DiskPatch manual - backup/restore disk layout

Backing up and restoring the disk layout

A list of terms used in this page and their explanation can be found here.

A step-by-step example of how to use this function can be found here.

You can use DiskPatch to create backups of the structures that describe a partition. The following structures are backed up:

the MBR (master boot record)
all partition table sectors
the boot sectors for all partitions

Attention:

Creating a backup of the disk layout will only save the elements of a partition that describe that partition; actual data (the contents of the partition) is not saved! If you wish to save the contents of a partition, use a disk imaging tool.
DO NOT create a backup if the partitions are not accessible or otherwise damaged!
Backups can only be created for Basic disks

DiskPatch uses a convenient method to save these backups: all backups are saved on the disk, to space that is not in use. This space can not be reached by the Operating System so the backups are safe. Because the backups are on the same disk as the original structures, there's no need to keep a special DiskPatch diskette to restore the backups: any diskette containing DiskPatch can restore the backups.
Before executing the restore, DiskPatch will create an Undo file. This will allow you to undo the changes that were made to the disk during the restore, in case the results were unsatisfactory.

Backing up the disk layout

Select [Utilities], [Backup/Restore], [Backup]. Confirm the warning message. If all went well, DiskPatch will display the message "Backup completed successfully".

Restoring a disk layout backup

Select [Utilities], [Backup/Restore], [Restore]. DiskPatch will ask you if you wish to create an undo file for the restore action (so you can undo the restore if it doesn't bring the desired result). Following that DiskPatch will display the creation date of the backup and will ask you if you wish to proceed. Select 'yes' to start the restore or select 'no' to abort. If you selected 'yes' and all went well, DiskPatch displays the message "Partition State Restore completed successfully".

Verifying the backup

Select [Utilities], [Backup/Restore], [Verify Backup] to verify the backup. Information about the backup is displayed and you are asked if you wish to verify the backup.

Removing a disk layout backup

Select [Utilities], [Backup/Restore], [Clear Backup] to remove a backup from the selected disk.