Create image file on SSD

Question

Have been trying to create an image file on an external SSD drive (Intel 730 series 480GB). Each time I start the saving processes from the computer (Surface Pro3) to the external drive, it always fails quickly. If I change to standard mechanical hard disc the image file is created without problem.

Interesting fact, before I upgraded to the Surface Pro 3 using my older notebook and desktop workstations. With Symantec Ghost I had the same problem. Create an image file to a normal HD OK. Change to a SSD and quickly fails. However I could do normal restore from the external HD to a new SSD on any of the computers. At the time I had thoughts that the software was older and did not like USB and SSD combinations.

Now with a completely different latest software and new hardware, like all hardware USB 3.0 versions. I have the same problem.

Am scratching my head a lot of this one.

Answer 1

If you want to use Ghost, make sure you have all the firmware updates and the latest Ghost executable build 12.0.0.6284 when imaging a Surface pPo 3.

Also is the SSD an advanced format drive with 4k sectors?   If so, Ghost only supports them in legacy mode.

Answer 2

The problem is most likely the SSD card itself.  Those things are unreliable and really only good for general data storage.

With an image file, only use USB pendrives or regular hard disks.

I have a 250GB SSD card and it proved to be unreliable with image files but has been great with regular files.  Unknown why but SSD cards in general will have an issue or two.

Sometimes, if you got a CD that came with the SSD card, you may need to install the driver suite that is on it.  You may also check with the SSD card maker's web site to see if there is a firmware update.

Personally, I wouldn't trust a SSD card for anything other than to use for emergency backups.  Use a regular hard disk or USB pendrive instead.