AOMEI question to SIW2 about .iso disk with AOMEI Backupper 4.06

[XP VM User]

Please see prior topic of discussion 04 November 2017:

Operating System Not Found(After weeks of unrepaired Start up problem)
Operating System Not Found(After weeks of unrepaired Start up problem)

Hi again all and especially SIW2:

Thanks for helping me fix the Laptop so I can work on my broken iPad to restore/data recovery from it.
About AOMEI:

You Posted:

You can borrow a copy of my boot media. It has lots of repair tolls in it, ( including Aomei Backupper 4.06 ).

Boot it up. then have a look with Aomei part assist or disk management and post a screenshot of what they show.

17514x64-v5.iso

I have currently Professional Edition 2.2

Which says when you click on icon that it refuses to save anything new until I update it (to Ver 3 last time I checked).....it says version 4.0.6 is available now)

They say on website if yu don't have Version 3 or higher installed you must find the original license number when you got the AOMEI....that is somewhere hidden back in 2014? 2015? Emails but not under AOMEI topic...I tried in 10 Emails... no one from AOMEI sent me anything and they ddidn't respond to my twice sent request back in 2017 for help getting my license number so I can upgrade from 2.2 Professional Edition (which I paid for) up to new one..

Version 3 and higher "remembers" your License number so you don't need to "find" the original Email you received as a receipt!
So I really
Really!
Appreciated your .iso disk.

I downloaded and created the boot disk.

[off topic} I got super occupied trying to restore iPad1 that refused to get out of stuck restore loop.... (and sync saved files were corrupted on last 10 or 15 months so can't be used!) Its ok...got through it all by self with help from free outside people (like yourself) on the Apple side of the Computer world.... so I was able to restore it without paying for a complete expensive Data Recovery process so I can now buy a brand new iPad with the money and download a saved copy of the missing data to it. [end off topic]

I only related that to let you know where I was since November 2017, all this time...

I created a new thread as I'm certain adding to a thread that was not mentioned since November 2017 would just get my new post lost....so sorry to have to "re-invent" the topic.....

Anyway... why I write today is when I opened the .iso boot disk....I expected to find AOMEI Folder with version 4.2 in it... not true....

SO maybe I saved and created the .iso the wrong way.... I went over the instructions and there were really no "choices" I had other than to burn disk which I did.

Have any suggestions for me?

(I know I promised to rep you (and others) but since the .iso disk did not work as intended I did not do it on that post number #5 04 November 2017.)

Operating System Not Found(After weeks of unrepaired Start up problem)
Operating System Not Found(After weeks of unrepaired Start up problem)

I tried to keep this first post short.

Any questions from SIW2 or anyone please let me know I'll answer them or look them up for you!
Thanks again!

XP VM USER

 

[Snick]

Hi XP VM User,

Are you unable to boot to the DVD or just that AOMEI is not appearing?
Do you wish to enter the PE or Linux environment of AOMEI? (boot from DVD to AOMEI Backupper)
You can always download AOMEI and create a Linux or Windows PE based AOMEI boot disk.
To locate your license on your machine you can run Belarc Advisor, free program, which provides a plethora of info besides all the installed programs and corresponding license keys.

I took a look at your years ago post. I'm downloading the ISO SIW2 imbedded in his reply. Will take a look see and get back to you.

 

[Snick]

Tried to create bootable CD (ImgBurn), image is only 379 MB, wouldn't boot, used Rufus to create bootable flash drive. Booted to flash drive & multiple tools including AOMEI Backupper 4.0.6. appeared on desktop. Clicked AOMEI, it booted and GUI appeared. Works fine.

If you don't have a USB flash drive, you can purchase a small one on the cheap! You can download Rufus and burn the ISO to the USB flash drive, only takes a few minutes being the ISO is 379 MB. Personally I use AOMEI Backupper free and find it more than adequate for my needs. Note: If you have more than one HDD or SSD or a Combo of both, do not try to restore a drive from a backup from within windows, i.e. click on AOMEI when your using Win7. Even though being careful choosing the disk to restore, it will botch the install. I've experienced this on two occasions on my personal desktop. If I boot AOMEI from USB or DVD and restore from there all is well!

Link to Rufus
Link to Rufus Portable (doesn't install on your machine)

 

[XP VM User]

Apologies to all members who have to read a long reply!

Hi Snick!

Thank you for replying to me!

I hope you don't mind a lot of words---as everything you say is 100% great and I have responses to ask for more details!

First some missing info I learned not to print the first time as it makes the initial question longer:

1. I have Macrium too.

2. I got both recommendations to use Macrium as well as AOMEI

I use both. I'm very upset with most of the backup programs out there since I lost (yes lost) Norton Ghost on this computer. Norton Ghost always let me (without mounting or any difficult procedures! or dangerous for my data) peek into the saved "box" and check and see if everything I saved was there....

3. I always ask, after I saved the entire computer system ---I don't do incrementals for fear that the auto erase if data gets too large will take out an "incremental" just because I miscounted the GB available on my External HD by even 1 GB (I have it set to 5 GB as 1 GB is the minimum for Macrium anyway).

4. I've not been able to back up AOMEI since two years ago when version 3 came out and I wrote to them twice to help me and because I don't use the secret password or correct account number or license number they never replied to my requests for help in getting the License number

(((((((((SUCCESS! You recommended: Belarc Advisor for me to use and I will do that as long as the review ---it seems legit--no PUP's on the install so I can get the license number and I'l just use the AOMEI Download of 4.2 that appears on my screen when I attempt to use the AOMEI)))))

(((THANKS!!! I rep the second reply as I can only do one I should have thanked also the first one but the rule here is only one until I do 10 others if I recall))))

5. I am always worried that my saved backup won't work when I have to actually "DO" it.
And of course....if the computer is "dead" and can't communicate for help here over the Internet, how am I by myself...supposed to restore a backup ....when I've never done that! And I can't ask anyone because its not by "phone" its by an Internet posting board connection... So I'd be forced to say no money to having a real life data restorer do that for me (after I spent all these years saving and re saving more and more data over and over again...

6. Don't say "never happens".....already happened. With an iPad, the sync worked for years, every month updated it....sometime during last year or two it failed to save correctly. Looks OK from the outside.. "Sync was successful" Just like the PC says "Backup created successfully"

But when trying to restore it....says "files corrupted " You can't restore the backup!

So I'm an upset , unhappy camper.....Why am I wasting hours every month backing up computer(s) I have a few older ones i still use...when I can lose it all....even if I save the last 2 or 3 o 4 copies! as never actually tested them for restoration properties

7. So I only have Macrium for the past few years while I struggled to figure this out.... Just one system and unless I mount the drive and unmounted it properly without corrupting the data in the process I can't check the insides to see if its ok (plus how many hours it takes me to confirm drive size, starting ending cylinder (haven't used that important terminology for a few years sorry if I mumbled while typing it here) and all that data stuff manually that Norton Ghost did automatically for me....

8. Ok enough background I am sure I missed a lot...onto your posts! (Great work thanks!)

Post Number #2:

I wrote my responses inbetween your lines:

Hi XP VM User,

Are you unable to boot to the DVD or just that AOMEI is not appearing?
Do you wish to enter the PE or Linux environment of AOMEI? (boot from DVD to AOMEI Backupper)
You can always download AOMEI and create a Linux or Windows PE based AOMEI boot disk.

No idea what you are referring to! Let me hazard a guess? You think because my name is crazy and refers to my first question here about using XP VM on a Windows 7 Machine that I'm still using XP on the Windows 7.... Left that for Oracle Virtual Box long ago...
Now what happens is that I'm unable to continue using AOMEI as there is an update that I can't install as I said earlier, because I lost my license Email location.
*But you solved that with your use of Belarc Advisor
Here is more of your quote:

To locate your license on your machine you can run Belarc Advisor, free program, which provides a plethora of info besides all the installed programs and corresponding license keys.

Sounds perfect for me! For everyone else I looked it up:

Here for all is a review of
Belarc Advisor v8.6. and links to it too
https://www.lifewire.com/belarc-advisor-review-2625784

I took a look at your years ago post. I'm downloading the ISO SIW2 imbedded in his reply. Will take a look see and get back to you.

Thank you for doing this for me.... I always think I don't follow the easy to follow instructions properly as I never seem to see what others write they see! On to Post Number #3!

------

Post number #3:

Tried to create bootable CD (ImgBurn), image is only 379 MB, wouldn't boot, used Rufus to create bootable flash drive. Booted to flash drive & multiple tools including AOMEI Backupper 4.0.6. appeared on desktop. Clicked AOMEI, it booted and GUI appeared. Works fine.

Thanks a second time for link to Rufus! Will definitely use it as all I have is Roxio and ImgBurn....Don't remember which one I used...whichever one pops up in the small window when I insert a DVD and it gives me permanent choices which I never know what to do as no one is helping me choose every single button press here!
(Maybe I should leave computers to someone else who I somehow pay to just press the buttons for me----sigh).

If you don't have a USB flash drive, you can purchase a small one on the cheap! You can download Rufus and burn the ISO to the USB flash drive, only takes a few minutes being the ISO is 379 MB. Personally I use AOMEI Backupper free and find it more than adequate for my needs. Note: If you have more than one HDD or SSD or a Combo of both, do not try to restore a drive from a backup from within windows, i.e. click on AOMEI when your using Win7. Even though being careful choosing the disk to restore, it will botch the install. I've experienced this on two occasions on my personal desktop.

If I boot AOMEI from USB or DVD and restore from there all is well!

YES! Thanks! What a lead in to my next (unpublished as yet on Windows Seven Forum) question!
I have handfuls of the cheap flash drives sitting on the keyboard....how does one label these anyway? Use a metal etching pen? Takes forever and my handwriting is terrible!!! Pu t them in and out over and over again looking for the right "volume"?

All I've done in past few months of doing that trying to fix broken iPad is ruin one of my 3 USB Ports on the Windows 7 Laptop! Unless I get a hub (Now I got to carry a hub with me everywhere????? ) I will lose use of USB with this computer as always have a mouse (Bluetooth) in one USB as I never got the hang on using the touch pad and click and stop and hove3r and click and you know what I mean....when its "formatting" the entire computer because I hovered too long over "format" when all I wanted to do was "eject" some media or flash drive!! :lol: for real.....so I use a mouse that I can move without clicking automatically.... easy! Makes life using laptop as easy as my old Desktop...
At the moment I don't have more than one Drive! Again you'll have to wait for my next new thread question where I will ask about having multiple drives and worn out USB ports or having a bigger internal laptop drive and all the possible ways that can go very wrong!) future question here on another thread at Windows Seven Forum for more information about mhy terrible choices I have to make without funds!!!

Link to Rufus
Link to Rufus Portable (doesn't install on your machine)

Thanks for Rufus!..... Portable? Doesn't install...does that mean it "doesn't work" or does it mean that it doesn't take up Drive MB/GB space by installing on the HDD? Which is better is not clear to me why I would use one over the other ... I'll have to choose one--probably the built in program so I always have it ready to use with or without the internet working!) Thanks for giving me both choices!! You know how I think!

I was trying to make more than a few backups for my next big "project" on this old 2010 laptop.....more details when I write a long new question---sorry for keep on mentioning it but they are connected and I'll refer back to here when I make the new thread depending upon your replies to my reply if they are useful for my new question!

And thanks for the final words of advice on all your posts:

Patience & Tenacity are virtues, when dealing with Computer issues
I agree! Thanks for your patience in reading my long worded posts!

XP VM USER (the name I got assigned here)

 

[Snick]

XP VM User,

I make it a point to try to, as thoroughly as possible, explain everything in layman's terms, at least at the beginning of post responses, until I get a feel for the level of knowledge the person requesting assistance has. Terse replies quite often leave newbees clueless. i.e. burn iso to usb without instruction what an iso is or how to burn it to disk or dvd (copy & paste don't work to make it bootable)

I'm in IT. I don't recommend any website, application, download, etc., that I haven't, as thoroughly as possible, check for malware, pups, malicious anything. I use Virus Total, free, to scan pretty much everything that I recommend. Many of the programs, utilities and tools I recommend, I use frequently. I don't believe any other SevenForum members providing assistance would knowingly suggest something that would damage, or further damage your computer. By the way, I'm currently studying for my CompTIA Security+ Exam and others, which is indicated in my profile (right-click usesrname or emoji, click about me)
I've been using ImgBurn for years, doesn't have USB support but excellent for DVDs or CDs.

 

[RolandJS]

"......Terse replies quite often leave newbies clueless. i.e. burn iso to usb without instruction what an iso is or how to burn it to disk or dvd..." While I totally agree with this very good idea you have expressed, there are many of us, at work, at school, en-route to somewhere, who only have time to post "road-signs" pointing the way to an answer set. Often, speaking for myself only -- my best answer is a "road-sign" because of time, circumstances, I do not know what the OP knows and does not know, and, I do not do walk-throughs very well at all (I tend to confuse rather than clarify a process). At the very least, a correctly given road-sign points a newbie or imtermediate to good starting point.

 

[Snick]

We all have different time constraints due to work, etc. & totally understandable. I'm not knocking anyone chiming in on an issue posted. Most often, a "road sign" is more than adequate to point the OP in the correct direction & will suffice. I always say "Google is your friend" and suggest Googling the issue for possible solutions. I usually get a feel for what level of computer knowledge the OP knows from a post or two. I'm currently a student & part time instructor for newbies in compute usage and simple troubleshooting/repair (covers my continuing education for my CompTIA certs) & a great deal of satisfaction.

RolandJS, I've perused several of your posts, and always learn something from them!

Happy computing!

 

[Snick]

Hi Snick!

Thank you for replying to me!

I hope you don't mind a lot of words---as everything you say is 100% great and I have responses to ask for more details!

First some missing info I learned not to print the first time as it makes the initial question longer:

1. I have Macrium too.

2. I got both recommendations to use Macrium as well as AOMEI

I use both. I'm very upset with most of the backup programs out there since I lost (yes lost) Norton Ghost on this computer. Norton Ghost always let me (without mounting or any difficult procedures! or dangerous for my data) peek into the saved "box" and check and see if everything I saved was there....

3. I always ask, after I saved the entire computer system ---I don't do incrementals for fear that the auto erase if data gets too large will take out an "incremental" just because I miscounted the GB available on my External HD by even 1 GB (I have it set to 5 GB as 1 GB is the minimum for Macrium anyway).

4. I've not been able to back up AOMEI since two years ago when version 3 came out and I wrote to them twice to help me and because I don't use the secret password or correct account number or license number they never replied to my requests for help in getting the License number

(((((((((SUCCESS! You recommended: Belarc Advisor for me to use and I will do that as long as the review ---it seems legit--no PUP's on the install so I can get the license number and I'l just use the AOMEI Download of 4.2 that appears on my screen when I attempt to use the AOMEI)))))

(((THANKS!!! I rep the second reply as I can only do one I should have thanked also the first one but the rule here is only one until I do 10 others if I recall))))

5. I am always worried that my saved backup won't work when I have to actually "DO" it.
And of course....if the computer is "dead" and can't communicate for help here over the Internet, how am I by myself...supposed to restore a backup ....when I've never done that! And I can't ask anyone because its not by "phone" its by an Internet posting board connection... So I'd be forced to say no money to having a real life data restorer do that for me (after I spent all these years saving and re saving more and more data over and over again...

6. Don't say "never happens".....already happened. With an iPad, the sync worked for years, every month updated it....sometime during last year or two it failed to save correctly. Looks OK from the outside.. "Sync was successful" Just like the PC says "Backup created successfully"

But when trying to restore it....says "files corrupted " You can't restore the backup!

So I'm an upset , unhappy camper.....Why am I wasting hours every month backing up computer(s) I have a few older ones i still use...when I can lose it all....even if I save the last 2 or 3 o 4 copies! as never actually tested them for restoration properties

7. So I only have Macrium for the past few years while I struggled to figure this out.... Just one system and unless I mount the drive and unmounted it properly without corrupting the data in the process I can't check the insides to see if its ok (plus how many hours it takes me to confirm drive size, starting ending cylinder (haven't used that important terminology for a few years sorry if I mumbled while typing it here) and all that data stuff manually that Norton Ghost did automatically for me....

8. Ok enough background I am sure I missed a lot...onto your posts! (Great work thanks!)

Post Number #2:

I wrote my responses in between your lines:



No idea what you are referring to! Let me hazard a guess? You think because my name is crazy and refers to my first question here about using XP VM on a Windows 7 Machine that I'm still using XP on the Windows 7.... Left that for Oracle Virtual Box long ago...
Now what happens is that I'm unable to continue using AOMEI as there is an update that I can't install as I said earlier, because I lost my license Email location.
*But you solved that with your use of Belarc Advisor
Here is more of your quote:



Sounds perfect for me! For everyone else I looked it up:

Here for all is a review of
Belarc Advisor v8.6. and links to it too
https://www.lifewire.com/belarc-advisor-review-2625784



Thank you for doing this for me.... I always think I don't follow the easy to follow instructions properly as I never seem to see what others write they see! On to Post Number #3!

------

Post number #3:


Thanks a second time for link to Rufus! Will definitely use it as all I have is Roxio and ImgBurn....Don't remember which one I used...whichever one pops up in the small window when I insert a DVD and it gives me permanent choices which I never know what to do as no one is helping me choose every single button press here!
(Maybe I should leave computers to someone else who I somehow pay to just press the buttons for me----sigh).




YES! Thanks! What a lead in to my next (unpublished as yet on Windows Seven Forum) question!
I have handfuls of the cheap flash drives sitting on the keyboard....how does one label these anyway? Use a metal etching pen? Takes forever and my handwriting is terrible!!! Pu t them in and out over and over again looking for the right "volume"?

All I've done in past few months of doing that trying to fix broken iPad is ruin one of my 3 USB Ports on the Windows 7 Laptop! Unless I get a hub (Now I got to carry a hub with me everywhere????? ) I will lose use of USB with this computer as always have a mouse (Bluetooth) in one USB as I never got the hang on using the touch pad and click and stop and hove3r and click and you know what I mean....when its "formatting" the entire computer because I hovered too long over "format" when all I wanted to do was "eject" some media or flash drive!! :lol: for real.....so I use a mouse that I can move without clicking automatically.... easy! Makes life using laptop as easy as my old Desktop...
At the moment I don't have more than one Drive! Again you'll have to wait for my next new thread question where I will ask about having multiple drives and worn out USB ports or having a bigger internal laptop drive and all the possible ways that can go very wrong!) future question here on another thread at Windows Seven Forum for more information about mhy terrible choices I have to make without funds!!!




Thanks for Rufus!..... Portable? Doesn't install...does that mean it "doesn't work" or does it mean that it doesn't take up Drive MB/GB space by installing on the HDD? Which is better is not clear to me why I would use one over the other ... I'll have to choose one--probably the built in program so I always have it ready to use with or without the internet working!) Thanks for giving me both choices!! You know how I think!

I was trying to make more than a few backups for my next big "project" on this old 2010 laptop.....more details when I write a long new question---sorry for keep on mentioning it but they are connected and I'll refer back to here when I make the new thread depending upon your replies to my reply if they are useful for my new question!

And thanks for the final words of advice on all your posts:

Patience & Tenacity are virtues, when dealing with Computer issues
I agree! Thanks for your patience in reading my long worded posts!

XP VM USER (the name I got assigned here)

Regarding Portable, here's a description
Regarding Norton Ghost, Macrium Reflect and AOMEI provide the ability to mount a backup image, i.e. allow you to access the backup image. I don't believe you can use one backup utility to access the image created by another. You can copy files, folders, pics, video, etc., but you cannot add to the image. AOMEI -> utilities -> explore an image -> path -> select the image you wish to mount, select a drive letter and it appears as another drive in Computer, which you would then access the same way you would C: drive, except you can't add anything to the image (not sure if you can delete anything, haven't tried). Macrium Reflect free has the same ability just different wording and location.

I use AOMEI Backupper Standard 3.0, free, and it does everything I need it to do, full drive image, incremental, differential, drive clone, etc. I don't see a need to pay for program when adequate free ones are available! I like free! When you run a backup utility, always check the verify image upon completion, or similar wording, & the images is scanned for integrity (not a bricked/broken/unusable backup)

Restoring from a backup requires you to create either a DVD, CD or USB with linux live or Windows PE. AOMEI -> utilities -> create bootable media -> Windows PE (because linux can be a little tricky if your not familiar with it) I have both CD and small USB 3.0 (loads faster). On my HP and Compaq machine F9 is boot sequence access. Choose the appropriate location and after AOMEI loads, restore -> path (to your backup) and follow the instructions. There's a choice when the backup is installed: Computer, sleep, restart, shutdown, etc. (checkbox with corresponding drop-down menu) I have never recommended relying totally on Windows Backup, as it's failed me, and others I've assisted numerous times, especially if you've been infected with one of the nasty viruses on the net.

Regadring labeling, do you mean naming the USB as it appears in Computer? If so, you right-click the drive as you would any drive or CD-RW or DVD-RW or BR-RE (RW & BE acronym for re-writable), select rename for the popup menu and type in the box, excluded filename/folder characters are not permitted) and the rename is complete. You cannot rename a CD-R CD+r, DVD-R, DVD+R, BR-R, or BR+R, as those disks are WORM (write once read many)

Regarding worried about backups not working, if your paranoid, create a backup, verify integrity & create another backup, verify integrity) Not likely that both would be unusable.

If you backup your system regularly, I do mine weekly, you won't need to use paid-for services to recover your data if the drive crashes, yes I do that too for friends and locals!

 

[XP VM User]

I just got a moment to review this and welcomed all of the comments by Snick and RolandJS

I do agree with RolandJS and APPRECIATE!!! so many times those here and elsewhere who take the time to help me.

"......Terse replies quite often leave newbies clueless. i.e. burn iso to usb without instruction what an iso is or how to burn it to disk or dvd..." While I totally agree with this very good idea you have expressed, there are many of us, at work, at school, en-route to somewhere, who only have time to post "road-signs" pointing the way to an answer set. Often, speaking for myself only -- my best answer is a "road-sign" because of time, circumstances, I do not know what the OP knows and does not know, and, I do not do walk-throughs very well at all (I tend to confuse rather than clarify a process). At the very least, a correctly given road-sign points a newbie or imtermediate to good starting point.

I get the message! I'm sympathetic to those who have lives outside of this Forum and I don't want to intrude too much into there.... but then again, if I write too tersely to save word space and reading time here... I tend to not state the full information people need (note my need to clarify what I meant by "labelling" as one item that was easy to remedy reading Snick's reply---not to say no, but I haven't needed to do what he said....so now I know what to do when that happens---so I already expanded that and printed it out to keep by computer should I need to do that type of labeling but see my reply to Snick below for more details---of course more words sorry all who so kindly read my posts and have to read more words).

I use Google!

I consult things before I press the "button" even if I think I know what I'm doing I always print out a list of steps (either ones I get here or elsewhere)....

I will respond a bit deeper to the suggestions from Snick above just didn't want to leave empty space here for a day or so since you posted so quickly back to me...I need a bit of time to compose this and something else (always it seems) intervened in the way, in the meantime and short on grammatical skills..

Just one note for today's post, as I can maybe expect a reply as I was not clear enough for Snick in my first lengthy reply (#4) above.

Regadring labeling, do you mean naming the USB as it appears in Computer?

I'm talking about methods (I use hospital tape---nothing else seems to stick long enough with daily handling and use) and hand write in pen that rubs off (says permanent on marker pen! but it never is with handling daily)... so without clear labels imagine you have a bunch of 5+ in a row and more off to the side in a catch all pile, all the same color shape and size and company flash drives sitting on the keyboard in small space between F keys and screen and they move while I type so they keep falling off!....anyway.... Before inserting in the same USB port to check them out to see if that is the one I want to use I'd like to read the outside to see what is on the inside...

Please someone out there! Make a lot of money! Invent something like we had on 3 1/2 Floppy Drives... nice writeable white label (replaceable too!) indicating in as small type as computer could type on adhesive label roll, or I can write with ordinary pen that did not smear or rub off.. so I know what is in each 32 GB Flash Drive.... So I don't wear out hubs and time waiting for the flash drive to load so I can explore it or get its "name" on the screen so I can see...yes that is where I put the missing material I need or want to add item to.

(AND sadly yess I have one in "red" color which is a catch all when I need to dump something fast and turn off the computer and have no time to even figure out where that goes properly so I can find it....That one is almost up to its 30 GB full level...while others have empty spaces waiting for the properly categorized item to be moved to that drive.... (and again not to belabor a physical problem... probably have to buy a hub for a laptop? Isn't that weird carrying one around????) I'm going to totally wear out the only free USB port left that still works 100%.

 

[RolandJS]

"....I'm going to totally wear out the only free USB port left that still works 100%"
One can purchase a female-to-male adapter that will take the hit for constant plugging things in and removing said things. Altex in Austin, just to use an example, sells them for about $5-6 apiece.

 

[Snick]

Yes, I was referring to drive label in Computer.

USB labels

 

[XP VM User]

"....I'm going to totally wear out the only free USB port left that still works 100%"
One can purchase a female-to-male adapter that will take the hit for constant plugging things in and removing said things. Altex in Austin, just to use an example, sells them for about $5-6 apiece.

Thanks again RolandJS

I know you're busy, so I went around and researched this myself as best I can. I only posted it for confirmation its what you meant, and for others who come after me/you to find the same object if that fits their needs (even though the question I know does not lend itself to finding this answer hidden in here---but again I don't know your policy at making too many new posts on same subject with different outcomes?)

So thanks to you, this USB problem fixed! Still have other questions here but that was something I did not know that existed and so small too! Easy to leave it in port even if it dangles a bit .

I found four on Amazon for $8.59@

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-15cm-Ad...&keywords=female+to+male+USB+2.0+port+adapter

I know you know your stuff.... I guess I didn't describe my system that well as the only hit I got on
female-to-male adapter at Altex in Austin was this: https://www.altex.com/AdvancedSearchE.aspx?k=female-to-male+adapter+USB+2.0

Mini is not what I have.

Ones I did not post that were overwhelming in number on various sites were called USB C (for 3.0 is what is commonly sold it seems to be the standard) My 2010 laptop is using 2.0 USB regular size (not even the "A" & "B" differential for which I use a longer cord 6" as one of the items I regularly plug and unplug from the USB Port and even a USB to "mini" I plug and unplug too, so I'm full of connectors---someday I'm going to lose data making too many wriggly connections and can't tape them solid as you want to be able to remove them.... So for all others with this problem (sorry RolandJS I could not rep you for that as I recently just did one for you but that idea deserves a rep even if I had to look for my particular model. You gave me the idea I was over-using my USB when I can wear out these instead and replace them!).

 

[XP VM User]

Yes, I was referring to drive label in Computer.

USB labels

Thanks Snick, I get the idea....but these labels you linked to mostly (even the very sticky ones) don't work on "relay" drives company that slide in and out over the surface to retract and extend the USB male piece, and the "Gorilla" company flash drives have ripples on all surfaces to grab and rubber to provide G-shock protection and very little flat area to put a label, let alone write on them....

So wishing there was a way for us "humans" to see which of many flash drives has the contents we desire.. (short of my long worded future question about upgrading my HD to 1.5 + TB in a laptop, then I don't need any flash drives for a few more years!)

Here is a similar flash drive to what I mean above...256GB too. https://www.staples.com/Lexar-JumpDrive-S75-256GB-Black/product_2420550

As you can see, the sliding case protects the USB drive from damage without needing separate cap (usually gets lost). But that reduces the space to write on adhesive label to a few handwritten words on the back of unit, if its flat---Gorilla Drive is not flat anywhere https://www.amazon.com/GorillaDrive...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00FQT2BN4

 

[Snick]

Why don't you place the contents of each USB thumb drive in its own folder, place the folders somewhere on your system and create shortcut links to them? You can rename the folders/shortcuts to identify each. If you don't have space on your internal drive, & want to be able to attach multiple thumb drives, a USB Hub is the solution there. Most are powered via USB port on computer and available from Ebay, Amazon, Micro-center, B&H Photo, etc. 2.5" HDD are real cheap, probably not much over the cost of a multi-port USB hub. You could then purchase a case with cable connector included and use the drive you replaced as an external hard drive and additional storage! 2.5" external drives are powered by the USB connection itself & doesn't require an additional power supply.

 

[mjf]

If you are going to connect multiple USB devices to a hub and these devices rely on USB power then you should be using a powered hub not a passive hub. Examples of the type of devices are multiple USB flash drives and USB powered HDDs.

 

[Snick]

He stated he is using USB thumbdrives, which don't require the power of an external 2.5" HDD or SSD, that and cost is the reason for my suggestion. External HDD requires the most power, SSD next, Flash/Thumb drive, very little.

Thank for the input! Always acceptable, anytime!

 

[mjf]

USB flash drives can draw more current (or power if you like with a 5v rail) than you think. If you are going to plug in multiple flash drives I still recommend a powered hub.
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/difference-between-powered-nonpowered-usb-hubs-71272.html

 

[XP VM User]

Hi Snick and mjf!!

APOLOGIES a lot for being away from keyboard here for a few weeks...

Will update you in a moment.

Excuses Excuses....was busy with new "Apple" product and its trial 2 week return period and more problems with it

Anyway, that is for another Forum.....

I have two questions!

1st is what are the rules here? Do I continue the topic we have begun here about Flash Drives and attaching them to a hub or not? Or should I move everything off (copying your and mine replies?) to a new thread so others can find it and users or members are not turned off by the AOMEI backup title I currently have...

(Improved title suggestions for the new thread are always welcome to make it clearer to others!)

2nd question.... about the Thumb Drives and hub.
Based upon the prior discussions above, before my 4 week absence,...I got an unpowered hub.
It works for many things.... (It does not work with the standard Apple 2.0 USB plug---so every time I backup or sync with new product using the Laptop described below in system and Windows 7 of course--I have to still unplug and re plug in the Apple USB in that one port I have left, and then unhook that and put back the USB plug with its hub----

So I'm still unhappy as its going to wear out my last good (available) USB 2.0 port.

So I still have questions about the old Laptop's now too small 500GB HDD [filled with data so only 30gb free!] inside the Laptop...

So this new question I'd write for this Forum, would become a hardware question more than a software (Windows7 ) question.

[Before I go further...I'm aware sadly that the expiration date for Windows 7 support is quickly approaching in 2020, April I think, so making this computer bigger is not a cost effective idea to hold all my additional new data under the Windows 7 operating system....hence....my using Flash Drives as cheats to take things off the laptop....but still running out of room as the tiny wordprocessing and photography items are still filling up the space!!] So its monetarily more attractive to try to enlarge the capacity of the "C" Drive inside the Laptop.

(I've seen You Tubes on "how" to physically do this---no problem there but what they do not reveal is I have still no idea how the licensed programs and their data is going to get from old HDD to new HDD or SSD without tremendous cost or being charged for new licenses as its a "new" drive the program keys detect!).

So maybe now you can understand how my simple "hardware" issue can become a complicated duplicating Windows 7 and its items "software" issue which is proper and appropriate for posting here. (again let me know what you think before I post the stuff in a new thread or here in greater detail) (Thanks!)

Snick says::

2.5" HDD are real cheap, probably not much over the cost of a multi-port USB hub. You could then purchase a case with cable connector included and use the drive you replaced as an external hard drive and additional storage! 2.5" external drives are powered by the USB connection itself & doesn't require an additional power supply.

and mjf replied:

USB flash drives can draw more current (or power if you like with a 5v rail) than you think. If you are going to plug in multiple flash drives I still recommend a powered hub.
What Is the Difference Between Powered Non-Powered USB Hubs? | Chron.com

Which would be true if and when those "few" times (I mean like twice a year) I'm trying to copy from one flash drive to another and would have two flash drives plugged in at same moment, as I don't currently have room in my onboard laptop HDD to store the entire contents of one flash drive 32 GB or so and transfer it to another drive (remember most of these are "backups" using third party software....so there is nothing "smaller" to divide off and copy off in pieces...its one whole backup or "nothing" at all... Does this make sense? I can rewrite it again....if it does not make sense...

* * * * * *

To go backwards and reply to Snick again... thanks for the idea of the separate folders for each thumb drive.... I would love to have a 1.5 or larger TB HDD inside this Laptop!

(I already use the slow old 500GB HDD I took out the day this new Laptop was purchased as an external backup drive inside a case--but unfortunately I have to first ERASE my prior backup to put a new one on there with standard compression ---can't fit two 450 GB memories into one 500 GB unit! Even with Macrium which is the only Backup I have working as I never got my License number located for AOMEI to upgrade to 4.06 as this topic was originally about!)

About the installing of the HDD of a larger capacity. I can't see getting Windows 10 in a new laptop....why? I'd be here complaining about every single program that says it can't upgrade to the Windows 10 unless I get a new license as its a "new" computer...

Nothing against this but I realize that its just a function of the company: Microsoft making sure nobody copies a single program from one device to another without paying the price of admission for another year's worth of licenses such that I can't afford to even buy the cheapest new version of a laptop--when my computing power still requires Desktop with Co-processors etc Not even into 3D rendering yet and that technology is getting old already!.

* * * * * * * * *

Thanks everyone here for reading and commenting on this problem!

 

[Snick]

If your really off topic or posted in incorrect forum a SevenForum Administrator will delete off topic post or move incorrect forum thread to appropriate venue.

USB Hubs come in a variety of flavors unpowered, powered, and various numbers of USB ports on the hub. If you purchase a hub with more than a few 2-3 USB ports it should be powered. By the way, you can daisy chain (link one hub to another via USB port.

Why don't you purchase a USB 3.0 external hard drive, you can get 4tb of storage, see: Seagate external hard drives
You can purchase a portable (easily carry it with you) or one that sits on your desk, etc. on the cheap. I have a Seagate 3tb HDD USB 3.0 that I purchased 2 years ago which I keep my computers, both, backups on. I'd purchase an external hard drive HDD not solid state drive SSD due to the longevity of the device. SSDs tend to wear out quicker or, since it operates similar to a flash drive, data corruption.

Most 32 bit and 64 bit programs that will run on Win7 run on Win10. I have dual boot laptop, Win10 & Linux Lite on SSD, Win7 & Linux Lite on SSD. Have a plethora of apps, 100s M$ Office 2010 office 365, Office 2016, many IT tools, VMWare Workstation Player, etc., and every single program that runs on Win7 runs on Win10. I added larger HDD and or SSD and upgraded from Win7x64 to Win10x64. I have AOMEI Backupper images of both Windows versions and switch back and forth in my laptop by swapping SSDs. (8 screws, disconnect power cable, swap drive, connect power cable, 8 screws) good to go.

M$ has discontinued its free Win10 upgrade regular and more recently for visually impaired, however, you can purchase a retail copy of Win10 and from within Win7 run the DVD and perform an in place upgrade, saves all your programs, files, folder, pictures, music, video, everything and stores it in Windows.old file on your C drive.

I did an in place upgrade for my desktop and laptop. Didn't loose a single program or app, nada.

As for love to have a 1.5 or larger HDD in laptop, you can go to Crucial and use their app to scan your computer and automatically determine what and how much RAM you can use and what and size of SSD. Crucial Website

I have 2 crucial 1tb SSDs for my laptop and Samsung 850 Evo 2tb for my desktop with 4tb HDD as 2nd drive. Desktop is Quad core AMD so I oped for the faster more expensive Samsung. My Laptop has a dual core Intel, slower CPU front side bus, so the cheaper Crucials were the choice there.

Regarding your talking about backups, I use AOMEI Backupper free, which, as most all backup programs provide, ability to mount the backup image (it appears in computer as an additional hard drive) You can't add anything to the image but you can copy and paste most everything (some system files won't let you copy them this way) I have some older versions of programs that are in the download folder of prior images, that I access sometimes.

Several forum members recommend Macrium Reflect, which is a great program, but my experience has been that, those individuals with average computer skills find the GUI (graphical user interface a bit daunting trying to find/navigate the menu as there are many more options on the main and subsequent screens. It took me a few minutes looking over each screen and each new screen that opened clicking the various tabs/links etc. That's why, if I ascertain ones computer knowledge is minimal I recommend AOMEI Backupper free. I LIKE FREE!