SmartImage

A SmartImage stores only areas of the disk that contain file system data. The creation of SmartImages saves time and storage space, which makes them ideal for backups. More information on the SmartImage mode of operation can be found in the Image Formats section.

Important: Only use SmartImage with disks and file systems that are completely intact. In all other cases, create a FullImage or a BitImage. If you are not absolutely certain whether your media or file systems are sound, we strongly recommend checking the file system health prior to starting the imaging process.

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fig. 1: Main screen

Source

Select the disk you wish to use as source for the image. For more information on how to choose a disk, see the section on disk selection.

Partitions

The layout of the partitions on the source disk will be displayed in a bar below the disk selection dropdown. Individual partitions can be directly selected or deselected for inclusion in the copy by clicking on them in this bar. Open the PartitionSelect component with the option link. You can view details on the partitions here while making your selection.

Additional Details and Settings

Access Additional Details and Settings via the button (fig. 2), where you will find technical information about the source as well as these options:

• Unlock HPA: unlock HPA in order to include the data contained therein in the copy.
• Remove HPA+DCO: remove HPA and DCO in order to include its data in the copy. This will permanently change the HPA and DCO configuration for the source disk.
• HotCopy/LiveImage (HDClone/W only): choose an option for access from the HotCopy/LiveImage dropdown.

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fig. 2: Additional information and options for the source

Image

Specify the target file where you wish to store the SmartImage by entering the file path or by browsing via the button.

To create a compressed image, select a compression type. Compression can only be applied to SmartImages, FullImages and HDClone BitImages (*.MFI und *.IMG).

Advanced Settings

In addition to the basic settings, there are Advanced Options … to choose from Options (fig. 3).

• Split image: the image can be split into multiple files when the maximum extent size is reached.
• Access Protection: enter a password and choose an encryption to protect the image. You may choose between AES 128 and AES 256 to encrypt.

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fig. 3: Advanced settings

Options

The Options section offers general possibilities for the image process.

• Verify Image Data: in a verification run, the completed image will be compared to the source to ensure that the contents precisely match.

Shut Down Computer Automatically

You can choose to have the computer shut down automatically after the copying process. Specify the scenario after which the computer is supposed to be shut down:

• Only after an error-free process: the computer will only be shut down if absolutely no errors occurred during the process.
• Even after a partially successful process: the computer will be shut down if errors occurred during the process that did not impact the success of the result
• In any event: The computer will be shut down even if the process was completed with errors.

In any case, a report will be stored automatically.

Advanced Options

In addition to the options above, there are Advanced Options … to choose from.

• FastCopy: A special algorithm that accelerates the copying speed
• Save swap files: save swap files to the image.
• Limit speed: Reduces the writing speed, as the level of HDClone's performance may lead to excessive strain on some of the faster SSD models.

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fig. 4: Advanced Options