Windows 7: Seagate Replica backup restore

I just purchased a Seagate Go Flex 2TB external drive for backups. It comes with software called Replica(v.5). I have been reluctant to use it due to reports (seen post purchase) that it causes system crashes especially with right click and that it slows system performance terribly. I have a new win 7 pro 64 bit (OEM legal) DIY build system. Anyone using Replica? Thanks

Never heard of it, but it may be a Seagate Edition of an Acronis product. I know Seagate makes some Acronis products available to Seagate drive purchasers.

I generally would be suspicious of it, particularly when free and known good alternatives are available. I have seen numerous complaints about the software included with external backup drives, admittedly not "Replica".

have never used and would be very, very leary of using.

Win 7 Backup and Restore works perfectly. I use Win 7 Backup and Restore to create/restore system images.

Thank you both for reply. Sounds like the WIN 7 backup/restore is great for system images and I will heed your advice. In contrast to system images, I am also looking at file synchronization products for individual files, particularly Vice Versa. Any thoughts? Thank you so much for being there.JM

There is SyncToy from Microsoft and FreeFileSync which is open source. Both are free. My preference is FreeFileSync.

I made a tutorial video on FFS. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX37AifCJ6Q&feature=plcp

Depending upon what it being synced and where, use SyncToy and SkyDrive

Others to look at; some free, some paid:

Karen's Replicator

Second Copy

Allway Sync

FolderClone

GFI Backup Home Edition

Syncback

Synchromagic

I am wary of backup software supplied by HDD manufacturers.

As far as imaging goes I use Windows inbuilt for routine system images and free Macrium Reflect as a secondary and more flexible imaging program.
The fact is some people experience problems with Windows imaging and it is not very flexible. Macrium is highly regarded.

For file/folder backup I again use the inbuilt Windows program. It's sheer laziness on my part that I haven't tried programs like freefilesync and I would think it would be worth a try.