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
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: 0
Problems
Hardware
Problems
Software
Problems with Hardware
ABIT CONTROLLER: 5
PROBLEM:
Error while loading partition tables
SOLUTION:
perhaps BIOS Update
SCSI CONTROLLER ADAPTEC 2940 FIRMWARE VERSION 1.20-1.22:
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): r
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
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: r
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
Hardware
Open Partition
PROGRAM: a
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. T
The partition is selected by making the appropriate choice in the partition table.
SEE ALSO:
Save
Partition
Copy
Partition
Save Partition
PROGRAM: a
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: 5
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
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.
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.) u
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.) v
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: 2
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
Record
Partition
Table
Build
Emergency
Save Master Boot Record
PROGRAM: 2
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
Record
Build
Emergency
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.
A list will offer different partition types. Select the one based on the file system to be used. P
You may also select a partition type based on the operating system being used:
Partition Types
SEE ALSO: *
Properties
partition
Partition
table
Remove
PROGRAM: Q
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
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
partition
Partition
table
Registration
PROGRAM:
Help / Registration...
THIS MENU ITEM IS ONLY IN THE SHAREWARE VERSION AVAILABLE! T
Here you can type in your registration key, which you will receive after ordering. D
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: T
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]] I
[/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 D
Deletes die MBR partition table(s).
Return:
"1," if successful.
/PARTITION J
Indicates the partition table.
Return:
Number of existing partitions.
/PARTITION:N A
Activates the n.partition.
Return:
"n," if partition exists.
/PARTITION:N:FILE V
Loads the "n"th partition from the file "file".
Return:
"n," if partition exists.
/PARTITION:N:S W
Loads the "n"th partition from "s"th partition. (Copy)
Return:
"n," if successful.
/PARTITION:N=TT e
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 U
Loads the "n"th harddisk from "s"th harddisk. (Copy)
Return:
"n", if successful.
/REBOOT
Reboots the system (reset).
/REBOOT:OFF d
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. Z
All entries start with "1" (e.g., 1st harddisk: ",HDD1"; 1st partition: "/partition:1"). U
The return value "0" (zero) always refers to an error (if not indicated otherwise).
SEE ALSO: +
Script
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 "/." N
Only one command may be written within one line. Commentaries start with ";" E
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: 4
Command
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
Options
Script
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). f
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: R
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! j
THUS, ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSSES OR DAMAGES IS NOT ACCEPTED! UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES! 8
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. w
Should you find any errors, please let our support staff know and we will try to correct the error within a few days. G
Any bug notifications will be rewarded with a free registration key! V
The drive imager DRIVESTAR is delivered together with a limited version of FreeDOS. x
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? a
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
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? Y
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? p
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 1
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 6
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 V
First functional version. All function are transfered from the bootmanager
BOOTSTAR
SEE ALSO:
Updates
Error Message: Access Denied
You will receive this error message when ANOTHER APPLICATION blocks any access. This other application can be WINDOWS itself. K
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
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). d
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.
(.txt)