Using System Restore Points and/or 3rd Party Imaging Software

System Restore and Acronis TI. I've used both since the late 90s.

James

mitchell65 said:

Imperfect1 said:

Up until now I've only used System Restore, so your poll is reminding me of what I SHOULD be doing, and that is, to do both System Restore and imaging. So I think I'll wait to cast my vote until after I do my first system imaging.

May I suggest to make life very easy that you look at Brinks excellent tut:
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Thanks John. Yep, I've seen it, I just haven't done it. . .

System restore and Acronis TI for images.

I would have used the native backup, but when I tried several times, right after getting W7, it hung each time without completing, so I went back to True Image and restore points (when they are available).

Ztruker said:

I allocate about 4GB for System Restore, gives me 12 to 14 days.

I also use Acronis True Image 2010 (not 2011, it was a disaster).

Hi ztruker,

I skipped 2010 and am currently using 2011. Two things I learned with ATIH over the years (since version 7):

You may already know, but:

1) Always create an image of existing install before installing the new version.
2) Always completely uninstall all traces of the previous version.


I've found 2011 to be the best, most stable version to date (of course, ymmv).


James

I don't really consider System Restore and imaging as competitors. Each has its purpose and each is appropriate, depending on circumstances.

I use system restore probably 2 or 3 times a month.

I make images of my system partition (C, containing no personal data) every couple of months, but have not had to restore an image in at least 5 years.

I'm curious why anyone would NOT use System Restore to the extent it worked for them---i.e., what is the reason to use something else, such as an image, if system restore is available and will solve the problem?

I realize SR was buggy in earlier iterations and still is not foolproof and will occasionally fail. With those caveats, are there people who won't even try it when it's available?

I've had System Restore fail to run successfully perhaps 2 times--in over 100 attempts.