Backup software for Win 7...

[PinkiPad]

I need recommendations for backup software, FREE, for Win 7 on a Dell netbook. I have an external HDD for backups.

What would you suggest I get?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Depends what you want to back up:

For complete partitions or complete hard drives, using an image: Macrium Reflect, Acronis True Image, or EaseUS Todo Backup. Macrium and EaseUS free; Acronis free if you have a Seagate or Western Digital hard drive.

For personal data, not using an image: SyncToy, Robocopy, Karen's Replicator, probably a couple of others I can't think of right now. All free.

 

[Corazon]

+1 on all of the above. The free version of Macrium Reflect in particular is very popular around these forums for full partition images.

 

[PinkiPad]

Thanks. I will check those out tomorrow. What is an image backup? I've always backed up all files on a particular HDD. I remember backing up to mini cassettes, though I forget the official name. This was back with Windows 3.1. 2 mg of RAM so it would take hours to backup .

Anyway, I want to back up everything on the computer, from HDD to hidden files. If I had total hard drive failure I'd want to be able to restore all. I believe I have a Seagate drive for backup but would have to check. The name escapes me as it is late

 

[ignatzatsonic]

What is an image backup? I've always backed up all files on a particular HDD.

Anyway, I want to back up everything on the computer, from HDD to hidden files. If I had total hard drive failure I'd want to be able to restore all.

It sounds like you are a candidate for imaging.

An image backup includes EVERYTHING on the partitions imaged--whatever is in that partition or partitions. If the C partition is imaged, that would include Windows, installed applications, configuration info, licensing info, and personal data files IF those files are kept on C. You end up with a single "image" file, which can later be restored.

Images are most commonly used to restore a system when a hard drive or partition fails, or when moving to a larger hard drive.

Images can be used to back up partitions that don't contain Windows (typically a data partition), but that is not their most common use.

An image file cannot be saved on a partition contained within the image. The typical method is to store the image on an external drive or a second internal drive. You could store an image on another partition on the same drive, but that is frowned on.

Individual personal data files can usually be extracted from an image file, but you are best advised to back up data without using an image.

Imaging applications typically require the use of a recovery disc. You make the recover disk within the imaging application and then boot from it to restore your previously made image file. The recovery disks are often Linux-based and need to be checked to confirm they will boot and that your image file and partitions can be located.

An image file can contain multiple partitions or an entire hard drive.

They aren't foolproof. Be prepared for failure and know what you will do in that case.

Windows 7 includes a built-in imaging capability, but it's a bit convoluted and cranky. Some people use it successfully and others use a third party application.

 

[theog]

How to use Dell Recovery Partition,make Recovery Disks & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

 

[HammerHead]

Back Up

I was a long time Acronis user. (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) I really liked it. But every version I had, had bugs in it. Sometimes I could get them straightened out and sometimes not. I got tired of working on it and I have moved on to Macrium 5.0. Right now I am using the free version. I might buy if I can catch a sale.

I might add, I only do images. That fits my needs. If I need a particular file I can mount the image and extract it. If you have large collections of pics, artwork or music etc. You might prefer individual file backups.

 

[bruce73]

Ditto on being a longtime Acronis user. I agree about its frustrating bugs; even more frustrating lack of CS. I use it on my 7/64 media PC, although it won't recognize 3 of my 7 external HDDs when I use the recovery disc. So I've learned to always back up to internals just to be safe.

However on my new 7/64 desktop, Acronis doesn't see my USB keyboard and mouse (no other option) while in recovery mode, which makes the software worthless. I've been using the Windows built-in backup, but somehow don't feel all that easy with it. Maybe I'll check out Macrium.

 

[HammerHead]

Macrium

Just as I hesitate to "badmouth" any software. (Acronis does the job for some or most) I hesitate to recommend some App. I find Macrium more than sufficient for my needs and no bugs so far. I am waiting on a buy opportunity and I will buy.

 

[bruce73]

I installed the free version of Macrium to give it spin. Do you suggest I make the bootable CD with Linux or Win PE? I'm not familiar with Win PE at all. Thanks.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The Linux disc is simplest to make and all you need assuming it boots and can access your partitions and saved image file. You have to confirm that by an actual test.

 

[kado897]

Try the Linux CD first. It is simpler than the PE which requires a 1.7GB download to make it on the free version. Test the Linux disk and make sure it runs OK and can see your backup drive. Some people,myself included, have had problems with the Linux CD. If that does not work then you will need to do the download and create the PE disk. The PE disk is an environment based on Windows. The same one that is used for installing windows and is more robust than the Linux version. The Macrium restore program in that is also more flexible.

 

[bruce73]

OK, thanks, guys, I'll do the Linux first and see how that goes. I saw that a download was needed, but thought it said 1.78MB, lol. The larger download isn't a problem, but I'll go with Linux first.

 

[kado897]

You may find this tutorial useful. It is for a previous version of Macrium but still relevant. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?filter[2]=Backup%20Restore

 

[HammerHead]

Mac

Thank you. I'll have a look. But so far I haven't had any problems. It's fairly straght forward.

 

[whs]

All I ever used was the Linux recovery CD of Macrium - never failed. Here is a little video tutorial I made if you want to know more about Macrium - I also show the recovery steps that are usually not addressed in the tuts. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I

LOL - just saw that Kado already provided the link,

 

[HammerHead]

Mac Recovery Disk

I burned the Linux disk and when I booted I didn't have a mouse or keyboard. Not to worry I burnt one with Win PE that just works fine.

 

[pincushion]

I was a long time Acronis user. (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) I really liked it. But every version I had, had bugs in it. Sometimes I could get them straightened out and sometimes not. I got tired of working on it and I have moved on to Macrium 5.0. Right now I am using the free version. I might buy if I can catch a sale.

I might add, I only do images. That fits my needs. If I need a particular file I can mount the image and extract it. If you have large collections of pics, artwork or music etc. You might prefer individual file backups.

I must have been one of the lucky ones - I used Acronis 8 I think on my XP system and that appeared to have no problems - not that I detected and I did do several restores. I was doubly lucky since it was a magazine give-away hence free. Quite happy with Macrium Reflect free now though.

:huh:

 

[bruce73]

I made the Linux CD and it worked fine -- recognized my USB keyboard/mouse (I did get trapped in the MEM test when I was checking it out ). Anyway, I'm downloading the Win PE file now to have both types of recovery CD on hand. I also watched the video -- very informative, thanks whs.

I do have a question about creating a backup of my C drive (pretty much the only thing I'll be using this for). I have a new HP, which has the small, hidden boot partition (active) before my C (primary). The caveat about making sure the C drive isn't marked as active I understand; but I see no way to make sure that that has happened. Does the newer edition of Macrium I installed today take that into account automatically, so I don't have to worry about it?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

My system is configured to not have that small boot partition, but I think you should image it in your case.

If I recall one of WHS's posts, he says to image it separately from C and only once? Then continue to image C alone whenever you need to.