Backup Software choice?

Hello whs,
Thank you for that link. I have been leaning towards Macrium, I don't know why really except it lets me choose stuff. I, due to issues with Windows 7, did a complete clean reinstall. After getting the basics on it, no data minimum programs with updates. I did a backup with System Image and repair disk. Don't you know that while installing my scanner software it crapped out and it couldn't see my SATA DVD Drive. Went back to an earlier restore point, problem went away, but gained new problems. Haven't had a restore point work yet, only three tries though. So I just booted to the Repair Disk and went back to the System Image. Everything was perfect and started adding the software and data back on the drive. Pheeeew.
Thanks again
glennc

Thanks again whs,
I was unaware of any inconsistencies with the Windows Backup Program. It saved my bacon today. But if it is intermittent, I do not wish to install W7 again for a while.
Will give it great thought, thank you!
glennc

whs said:

Glenn, the problem with the windows backup and also the system restore is that it is not very reliable. It works sometimes and other times it does not. That was already the case in Vista and seems to still be a problem with Win7.
For that reason I have built my restore strategy around Macrium (after using Norton Ghost and Paragon before). What I like about Macrium is that it is straight forward and you know at every point of the way where you are. I have also been teaching the use of Macrium in my computer club and done many recoveries for real or demo. I never had the slightest problem with those. I use the free Macrium which does all I need.

+1 what he said.

Glenn:

If you want to use Windows Backup, be sure NOT to rename any of the image files it makes and DON'T move them either. Those are 2 of the primary complaints. Just accept the default names and locations.

I gave up on it because the interface is not intuitive and non-intuitive interfaces never inspire confidence in an application. They tried to do a one size fits all thing by putting the imaging capability inside the backup capability when they should have left them separate. A product dedicated to imaging, such as Macrium, doesn't have that shortcoming.

Howdy ignatzatsonic,
Thank you for your advice and opinion. I think I will use a non MS alternative.
I haven't had the time yet to read in depth the difference between a backup, System Image or Backup with System Image. All I know is that for my one necessary us of the Windows System Image, it did exactly what I wanted. It took my computer back to a point of working perfectly and got rid of all remnants of installed programs that Revo and Advanced System Care or a return to an earlier restore point did not accomplish. So in my limited knowledge, I like System Images and I would like to store more than one. Easily and without having to rename or move, which apparently is impossible or questionably safe with Windows backup.
Thanks again.
glennc

ignatzatsonic said:

Glenn:

If you want to use Windows Backup, be sure NOT to rename any of the image files it makes and DON'T move them either. Those are 2 of the primary complaints. Just accept the default names and locations.

I gave up on it because the interface is not intuitive and non-intuitive interfaces never inspire confidence in an application. They tried to do a one size fits all thing by putting the imaging capability inside the backup capability when they should have left them separate. A product dedicated to imaging, such as Macrium, doesn't have that shortcoming.