Clonezilla or Windows 7 system image backup?

[JohnCoder]

I have used both, wondering if anybody here had success or failure *restoring* from either? Windows 7 system image backup would seem more dependable given it is the actual operating system backup up the system; but I noticed my win7 system backup image includes a ~60GB in size single file which will not fit on a 50GB blu ray data disc. A Clonezilla backup can be spread out amongst a couple of cheap 25GB blu ray data discs. But the true test, what matters of course, is which (either or both) will dependably *restore* when that task is needed.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Both clonezilla and win7 built-in backup cannot resize partition on restore. Both don't compress.
All that software work. Only don't forget to restore the same type as it was (primary or logical), and mark the correct pratition ACTIVE. Drive letters and bootmenu are wrong after using clonezilla ... so system doesn't boot, but "startup repair" fixes that in a few minutes.

I recommend Macrium Reflect FREE... it's free, it can compress data, it can resize on restore, it adjusts bootmenu on restore. Also it can span on multiple DVD's.

 

[JohnCoder]

...I recommend Macrium Reflect FREE... ...

Look like Macrium Reflect 'free' is only a free trial for 30 days, then $.

 

[Kaktussoft]

...I recommend Macrium Reflect FREE... ...

Look like Macrium Reflect 'free' is only a free trial for 30 days, then $.

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download totally FREE ... forever!!

 

[JohnCoder]

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download totally FREE ... forever!!

Thank you. I was at macrium.net not macrium.com and macrium.net showed a 30 day trial.
i just downloaded and installed macrium reflect!

 

[mjf]

I've used Windows inbuilt and Macrium free for some years now. If you had to pick one it would be Macrium IMO even though I still use Windows inbuilt as my default (it just works so easy for me for basic OS partition imaging). Whatever though, I strongly recommend against DVD system image backup. You should be using an external HDD and ideally 2, then short of Motherboard hardware failure you should always be able to get out of trouble. Trouble can take many forms including OS HDD failure, malware, bad software/driver installs. Keep a number of system images staggered over time.

 

[pabuman]

I had success restoring from Windows 7 system image backup.
But it is very slow.
Why don't you mention Ghost?
I also used Ghost before.
But now I use aomei Backupper instead.
Because Ghost is paid now, But the aomei backupper is free and also with magic power

 

[mjf]

It has not been my experience that the Windows inbuilt system image restore has been "slow". In fact I find it faster than the reputable Macrium Reflect. Of course it depends on how much you have to restore. If you image large, heavily filled partitions with data that should be elsewhere then you will get longer image and restore times.