition from "s"th partition. (Copy)

Return:

"n," if successful.

/Partition:n=tt

Changes the type of the "n"th partitons.

tt is the type in hex

Return:

"n," if partition exists.

/Partition:NNN-s

Adds a new partition.

NNN: Name of the partition

s: Size in megabytes

The "-" have to be given also the "s" is not present.

Return:

Count of partitions after adding the partition.

/Harddisk:n:s

Loads the "n"th harddisk from "s"th harddisk. (Copy)

Return:

"n", if successful.

/Reboot

Reboots the system (reset).

/Reboot:Off

Turn off the system (requires "Advanced Power Management V1.2").

Return:

"0", if not successful.

/Password:PPP

Permits calling the program and, if needed, creates a new password. This command might have to be issued first!

PPP: Password for the bootmanager BootStar

Return:

"1", if incorrect password was indicated.

/Hidden

Suppresses screen output.

Return:

None.

/File[:File]

Reads commands from file. Details in the following section.

Return:

Taken over by last command or "0," if the file "file" was not found.

/?

Displays this help.

The parameter ",[HDD]n" indicates the harddisk.

All entries start with "1" (e.g., 1st harddisk: ",HDD1"; 1st partition: "/partition:1").

The return value "0" (zero) always refers to an error (if not indicated otherwise).

See also:

Script File

Return Values Using Exitcode


Script File

An alternative to indicating all commands in a batch file is the "script file." More details about the commands can be obtained in the section Command Options. Script files should have the extension "*.scr." Within this file, all commands written in command option lines are indicated with "/."

Only one command may be written within one line. Commentaries start with ";"

If no file name is indicated, then the file PSDOS.SCR will be used.

The command "Hidden" should not be used in the script file, because output will not be suppressed until this command has been called.

See also:

Command Line Options

Return Values Using Exitcode


Return Values Using Exitcode

The return values within a batch file can be handled as follows:

COUNT.BAT:

DSDOS.EXE /partition

If Errorlevel 3 Goto LABEL3      ; The sequence must always

If Errorlevel 2 Goto LABEL2      ; view the highest Errorlevel

If Errorlevel 1 Goto LABEL1      ; first!

Echo INSTALL.BAT: No partitions exist!

:LABEL1

Echo INSTALL.BAT: One partition exists!

Goto END

:LABEL2

Echo INSTALL.BAT: Two partitions exists!

Goto END

:LABEL3

Echo INSTALL.BAT: Three or more partitions exist!

Goto END

:END

Additional information about batch programming is listed in the manual of the DOS operating system.

See also:

Command Line Options

Script File


Shareware (Restrictions)

Notes for the shareware version:

You may test and evaluate this program free of charge and pass it along to other interested users as well (without any registration key). Proper and standard use, however, requires a registration of the program (buying the program).

Without a registration key, you can use the shareware version without any restrictions for 30 days.

One license is required for each computer using the drive imager DriveStar! If several licenses are ordered, it is possible to obtain a key for all licenses.

See also:

Registration

Order

Copyright / Support

Liability / Warranty


Order

Notes for the shareware version:

You can order the shareware version of this program by using the following ways:

1.	Using the online shop on the Internet.

2.	Using the enclosed order form "ORDER.TXT".

All other ordering details and prices can be found on the ordering form.

Updates of the shareware version may be downloaded from the Internet whenever they become available. Currently, all updates are free!

See also:

Shareware

Registration

Copyright

Liability / Warranty


Updates

Updates are very easy: Start the program of the new version.

See also:

Order


Copyright

Copyright (C) of the drive imager DriveStar rests with:

Postal Mail:

Star-Tools GmbH

Hopfenweg 207

22851Norderstedt

Germany

Internet:

http://www.star-tools.com/

All listed trademarks are property of their respective owner(s)!

This program is delivered together with a limited version of FreeDOS. To be exact, it is possible  to create a boot disk using this program together with FreeDOS. This program does not use any function or functionality of FreeDOS.

The copyright of this program has no connection with the copyright of FreeDOS. The rights of use of this program have no connection with the rights of use of FreeDOS.

FreeDOS is a completely independent and different program and is subject to

the general rights of use and the General Public Licenses (GPL).

Source code to FreeDOS is available; either write to us for a copy of the kernel source code that we used, or visit http://www.freedos.org/ to download the latest version of FreeDOS!

See also:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Liability / Warranty

Order


Liability / Warranty

If this program is used improperly, it may result in the irretrievable destruction of all data on your harddisk!

It is thus absolutely necessary to create a backup before using the drive imager DriveStar. According to the ruling by the district court Konstanz 1 S 292/95 from May 10 1997, daily data backup is reasonable and can be expected!

Thus, any responsibility or liability for any losses or damages is not accepted!

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES!

The purchase of this software is according to the BGB §494 (German Federal Legal Code) a "trial purchase". This means that the software can be evaluated before the actual purchase. The software is provided as is without warranty of any kind. Any rights for modifications or follow-up corrections do not exist.

Should you find any errors, please let our support staff know and we will try to correct the error within a few days.

Any bug notifications will be rewarded with a free registration key!

The drive imager DriveStar is delivered together with a limited version of FreeDOS.

FreeDOS is a completely independent and different program. FreeDOS is

freeware and does not grant any warranty claims.

More about FreeDOS on the Internet at: http://www.freedos.org/

See also:

Copyright

Updates


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the drive imager DriveStar support the operating systems / file systems XYZ?

Yes, the drive imager DriveStar functions independently from the operating or file systems!

Is it possible for the drive imager DriveStar to manage the operating system(s) XYZ together with the operating system(s) XYZ?

Yes, the drive imager DriveStar can manage individual operating systems completely separate. Therefore, every individual operating system works with every other operating system.

Does the drive imager DriveStar support the XYZ hardware?

The drive imager DriveStar basically supports every Hardware. However, some hardware products have inherent errors, which become noticeable when installing and using the drive imager DriveStar:

Problems with Hardware

I have tested the shareware version of the drive imager DriveStar and now would like to purchase it. How do I do that?

Please use the order form included with the program. All price and delivery information is outlined in this order form.

As an alternative, you may use an online shop. You will receive your registration key faster that way.

How do I get updates of the drive imager DriveStar?

Current updates of the drive imager DriveStar are (only) obtainable via the Internet.

What is the cost of an update?

If you are using the shareware version, then the updates are currently free of charge. In all other cases, please consult your vendor/dealer.

I have lost my registration key. Can you send me my key again?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer this service because the cost would just about equal the cost of a new order.


History of Development

The following overview shows the development history of the drive imager DriveStar :

All versions not listed here contain only very small error corrections or insignificant small changes. As long as you do not experience any system problems you do not need to update the program.

2.1x

Speed increase when saving and opening files.

2.0x

Image files can be compressed.

Image files can be split into several files.

Significant speed increase when opening, saving, and copying files.

New file format of the image files.

1.2x

Complete harddisk may be copied to other harddisks

1.1x

Complete Partition may be copied to other partitions

Save, open and copy of partitions now works by using logical drives.

1.0x

First functional version. All function are transfered from the bootmanager BootStar

See also:

Updates


EAccessDenied
Error Message: Access Denied

You will receive this error message when another application blocks any access. This other application can be Windows itself.

Please close all other applications and programs and retry the operation.

If this does not solve the problem, you can use the DOS version of this program. Please note that this does not function from within the DOS box offered by Windows because the same problem would occur.

The easiest way to use the DOS version is to create an emergency disk with the program and boot with that disk. The DOS version of this program is automatically started when using the emergency disk to boot into DOS. The DOS version offers the identical operation and use as the Windows version.

See also:

Build Emergency Disk


EPartitionTooSmall
Error Message: The partition has to end at least at ...

You will receive this error message if you tried to decrease a partition even though some space is used within this partition (sectors).

Defragmenting this partition might help. A defragmenter program is included with Windows (defrag).

You should close all other programs before using the defragmenter because open files will hinder the defrag process. In some case you might have to reboot your computer and use the defragmenter again to achieve the desired result.