The new version introduces the device mode, which is intended for bootable devices and USB devices, formatted with a file system unknown to windows. If you want to clone a pendrive Linux, you have to use the device mode to make the new USB device bootable. Also a small error in the command line utility has been fixed, that made the application crash when creating compressed images with just specifying a file name.
Alex:
I am trying to backup a bootable USB flash drive (linux on it) using the new “Device” mode – and then restore it onto a different USB key. It’s not working for me:
(1) I am able to backup the original USB key in Device mode, and create and save a *.img file on my desktop.
(2) The 2nd part (RESTORE) is failing. I inserted a freshly formatted (FAT32) flash key, and pointed to the *.img file on my desktop as the source. The restore starts, and the Green progress bar progresses approx. 50% – and then the process stops.
(3) Afterwards, when I try to examine the contents of the “restored” drive in Explorer (WinXP SP3), I get a pop-up that the drive is unformatted.
I did the backup in Device mode, and the restore in both Device AND Volume modes, and both failed.
Can you clarify the correct method to do this? Thanks!
UPDATE !
I tried the process again, and was SUCCESSFUL.
This time, both BACKUP and RESTORE were in “Device” Mode, I waited a couple of minutes after USBIT stopped, and I removed and re-inserted the USB Key before opening XP Explorer. I am writing this from the LINUX distro on my restored USB Key!
This is a terrific tool for anyone who has invested many hours configuring a persistent LINUX installation on a USB Key .. and wants to have a backup copy.
Works great for making linux images. Is it possible to redistribute your program? I would like to include it on a CD I am making for a linux/usb project (it’s cheaper to distribute CD’s instead of flash drives).
USB Image Tool is freeware. You can redistribute as long as all files in the zip archive are included and you don’t charge money for the program itself. You don’t have to distribute the zip archive, but all files included in the usbit.zip, you downloaded from http://www.alexpage.de. If you are taking a service charge for the storage media, it is ok as well.
I’m having the problem Phil_D was having; the process is failing halfway through the restore. This is happening on two computers, and three separate USB sticks. Any guidance as to how I might get around this issue?
Thanks,
Tom
Is it in device mode or volume mode? What is the error message and error code? Is it a special image (pendrive Linux) or a data flashdrive image?
It’s in device mode. There’s no error message or code – it just stops. The green portion of the bar stops growing and turns gray again. The image is atv-usb. This has happened now with four USB drives.
Thanks,
Tom
(Tried to post this earlier, but somehow it didn’t take – sorry if it’s a duplicate.)
Device mode. No error, just stops. (Green bar goes back to gray, usually after about 1/4 of the way through its progress). The image is atv-usb, which I believe is a flashdrive image.
No problem with the duplicates, comments are moderated in this blog. If the image does not match the size of the physical device, the progress bar might not be accurate. It compares the written bytes to the physical device size, so if you have a 500MB image and a 2GB flashdrive, it will probably stop at 25%. If this image was not created from the device you want to restore it to, this might be the case. Is it eventually the AppleTV media center image?
It’s the xbmc image for Apple TV.
Then I’m think, it is the way I assumed. I think I will fix the progress bar flaw with the next version.
Ok, it worked. It was apparently there all the time. Thanks for your help, and sorry to be a pain!
Please can you tell me what is the difference between the divice mode and volume mode
I’ve added your question to the FAQ and answered it there.
I’m using version 1.41 and I can’t get it to start. Every time I try to run it, it says image tool encountered a problem and needs to close. Please help!
Eventually you don’t have the .net Framework 2.0 installed.
This might be obvious, but it is important to run it as administrator for Windows. Otherwise it might not see the SD Card for instance.
note to Windows 8 and 7 users: make sure to start the program with administrative rights, or you can’t select device mode