Symantec’s Norton Ghost was once the undisputed king of disk imaging. Version 11.5, specifically the DOS and Windows 32-bit executable ( Ghost32.exe ), was legendary. It could clone a hard drive sector-by-sector, back up a failing disk, or restore an image in minutes.
Another tool on Hiren’s Boot CD was 7-Zip (usually version 9.20 or 4.65). Most technicians used it to unzip drivers or extract ISO files. But in 2011, a power user discovered a secret:
: Use 7-Zip to extract ghost32.exe from the archive. 2. Prepare the Boot Media ghost32 7z for hiren boot cd
Integrating ghost32.exe into Hiren’s BootCD transforms the utility from a general repair tool into a robust imaging solution. By downloading the file, placing it in the HBCD\WinTools\Files\ directory, and rebuilding your bootable USB, you can restore older images and manage disk cloning with ease. While modern alternatives exist, the familiarity and power of Symantec Ghost make it a crucial component for any technician's toolkit.
Modern versions like Hiren’s BootCD PE are based on Windows 10/11 PE. Hiren's CD-Creating Ghost32.Uha With Uharc - Scribd Symantec’s Norton Ghost was once the undisputed king
To maximize space savings, open the 7-Zip GUI tool, select the folder, and configure the compression settings: 7z Compression level: Ultra Compression method: LZMA2
Legacy versions utilize a specific folder layout on the bootable USB to extract tools dynamically into Mini Windows XP. Another tool on Hiren’s Boot CD was 7-Zip
: A modern, highly reliable imaging tool included in many recent HBCD variants. AOMEI Backupper