Macrium Free vs Macrium Pay

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  1. Posts : 4,751
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit - Build 7600 SP1
       #1

    Macrium Free vs Macrium Pay


    I am using the free version. I have visited the site and read what the pay version does. As far as I can tell the incremental backups is really the only thing that seems worthwhile. I was just curious if anyone has tried the pay version and found a feature that made it worth paying for. Thanks,
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  2. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #2

    I bought the Pro version because, at the time, I was using just my new notebook that was using the C: partition for both the OS, programs, and data. I didn't want to mess around with the HDD on my sole working computer so being able to do incremental images of a HDD with over 300GB on it was really attractive. One additional feature of the Pro version was it can install an image onto dissimilar hardware, such as an image from one MOBO to another MOBO, by finding incompatible drivers on the new installation and replacing them with compatible drivers.

    Now that I have two working computers, I was able to take my notebook back to the factory state and resize the partitions so I could keep my OS/programs separate from my data. The data I don't worry much about backing up since it's all taken from my desktop rig which is backed up to the teeth. Imaging the boot partition takes only a dozen minutes or so so I don't really need incremental imaging anymore.

    Being able to install an image from one MOBO to another one is attractive but I do not feel that alone is worth the cost of the upgrade since one can always do a clean install. The tech support that comes with the paid versions can be had here.

    I don't regret getting the Pro version because it met a need I had at the time but, when the next version comes out, I'll probably go with the free one or stay with what I have since it should still work for me.
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  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #3

    I use free Macrium since years and never felt a need for the pro version. I find incremental or even differential images to be of little value (especially in light of today's cheap HDD space) and make only full images that are much easier to manage and less risky. And the extra time it takes for a full image does not bother me either because I run my images in the background whilst I am doing other work.
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  4. Posts : 10,455
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Service Pack 1
       #4

    I bought the pay version two years back with version 4. The reasons.

    1. PE recovery disk. The Linux one was a bit iffy.
    2. Incremental/differential backups
    3. File and folder backups.

    Not sure if I would again. There are good free alternatives that do that.
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  5. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #5

    kado897 said:
    I bought the pay version two years back with version 4. The reasons.

    1. PE recovery disk. The Linux one was a bit iffy.
    2. Incremental/differential backups
    3. File and folder backups.

    Not sure if I would again. There are good free alternatives that do that.
    According to Macrium's feature comparison chart, the free version also has the PE recovery disk.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #6

    I bought Macrium. I had been using Aconis and after Acronis failed me in restoring (the third time) I looked for another backup program. I tried the free version and liked it so I decided to buy it and support them.

    If we don't support people/companies that provide free software eventually there will either not be any free version or the software will be gone completely.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 10,455
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Service Pack 1
       #7

    Lady Fitzgerald said:
    kado897 said:
    I bought the pay version two years back with version 4. The reasons.

    1. PE recovery disk. The Linux one was a bit iffy.
    2. Incremental/differential backups
    3. File and folder backups.

    Not sure if I would again. There are good free alternatives that do that.
    According to Macrium's feature comparison chart, the free version also has the PE recovery disk.
    We are talking version 4 here and I don't think the Windows PE disk was available with the free version then.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #8

    kado897 said:
    Lady Fitzgerald said:
    kado897 said:
    I bought the pay version two years back with version 4. The reasons.

    1. PE recovery disk. The Linux one was a bit iffy.
    2. Incremental/differential backups
    3. File and folder backups.

    Not sure if I would again. There are good free alternatives that do that.
    According to Macrium's feature comparison chart, the free version also has the PE recovery disk.
    We are talking version 4 here and I don't think the Windows PE disk was available with the free version then.
    I stand corrected...no...wait...I'm sitting...I sit corrected.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4,751
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit - Build 7600 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #9

    fireberd said:
    If we don't support people/companies that provide free software eventually there will either not be any free version or the software will be gone completely.
    That is one point that is easily forgotten and needs to be stated. == Thanks to everyone for your info on the pay version.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,379
    Win7 Pro 32-bit, Win8 Pro 32-bit
       #10

    For a comparison of the features, see the following link: Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

    I upgraded to the Pro version for the "restore to dissimilar hardware" feature -- which, to me, was worth the price difference over Standard.
      My Computer


 
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