Backup software

glennc · 22 Jul 2010

Hello Aphelion,
Thank you adding to the mix. I like hearing stories of successful usage of a product. The only way I'll know that it works is when I use it. Sort of like air bags in cars.
Go years without using them. What if mine is defective?
Take care
glennc

Dave76 · 11 Aug 2010

glennc said:

Hello SIW2,
Thank you for your input and time. Up to XP Pro I had a list of 3rd party software that I used regularly. For years and never ran into any extreme problems. Since going to Windows 7, I've had to play for a week trying regular stuff or problems I have never seen before, may ignorance is bliss. At least they weren't apparent. I eventually had to do a complete clean reinstall to a basic running system and used Windows backup with System Image. I had previously installed old favorites on my machine and they didn't work properly, or I didn't configure them right. Anyway after the System Image, I installed drivers and it messed up again, erroring my SATA DVD Drive. Luckily I had the System Image. From my experience on previous Windows I would say I agree with you on 3rd party apps being cleaner, neater and better. Now every time I install something I am doomed. I have spent the day trying to get SuperAntiSpyware completely off my system with the help of a group of accommodating member's help.
I am afraid to install anything practically, that isn't MS even if it is less feature filled or easy to use because of constant issues. So I have a first System Image from Windows that will get me back to a clean basic system. And Macrium Images that will return me to various times after. Hopefully I'm covered. My reliability index went from 10 on the basic system to like 5 and crept back up, but today I put Spybot on and it failed to start properly and I'm back down to 5 -6. I do know that Revo Uninstaller Pro works specifically with and for 64 bit programs and it saved me today. I may actually have to buy a copy it is so helpful. Hours of other attempts did nothing to completely cure my problem. Revo Pro did it first shot.
So who knows???????????????????????????????????????? I am confused and a bit irritable over fighting with a friend on what programs to use.
I guess its try at your peril. The only thing I trust for now is System Images and Revo Pro.
Take it easy.
glennc

Macrium Reflect is an excellent program, I've used it to restore several computers.

Light and fast.

Another good source for free programs that will work with Win7, all have been tested:

FREE Great Programs for Windows 7

Free Native 64-bit programs

glennc · 11 Aug 2010

Well, Windows Backup with System Restore failed me in an unusual way. I decided to go back to my minimal works great Windows System Image. Booted of Windows repair cd and for some reason it swapped my drive letters around. So the backup and Image where not where Windows expected them. Left me with an unbootable machine, no system files.
Luckily I had played with Macrium and had a fairly early System Image and Macrium lets you browse. Boots on its own Linux OS and restored fine. Needless to say, once I had my system cleaned of issues from that particular backup, I did it with Macrium at several points on the way to a fully loaded and running system. Yay Macrium.
glennc

Dave76 · 11 Aug 2010

Glad to hear that Macrium worked for you.

I have not used Windows backup, but have read some similar issues as yours, I'll stay with Macrium Reflect and my DiscWizard from Seagate (a free version of Acronis).

WD has a free Acronis version also, Acronis True Image WD Edition Software.
Another option, if you want to try it.

mjf · 11 Aug 2010

glennc said:

Well, Windows Backup with System Restore failed me in an unusual way. I decided to go back to my minimal works great Windows System Image. Booted of Windows repair cd and for some reason it swapped my drive letters around. So the backup and Image where not where Windows expected them. Left me with an unbootable machine, no system files.
Luckily I had played with Macrium and had a fairly early System Image and Macrium lets you browse. Boots on its own Linux OS and restored fine. Needless to say, once I had my system cleaned of issues from that particular backup, I did it with Macrium at several points on the way to a fully loaded and running system. Yay Macrium.
glennc

I've had problems with sytem restore for reasons that I cannot explain - I therefore don't use it. But with the windows sytem image restore it lets you browse and pick as many valid images on all partitions (in the root) internal and on external (usb) HDDs. I just a bit puzzled by not finding your windows image.

glennc · 11 Aug 2010

mjf said:

glennc said:

Well, Windows Backup with System Restore failed me in an unusual way. I decided to go back to my minimal works great Windows System Image. Booted of Windows repair cd and for some reason it swapped my drive letters around. So the backup and Image where not where Windows expected them. Left me with an unbootable machine, no system files.
Luckily I had played with Macrium and had a fairly early System Image and Macrium lets you browse. Boots on its own Linux OS and restored fine. Needless to say, once I had my system cleaned of issues from that particular backup, I did it with Macrium at several points on the way to a fully loaded and running system. Yay Macrium.
glennc

I've had problems with sytem restore for reasons that I cannot explain - I therefore don't use it. But with the windows sytem image restore it lets you browse and pick as many valid images on all partitions (in the root) internal and on external (usb) HDDs. I just a bit puzzled by not finding your windows image.

That may be due to my inexperience. I know it put it on my E: drive and when I booted off the the Repair Cd the E: drive, became the D: drive and it did not IIRC allow me to look around for a different drive. It didn't find it on E: now the DVD drive and mushed my system. IMHO MS products always seem to be a bit behind third party software. I could be totally wrong, just my experience.
glennc