Imaging with free Macrium

   Information

This tutorial shows imaging with free Macrium Version 5.0. If you are still using Macrium Version 4.2, go to this Vimeo site where the tutorial of that version is stored.

The Video does not show the recovery part because I have no setup to screen capture it. But Keith (Kado) made this excellent recovery tutorial with text (but no sound) that he captured from a virtual partition.

   Warning

Note that the external disk to which you image must be formatted in NTFS. A disk that is formatted in Fat32 will accept an image, but the recovery programs cannot restore that image. You can, however, mount (open) a Fat32 image as VHD.

   Note

The production of the WinPE recovery CD (which is highly recommended) may take up to 3 hours because Macrium needs to download the 1.7GB WAIK (Windows Application Installation Kit). For your convenience I have uploaded a ready made .iso of the WinPE recovery disc. That can be downloaded in appr. 8 minutes which clearly beats the WAIK download. Once you downloaded and unzipped the folder, you can burn it directly to a CD with e.g. ImgBurn.

Here is the link to my Skydrive site.

Here is an alternate link from FileSwap (courtesy of Gary - Britton30)

I draw your attention to the fact that this WinPE CD can also be used to make images. That may be convenient in case you do not want to install Macrium on your PC.

This video tutorial explains the full cycle of the imaging process which is:

· Initial setups
· Image definition
· Image scheduling
· Image production

The imaging program that was used for this tutorial is free Macrium. But the basic principles are the same for other imaging programs although the user interface will be different.

This video runs for appr. 7 minutes.
There is a related thread on the Vista forum which gives a brief introduction to Macrium followed by a discussion.
You can download the free Macrium edition from here.

Note: If you have a problem with the loudness of the sound output of the video, check the "Loudness Equalization" box in your Playback device. It is under the 'Enhancements' tab.

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Create a System Image Backup in Windows 7
• How to Do a System Image Recovery in Windows 7
• How to Backup User and System Files in Windows 7
• How to Restore Backup User and System Files in Windows 7
• How to Restore your System with a Broken Windows 7 System Image
• How to Create a Bootable Rescue USB Flash Drive for Macrium Reflect

 

[COMPUTIAC]

I went to majorgeeks and D/L'd Macrium free.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/macrium_reflect_free_edition.html
Where it says "download location & options" when I click on options, it shows "Reflect installer & PE 4 components".

If I click on the drop-down menu, it gives the option to choose "Reflect installer & PE 5 components".

Which one do I want to use ?

 

[Britton30]

Bob, go here instead, Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download It's from c|NET, but no BS like Major Geeks.

 

[SIW2]

If you running 8.1 choose pe5. Wahtever os you are running, choose pe5. Might as well.

It won't include windows recovery/refresh options, whichever you choose.

 

[whs]

The RE key is F9 - go figure. And yes, I can see the microSD card. I think the problem is the Macrium WinPE. I don't even know which OS they use on that WinPE.

Just saw a bunch of new postings and saw that you also found the F9. Let me read all that.

 

[COMPUTIAC]

Bob, go here instead, Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download It's from c|NET, but no BS like Major Geeks.

Got it from your link but, it is exactly the same thing.
The same option choices need to be picked.

Yes, I have 8.1, do I need to have the windows recovery/refresh options ?

If I do, how do I get them ?

 

[whs]

If you running 8.1 choose pe5. Wahtever os you are running, choose pe5. Might as well.

It won't include windows recovery/refresh options, whichever you choose.

Right - PE4 does not support 8.1

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Bob, go here instead, Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download It's from c|NET, but no BS like Major Geeks.

C-Net has become notorious for adding sneakware and other malware, especially Open Candy.

I used to recommend MajorGeeks but it appears they also have become donkey excavations like C-Net. I couldn't even get to the download page because I have their cookies and ads blocked. Secure them with a helical fastener!

I just checked FileHippo by downloading MR Free from them and scanning the file with Avast, MBAM, Spybot, and SAS; all scans came up clean.

 

[bawldiggle]

I just downloaded FileHippo its titled Macrium Reflect.
Would like to confirm it is free Macrium ?

I know zero about imaging and have been following this thread since almost the beginning.

Thank you

 

[Golden]

Yes, its the free one...click on the Technical tab

Download Macrium Reflect 5.2.6474 - Technical Details - FileHippo.com

 

[bawldiggle]

Thanks Golden
Its been one of those days !

 

[whs]

All programs from Filehippo are free.

 

[kado897]

All programs from Filehippo are free.

Actually that is not quite true. IcoFx is an example of a 30 day free trial. It used to be free and when the free version was discontinued I informed them but it is still there.

 

[whs]

Hmm, looks like they are slow making updates. Thanks Keith for pointing that out.

 

[kado897]

06 Sep 2011 was when the first non free version (2.0) was released. They still have the last free version (1.64) in their archive though.

 

[bawldiggle]

FREE ? If a product is worth it, I pay or donate!

This thread refers to Free Macrium ... I assume a "technical version" (economics aside) ?
Am I right in assuming "Macrium" have a fewer-features (no-charge) version and a pro version.
(On Macrium site only free-trial and pay-now versions)I have just been through the mill with a download of "Handbrake" that features on their home page as 32/64bit download.
Downloaded and installed on my 32bit lappy ok .. but the app is unsuited. Geek-jargon alert meant nothing to me.
By accident through google the app is originally for MAC but they do have Windows versions.
In fact they have multiple versions, Mac, Linux, Windows ... then 32bit, 64bit.
As an IT late bloomer ... versions and bit-types can be a mine-field.
It is what download pages don't say or simply imply that causes frustration and blood-letting.

A visit to Macrium Reflect 5.2.6474 ex FileHippo is 32-bit.

But Macrium Home page download is 32/64bit. (CNet aside) ... and not a mention of "Free Macrium"

Will 32bit Free Macrium be adequate for both 32bit and 64bit PCs ?

Sorry to labour the point. I get that free-Macrium is no charge.
Most contributors on this thread are extremely talented and you all know what "you" are talking about.
It looks like imaging is vastly superior to restore points.
A lot of late bloomers like me should be seriously considering imaging ... I gather, by using Macrium.

Thanks to all for such an interesting thread, I have a lot to learn

 

[Britton30]

All programs from Filehippo are free.

Actually that is not quite true. IcoFx is an example of a 30 day free trial. It used to be free and when the free version was discontinued I informed them but it is still there.

Yeah you have to be careful, file hosts aren't very reputable in making it obvious whether it's a free or trial version. They are quick to say "Free Download" though, that's different, most all downloads are free but may take money to make the thing work.
Plus having 13 big green "Download" buttons is meant to further confuse the unwary.

 

[kado897]

If I remember correctly the Macrium installer determines whether you need a 32 or 64bit version.

 

[bawldiggle]

If I remember correctly the Macrium installer determines whether you need a 32 or 64bit version.

I would hope so too BUT...
Free Macrium from FileHippo Download Macrium Reflect 5.2.6474 - Technical Details - FileHippo.com is 32bit

AND ...



I hesitate to load "experiments" onto my laptop, because over time and too many experiments (from experience) the PC/laptop becomes unstable. (It did in WinXP!)

Do I assume IF this is a genuine 32bit app, it will be fully functional on a 64bit PC ... also?

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

...I hesitate to load "experiments" onto my laptop, because over time and too many experiments (from experience) the PC/laptop becomes unstable...

That's ironic because you can use Macrium Reflect to prevent that. I always make an image of my OS just before installing a program or any other major change just in case something goes south. If something goes south, I just restore that image.

 

[whs]

The 32bit refers to the OS, not to the CPU capability.