Read this detailed post to learn a step-by-step tutorial about how to use Ghost disk utility to create an image backup. Learn how to use Ghost imaging software and the free alternative software to ghost image in Windows 11, 10. Scroll down to learn more.
Today Windows users meet serious disk troubles from time to time. We will never know when the disaster will happen. A hard disk image backup can help restore the computer to an earlier date that normally works with all your applications and personal data. On the other hand, we can also choose to restore the disk image to a new disk when we need to replace the old one. Then the ghost disk utility is needed.
Norton Ghost used to be the best free ghost imaging software. It’s one disk cloning and backup tool developed by Murray Haszard in 1995 and it was acquired in 1998 by Symantec. The tool can help you backup your whole hard drive or selected folders to a partition, an external hard drive, or a network drive.
However, Norton Ghost is no longer available for the Home user. It was discontinued by Symantec in 2013. Now you can still download the last Ghost (disk utility) - Norton Ghost 15. But you need to pay for it or you can get a 30-day free trial version.
Ghost imaging, also known as disk imaging or cloning, is a process that creates an exact replica or "image" of a computer's entire hard drive or a specific partition. This image includes everything on the drive: the operating system, applications, settings, and all data files.
Ghost imaging software, also known as disk imaging software, creates an exact copy or "image" of a computer's entire hard drive or a particular partition. This image includes the operating system, applications, settings, and all data files. Norton Ghost is one of the ghost imaging software. So, in the following content, we will introduce how to ghost disk and image with it and another alternative ghost imaging software.
π Create Disk Image with Ghost Disk Software π Best Free Norton Ghost Alternative in Windowsπ₯ π Frequently Asked Questions on Norton Ghost
Here in this part, we will tell you how to use Norton Ghost to create disk images. First, download this ghost disk software from the Symantec site. Or you can simply type “Norton Ghost 15 download” in the search box of your browser and search the download page.
It will run a step-by-step wizard the first time you open it. At last, you will access the Easy Setup interface where you can create a backup at once. Or you can click Cancel and set the backup task later in its Home interface.
On the Home screen, you can click Define Backup Wizard or Run or Manage Backups to create a backup task. Here we choose Run or Manage Backups.
The Easy Setup screen will appear again. You can click OK to accept the default settings or click a setting to modify it. Or you can click Custom... to create a backup as per your need.
You can choose to back up the whole computer or only select files. Click Next to choose the drives/files you need to backup, the destination to save the backup, and the backup time. Finally, click Finish to confirm.
Notes: • If you want to perform a restore, just click Recover My Computer or Recover My Files to make it. • For anyone who wants to use Norton Ghost to clone a hard drive may feel disappointed. Indeed you can find the Copy My Hard Drive option under the Tools tab. However, when you click it, a pop-up window will appear that says that the feature is not enabled. You need to license the product to activate the feature.
Don’t forget that you can only use Norton Ghost freely for 30 days. Then you have to purchase it at Symantec Global Store. Fortunately, besides Norton Ghost, there are a lot of ghost imaging software you can use, for example: AOMEI Backupper Standard can help ghost disk to image as well as clone the hard drive to another. It is completely free and recommended as the best free ghosting software for Windows 10, 11 32-bit, and 64-bit.
As a ghost imaging software, AOMEI Backupper Standard is one comprehensive backup & restore tool that is available in all Windows OS including Windows 11/10/8/7. It provides various functions related to backup, restore, and clone. With its simple and easy-to-use GUI, anyone, even non-technical users, can protect all important data in minutes without seeking help from an expert.
First, download AOMEI Backupper and then learn how to use this Norton Ghost alternative.
It can help you create an image backup for your disk in only a few clicks with its disk backup feature. In addition, it not only supports ghosting a hard drive but also supports ghosting a particular partition like a system drive or any other partition. It’s also possible to back up selected files/folders as you want.
It allows you to directly clone a hard drive to another one. All data on the disk including the operating system, applications, configuration settings, and all partitions, etc. will be transferred to the destination. There is no problem cloning a larger HDD to a smaller SSD.
Note: It’s also possible to only clone the system via AOMEI Backupper Professional.
In addition, you can create a bootable USB to boot your computer in case it ever fails. If you do not have a USB or CD/DVD, you can choose to create a Recovery Environment on your current computer. You can then access this software directly in the Recovery Environment without the device the next time you boot the system.
It’s also easy enough to perform a restore if you have created a backup with AOMEI Backupper in advance. You can completely restore the entire hard disk drive, partition, or volume to the point you ever back up. Just need to select the right backup and choose the destination. Then AOMEI Backupper will complete the job.
Ghost imaging and disk cloning are both techniques used for creating copies of data from one storage device to another. While they are similar in purpose, there are key differences in their processes, applications, and benefits. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right tool for your specific needs.
| Feature | Ghost Imaging | Disk Cloning |
|---|---|---|
| Backup Format | Compressed image file | Exact, uncompressed duplicate |
| Incremental Backups | Supported | Not typically supported |
| Storage Space | More efficient due to compression | Requires equal or more space than the source drive |
| Speed | Slower due to compression/decompression | Faster for one-time transfers |
| Disaster Recovery | Suitable for system restoration | Ideal for immediate drive replacement |
| Ease of Use | May require additional steps to restore | The cloned drive is ready to use instantly |
| Portability | Image files can be moved easily | Direct transfer to another drive |
1. What are the key features of Norton Ghost?
Key features include disk cloning, disk imaging, scheduled backups, incremental backups, compression to save space, and the ability to create recovery points for system restoration.
2. Can Norton Ghost create backups of individual files and folders?
Yes, Norton Ghost can create full disk images as well as backup individual files and folders. It provides flexibility in choosing what to back up.
3. Is Norton Ghost suitable for migrating to a new computer?
Yes, this ghost imaging software can be used to migrate your entire system, including the operating system, applications, and data. This can help you replicate your old system on the new hardware.
That’s all for how to create image backup with the ghost disk utility in Windows. You will know how to use Ghost imaging software and the free alternative software to ghost images in Windows 11, and 10. Norton Ghost is a tool worth having a try, but you need to pay for it. Or you can also let AOMEI Backupper help you. It offers all-around backup options to protect your data.
What’s more, it’s free to use. It will always keep your data safe and restore the files you need as soon as possible. You can also upgrade to a higher version to enjoy more powerful functions.