Making an .img file for Raspberry Pi as a master image?

I am trying to make an image based on the Raspbian OS. I have all the software I want on the SD card (2GB) but I would like to save the state of the card so if I have to reload my good card, I won't have to go through the process of deleting and adding software.

How can I create a .img that I can right to the SD card using the win32diskimager?

Is there Software to do this? How can I get it? Do I need to use linux?

Please answer my questions. This could help others who don't want to go through the same process each time as well.

Thank you in advanced.

GreenYamo over 13 years ago

Hi Fergus,

You can use the Win32diskimager programme, but reverse the process to when you wrote the card.
Browse to where you want to save the image, select the right device for the SD card you want to 'back up' and make sure you hit the read button (Highlighted)
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wallarug over 13 years ago in reply to GreenYamo

Will this work if windows cannot see the ext3/ext4 partitions?
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wallarug over 13 years ago in reply to GreenYamo

Steve Read wrote:

Hi Fergus,

You can use the Win32diskimager programme, but reverse the process to when you wrote the card.
Browse to where you want to save the image, select the right device for the SD card you want to 'back up' and make sure you hit the read button (Highlighted)
I will give this a go later in the afternoon with my external card reader (internal one doesn't read SD card).
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GreenYamo over 13 years ago in reply to wallarug

Hi Fergus, My understanding is that the disk imager works at a lower level than partitions (probably not the correct way to say it, but it is early and I've not had coffee yet) so it shouldn't make a difference what partitions are what, it is reading / writing at the bit level.

Let me know how you get on?
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wallarug over 13 years ago in reply to GreenYamo

Trying it now!
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wallarug over 13 years ago in reply to GreenYamo

Beautiful!
Steve Read wrote:

Hi Fergus,

You can use the Win32diskimager programme, but reverse the process to when you wrote the card.
Browse to where you want to save the image, select the right device for the SD card you want to 'back up' and make sure you hit the read button (Highlighted)
Now I feel much better. I can mess around as I please!
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GreenYamo over 13 years ago in reply to wallarug

It's always good having a backup isn't it :-) Glad you have found it useful.

Steve
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