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

 

[Kari]

Guys, last two days I have now uploaded the Macrium Rescue images three times to my OneDrive. Each time they have just disappeared. I upload the images, a few hours later the folder is empty.

I cannot explain this, I do not know what's happening. Let's make one last try: Macrium Reflect Free Rescue Images

I have again uploaded both WinPE 3.1 & 5.0 images, both 32 & 64 bit. Four images, two folders. I have set the sharing options "View only", and individual file properties "Read only". This allows downloading but does not let any of you to edit or delete the files. For posterity, here are some screenshots:

Shared folders set to "Anyone with link can view":



Both WinPE 3.1 and 5.0 folders have both 32 and 64 bit images:



Both folders on my OneDrive are shared:



Files in both folders shared:



Files set to "Read only", no one should be able to delete these files:



I've done all the above a few times already, but somehow the files have disappeared every time a few hours after I have uploaded them. Let's see how long they last now.

Notice that my OneDrive account is two-step verified, no one else has access to it. Something really strange happening here!

 

[kado897]

Are the "deleted" files in your One Drive recycle bin?

 

[Kari]

No, they are not.

Since my last post less than 40 minutes ago the 3.1 folder with two image files already disappeared, I have once again reuploaded it. At the moment both folders, four files are there, let's see how long :sarc:

It's not a storage issue, I have over 800 GB free on that OneDrive. No unauthorized access, two-step verification is on. Sharing set to "View only", file properties "Read only", yet the files disappear?

 

[kado897]

Sounds like this is a One Drive issue Kari. I can't remember if there is a way of reporting an issue to them.

 

[Kari]

I've reported already.

 

[kado897]

Ah OK.

 

[Kari]

I can't remember if there is a way of reporting an issue to them.

The gear icon top right, select Feedback:

View attachment 372321

View attachment 372320

 

[Kari]

I can't remember if there is a way of reporting an issue to them.

The gear icon top right, select Feedback:

 

[kado897]

Yes. I found it too.

 

[whs]

Stay positive Wolfgang.

Keith that's my only real option and that's what I do. I try to lead a live as normal as possible but with the chemo that is not always easy.

 

[kado897]

Stay positive Wolfgang.

Keith that's my only real option and that's what I do. I try to lead a live as normal as possible but with the chemo that is not always easy.

LOL I guess so.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Macrium Reflect is a bit weird on my PC.

I used its tool to create a Rescue disc but whenever I run MR (from the OS) it complains that I haven't made a Rescue disc.

 

[DavidE]

Macrium Reflect is a bit weird on my PC.

I used its tool to create a Rescue disc but whenever I run MR (from the OS) it complains that I haven't made a Rescue disc.

Doesn't it give you an option to never remind me again on that message ?

 

[lehnerus2000]

Paranoia

Doesn't it give you an option to never remind me again on that message ?

I don't tick those type of options.

I'm always paranoid I'll hide some message and then "pay the penalty" in the future.

In the past, I've created Rescue discs and the program has remembered that.
If a new version of the Rescue disc was released, I'd get new reminder notice.

 

[DavidE]

Understood about the paranoia
I have 2 multi-boot PC's and I've learned creating a single rescue CD/USB/ISO works for both my PC's and all OS's.
I only create 1 new rescue CD/USB/ISO when the Macrium update notes say a new rescue media is needed.
So, I'm use to clicking to ignore the message most of the time.
Maybe i have the same issue as you, and don't even know it

I thought it always prompted to create a new rescue media with every version update but i could be wrong.
I'll have to more attention with the next release(s)

With my setup it would have to be a major problem with multiple PC's/OS's if my most recent rescue media didn't work and i couldn't create a newer one

I probably spent a year or so testing Macrium before i switched from Acronis that i've used for the last 10 years or so.
I understand and appreciate the paranoia, and the importance of reliable backup/restore.

 

[studiostarstuff]

Hello everyone!

i finally solved the error "Could not create a list of required files."

In case anyone encounter the same error, the solution is to check the "Run this program as an administrator"

Here is the steps
1. Right click on the program shortcut on the Desktop and choose Properties
2. choose Compatibility tab
3. go to Privilege Level and check the "Run this program as an administrator"
4. create your Rescue media! and dont forget to test it! arty


@DavidE
Did you use the Multiboot MBR/UEFI option while making the Rescue media? i tried it out and the flash drive should be formatted to FAT, so i cancelled it. Have you tried booting without multiboot in a UEFI system?

@everyone
What is the consensus in regards to Full, Differential and Incremental imaging?
i myself use Full per week and Differential on weekdays

 

[DavidE]

@DavidE
Did you use the Multiboot MBR/UEFI option while making the Rescue media? i tried it out and the flash drive should be formatted to FAT, so i cancelled it. Have you tried booting without multiboot in a UEFI system?

I don't have UEFI, I have Legacy hardware, so i can't test any UEFI

I used step 2 in this tutorial to create a YUMI multi boot USB stick:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/218920-macrium-reflect-create-bootable-rescue-usb-drive.html

The important things i learned is use Try an Unlisted ISO and don't have any spaces in the ISO file-name.
Not following those rules, i had problems, it didn't work.

Great to hear you have it fixed.
Thanks for posting back back with how you fixed it

I believe FULL is the most reliable.
I've been using/testing Differential recently and those work for me (so far).
I would not use Incremental, one bad incremental image, and everything after that is unusable.
In the free V6 version Incremental is not available, Differential is.

I don't use System Restore, so for me differentials are an alternative that i can better control.
If a differential fails, i can restore the last FULL, and have no problem with that.
It's just how i use my systems, and how far back i am willing to go to restore.
Everyone may have different needs.

 

[lehnerus2000]

I believe FULL is the most reliable.
I've been using/testing Differential recently and those work for me (so far).
I would not use Incremental, one bad incremental image, and everything after that is unusable.
In the free V6 version Incremental is not available, Differential is.

How often do you create a new Master Image?

 

[DavidE]

I believe FULL is the most reliable.
I've been using/testing Differential recently and those work for me (so far).
I would not use Incremental, one bad incremental image, and everything after that is unusable.
In the free V6 version Incremental is not available, Differential is.

How often do you create a new Master Image?

I create a FULL image monthly, or whenever I make a significant system change.
Most people probably create more frequent FULL images than I do.

 

[lehnerus2000]

I believe FULL is the most reliable.
I've been using/testing Differential recently and those work for me (so far).
I would not use Incremental, one bad incremental image, and everything after that is unusable.
In the free V6 version Incremental is not available, Differential is.

How often do you create a new Master Image?

I create a FULL image monthly, or whenever I make a significant system change.
Most people probably create more frequent FULL images than I do.

My current system is similar to yours.

I always do "Full" Windows, LM17, Documents & Pictures backup images, before I install "Patch Tuesday" updates.
I often create a Windows backup before installing new software (especially drivers).

I have HDDs clogged with backups (~4 TB) and I was considering using Differential backups to reduce my storage capacity demands.