@61, thanks for the tip but deleting the popupcfg.ini file corrupted my aomei program.

Instead just, edit the popupcfg.ini and change the setting below to something else eg.

[POPUPWINDOWS]
LoadPath=http://www111.google.com


This method, didnt corrupt my aomei program.

Installed successfully.
Tried it once (simply ran it and viewed the displayed disks/partitions; didn't do anything; exited; shut down).
Went to bed.
Boot up failed this morning.

System drive (F) not recognised in BIOS.
System drive not recognised in Windows Recovery Console.
System drive not recognised when trying to run Windows Repair Installation.

Details: Win XP Prof SP3
Updates and .Net Frameworks all up-to-date

Two internal HDs (2 partitions each) - 1. C and E; 2. - D and F
System drive is F
Two external HDs - G and H

In Recovery Console, only C and D (old unworking installations of Win XP remain on them) are recognised. At DOS prompt, changing drive from C:> or >D: to >F: changes to one of my external HDs. ("F" has been reassigned to G).

How do I reaccess my boot drive? I'm sure this has been caused by Aomei PA and I'm sure my F partition is still there, waiting for me somehow to access it.

Found how to remove the annoying pop-up.
Delete the 'popupcfg.ini' from the 'C:\Program Files\AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro Edition 5.2' program folder.

Installed previous GAOTD version 5.1.

The version 5.2 has NO DiskManagerPro within!

Is DiskManagerPro not working correct or is it taken away for GAOTD users?

#48 Alan Raines

My data is in another hard disk.
Has experienced crash before. Recovered using Acronis.

My advice based on personal experience: Always do a full Restore from your Acronis backup.
Never mind if you lose a bit of stuff in between your last Backup and the date of system crash.

Never let Windows Recovery Console "repair" Windows.

Installed and works fine, thanks very much!

#48 "If you have no partitions, the next time Windows crashes irrepairably (which is guaranteed to happen to everyone) your data will not be recoverable without days of effort by someone quite knowledgable $$$, and even then probably not all of it."

These days you would be insane not to have recent full image backups. When 1TB USB hard drives cost less than $100 and usually come with some backup software included, there is no excuse. (Free backup software is available all over the place, anyway.)

@ #16
"“Cons
Only has support for WinPE bootable disc/USB — no Linux-based

And that’s a bad thing?"

That depends on the health of your internet connection. If you're using 3G wireless internet, then yes, a 1.7GB download is a bad thing.

I had a previous version (AOMEI 5.1) of this and when I started installing this, I was told to uninstall the previous version and I clicked okay. When the installation is finished, and when I clicked the icon on the desktop a message came "The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0150004). Click on Ok to terminate the application." I uninstalled it and again installed the software 3 more times and again with the same result. Now what happened is, I lost the previous version as well as the new version. Can anybody suggest me a solution for this? Mine is XP SP3 Thank you.

I use Win XP, Home edition with SP3. I downloaded AOMEI PA Pro and easily installed it. Then I tried to create the Bootable CD for system recovery. Turns out you need Windows AIK (Automated Installation Kit installed). The Bootable CD Wizard directs you to an AOMEI page which directs you to Microsoft, to a version of AIK that AOMEI says works on WinXP - but it does not. It requires Win7. Microsoft directs you to a version for WinXP - but only for the Pro version with SP3. Tried that; it installs, but does not work with the AOMEI Bootable CD Wizard. Did not get a BSOD, but the system hung both times I tried it. Has anyone else tried this and found a solution? Thanks.

I downloaded this program in April 2013 I have used it several times since the installation date.

I have two internal drives and four extra drives ranging from 500 Gb to 3 Tb attached to my Windows Seven, Home Premium computer. I have used the program to make new petitions, resize partitions, move partitions, and copy some small petitions. I have not had any problems with the program.

There is just one thing that I would like to have on the AOMIE program that I have had on other partition program (such as PartitionMagic). I like a search function so that I can look up specific terms and discover how a specific program developer is using those terms. An example is "dynamic disk".

It uninstalls version 5.1 before installing version 5.2 and it installs and works without problem with Windows 8. This is a great product and I have been using it for a while. A couple of things that need fixing:

1. Disk cloning works 90% OK with Windows 8. However, the cloned version loses the "Change PC Settings" functionality.

2. That POP-UP AD window that displays every time you start the program is incredibly annoying !! ... Please, remove that or at least give the user the option to suppress that display on a toggle basis.

Thanks !

Similar problem to other(s); some external discs/usb sticks show up, others don't (they are present and show up on W.Explorer and other partition software OK).

130812
from http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/gg463525.aspx

ESP partitions cannot be mirrored.
Extensible Firmware Interface System Partition (ESP) contains the NTLDR, HAL, Boot.txt, and other files that are [b]needed to boot the system[/b], such as drivers.
ESP partitions can be replicated for high-availability configurations but replication must be done manually and the contents must be synchronized manually when using software volumes.

Microsoft places the HAL, loader, and other files that are needed to boot the operating system in the ESP.

So... of one wants to replace a 1980s era MBR partitioned system disk (~150GB hard disk) with a newer 250GB ssd would not there be a problem (as listed as a feature in the Aomei partition assistant program) getting the boot info mirrored to the new ssd, not to mention all the other system programs.
And would that invalidate the GaotD programs installed on that older HD, (not to mention registry values)?

The Microsoft Reserved Partition (MSR) reserves space on each disk drive for subsequent use by operating system software. GPT disks do not allow hidden sectors.

#14 ric - It is not safe to not use partitions. One must at least have one partition for the operating system Windows, and one partition to store your own personal data files.

If you have no partitions, the next time Windows crashes irrepairably (which is guaranteed to happen to everyone) your data will not be recoverable without days of effort by someone quite knowledgable $$$, and even then probably not all of it.

#36 SpacemanSpiff
This was reported long, long time ago, more than 20 years ago from a reliable source when viruses were very different from today's, they were done by the various “int” instructions which are not applicable in Windows.
It was probably about the time I lived in South America where the first PC (286) I bought came with a virus. There were no anti-virus programs available then and I spent many happy hours hand cleaning EXE and COM files up.

No urban legend my friend and it wasn't front-page news even then as it killed its host, not the brightest virus!.

SOLVED. Used Glary Utilities 2 (Registry Cleaner module) to delete obsolete programs.

Does anyone else get blue screen (Windows XP Pro. SP3 for me) when making a bootable CD after installing its WAIK?

The same as #40:
"... I had the previous version on my system and have uninstalled it. This newer version will not install as it keeps telling me it is installed. ... What should I do?"

#17
Be careful when installing any software remember to reject/decline 3rd party bundled add-on products.

Please Note: While these tools are free, many now include home page hijacks, browser toolbar installations and similar addons, remember to watch out for these via check boxes during the software installation. If you'd rather not install these, don't just keep clicking Next during the setup process: read each screen carefully. I constantly encounter users with multiple toolbars, malware, and extraneous software because they failed to read the screens when installing something. If a box is checked, read what's next to it. Do not simply click "next." always Choose "Custom" installation options where they're offered, and clear the checkboxes next to any "bonus extras" which you'd rather not have on your system.

SERIOUSLY!!!!!! that was WAY to freaking easy!!!!!, downloaded and installed perfectly, very easy to use and understand user interface, used my CD ROM port to hook my new 160 hard drive to,started my system, launched this software, followed the easy instructions, copied my 40gig hard drive to the new hard drive in less than 15 minutes and everything is working perfectly!!!! seriously impressed!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

I have tried to install this several times. I had the previous version on my system and have uninstalled it. This newer version will not install as it keeps telling me it is installed. I have gone through my system and removed all AOMEI files and still the new version will not install. It tells me still it is installed and is not. What should I do?

I am wondering why my two external 1 TB USB 3.5" HD Drives in docks do not show up? My USB 2.5" drive in an enclosure does.

analyzing the installed information I found out there were 2 applications installed first one is of course 'AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro 5.2' and the second os 'AOMEI Partition Assistant is_1'. anyne knows what is this send one does and why it is installed in hidden?
could not find any information on Aomei Web site.

#6: "I use both Paragon and EaseUS partition managers which I find to be pretty good. I guess I prefer EaseUS at this point. I have never heard of Aomei so I’d like to hear anyone who has experience enough to make some comparisons. "

Aomei seems roughly on a par with EaseUS when their partitioning apps are used for standard creating, re-sizing, formatting partitions -- I don't like using any partition app to relocate data, e.g. moving the start of a 2nd partition to make room for the 1st partition to grow, but if that's what you wanted to do I'd give the edge to EaseUS, mainly because I *think* it's more mature. The Aomei install has less impact on Windows compared to EaseUS, which *may* be a benefit when/if you're adding it to a generic Win-PE type Windows disc [reboot.pro] &/or maybe a VM. Paragon's partitioning apps go a bit further with added features, & like most of their apps can work for the most part portably, but I'd recommend caution for now using them with win8.1, as *some* tests using VMs rendered the win8.1 disk unbootable.

That said, there's nothing wrong IMHO with downloading & using a GParted setup [ http://gparted.sourceforge.net/ ], which I think will do what most folks need done when it comes to partitioning -- you create a bootable CD/DVD or USB stick, then boot into Linux running GParted so no install or drivers or anything like that necessary.

* * *

#29: "I attempted to repartition the C drive on my new Toshiba laptop to create a backup partition using the bootable disc – all seemed to be going well until I attempted to reboot the system. The computer screen indicated that there was a problem and the unit attempted to reboot itself – again and again and again. It turned out that somehow the hard drive was irreparably damaged. "

Could be wrong but don't believe there's any way to physically damage a hard drive using normal software like a partitioning app. You might want to try a boot disc or USB stick that'll let you see if all your files are still there or not -- if so, perhaps a Windows repair install will get things working -- if not, you might try a partition recovery app [e.g. EaseUS has one I think], & if that doesn't work reinstall Windows or see if you can restore everything to factory defaults using a disc or discs from Toshiba.

* * *

#33: "I just used this software to allocate more space to my C drive as it was getting full. It worked very well. I had to first make another partition smaller and then re-allocated that free space to my C drive. My PC restarted and the process too about an hour to complete."

Just FWIW... you should do a disk/partition image backup before messing with partitions. Once you have that backup [or backups] in hand, I don't see a need to have *any* partitioning app move *any* data. In your case assuming you have partitions C: & D: created on your 1st hard drive, after backing up the partitions separately I'd delete D:, enlarge C:, then restore the backup of D: in the remaining space, which would take care of re-creating that partition. The time it takes will vary of course depending on hardware, amount of data etc., but it's normally faster than using a partition app & since no data is actually moved -- raw data's copied to an archive & then copied back -- there's less risk of any errors.

My C drive is full and I would like to migrate it to my 2TB hard drive. Due to lack of space on C, I will not D/L and install this program if it will cause me having to rename all the programs I now have or risk losing the functions of my programs including the GOTD software I now own. I'm using XP Pro SP3.

#35 [XP-Man] Purely urban legend. It always happened to someone's neighbor/cousin/etc.
No virus has ever been discovered that caused physical damage to hardware. *That* feat would be front page news.
But this isn't the forum for this discussion.

#31 SpacemanSpiff
A number of years ago there was a virus that physically damaged hard drives, it forced the head into places it wasn't supposed to go, just thought I'd let you know. :-)

I have nothing to test today's download on, but judging by the interface looks really nice program to use with plenty of features.
I've also downloaded their free drive clone, hope it is as easy-to-use as their partition program.

Installed as instructed, but when I enter the registration code it says invalid. I extracted everything to the same folder and ran the setup program. The giveaway of the day software said it was activated, but everytime I start it up it asks for a registration key and when I enter the code it comes back and says invalid. First time I ever had a problem installing a giveaway. Any suggestions would be helpful thanks.

I regret that Ashraf's review appears out of date and MAY be very wrong.

The review falsely states
"... download 1.7GB Windows Automated Installation Kit whereas WinPE-based bootable media does"
That was true some time ago for the creation of Vista/Win-7 compatible WinPE3 Bootables.

It was true for Macrium Reflect BUT IS NO LONGER TRUE,
because Microsoft now provide a MUCH smaller download that is based on Windows 8 to create WinPE4 Bootables.

Some one needs to test the latest version of AOMEI to determine its download requirement.

#29 Goldenbarstewart: There are a number of things that go wrong anytime you're playing with partitions. *Always* backup first.
That said, an "irreparably damaged" hard drive did not occur from the use of partition software.
You may lose everything you had, but you cannot damage a drive beyond repair.

mr.D at #17 i agree with you

Sorry - I recently had a bad experience with a previous version of this software - the Pro 5.1 - I attempted to repartition the C drive on my new Toshiba laptop to create a backup partition using the bootable disc - all seemed to be going well until I attempted to reboot the system. The computer screen indicated that there was a problem and the unit attempted to reboot itself - again and again and again. It turned out that somehow the hard drive was irreparably damaged. Anybody had a similar problem?

#2 Name (required). When I ran the installer English was automatically selected as the installation language. But if you were to click on the box showing the language, a dropdown list appears and at the top, just above English is Deutsch. I suspect that's what you've done.

This is useful software, I've used it since V5.0, along with (paid for) Acronis.
But how do you stop the 'more free software' pop-up from appearing when you run it!!

Nice input, Giovanni. I am going to follow your lead and download this gem, albeit on another computer.

It's one of the best partition software out there! I just resize the partition of my "e" folder and transfer it to my "c" folder. Works perfectly and i don't need to restart my PC. Thanks for this giveaway!

Install under XP SP3 was flawless. Install under Win 7 Pro required that I manually enter the registration key. Could not copy/paste the info under Win 7 Pro. None of this impacts the ability of the program to do its supported tasks.

Downloaded and installed okay but it could not "show" the corrupted Linux partition on my SSD, that I have been trying to remove, only the Windows partition, so it is of no use to me.

downloaded fine and work good. also I got 1 more program from the website free. thx gaotd. Giovanni makes a good point that windows have its own partition program. I did not know that so thanks Giovanni for that.

How is this compared to Paragon Partition Manager 12 that has already been promoted here?

No trouble installing. Registration worked as instructed.

Does not see used space on EXT4, reports only some small fraction of it. I dual boot Win7 and Linux on separate HDDs and I can't use this for the Linux drive.

"Only if backup both the system and boot files can ensure the operating system work normally when restoring the OS next time" Ok.. maybe it's nit-picky but this is just one of many sentences for their "backup" software explanation that made me read it a couple of times before I got what they were trying to say.

Thanks GOTD for this offer (part software) but note to developer. Whatever software your using to write up your software explanations, get a refund.

#4 Giovanni

Do you test the software you recommend because I have had several programs trying to install themselves at the same time and I wish you would warn us of spyware or whatever problems there are with these programs you recommend to us.

Nr 1. "Cons
Only has support for WinPE bootable disc/USB — no Linux-based

And that's a bad thing?

@Ludwig: Here it goes about Partition Assistant and NOT Multicloud! You get money for advertising?!?

Uninstalled Ver5.1 and installed this version 5.2.

Actually I do not partition my hard disks nowadays. I used to do so.

My Acronis backup software allows me to exclude specific folders; so I just leave the hard disk without partitions.

For those who do partition, MiniTools has a solid freeware for this purpose.

►► How is this version Pro 5.2 different from the Pro 5.1 released here on GAOTD in February? Thanks.

Will this software allow me to remove a corrupted Linux partition?

I've used FREE AOMEI Partition Assistant - Standard Edition many times to create, move, clone, and resize partitions, and all these work well to me. Thank you GOTD and AOMEI to giveaway the Pro Edition.

By the way, in case your computer loses power or goes down for some reason, i highly recommend backing up your important data before making changes on hard disk partition. AOMEI also provides data backup & disaster recovery solution - AOMEI Backupper (http://www.backup-utility.com/free-backup-software.html) which is free to use.

*System/Partition/Disk Backups
*Schedule/Incremental/Differential Backups
*Restore Everything Back to Its Original State
*Clone Hard Drive & Partition
*Backup to NAS, Dynamic Volumes Backup
*Create WinPE Bootable Disc Without Downloading Windows AIK
*Support Windows 7/8/Vista/XP and Server 2003/2008/2012

In general，the two AOMEI tools are must-have program if you partition your hard drives frequently or wouldn't lose your data.