Macrium - Install 2 Versions

[abredt]

I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit on a desktop computer. I have made disk images using Macrium Reflect Free Version 4.2.

Should I install the latest Macrium Version 6.?
How can I keep Version 4.2 (and the new version) in case I need 4.2 to use an older backup?

Thanks, cb

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I haven't paid extremely close attention, but I think Macrium 6 can restore images made with any earlier version, so I'm not sure the "need to use an older backup" is a good reason not to upgrade to 6.

However----I'm less sure that an image made with 6 can be restored using recovery media made with 4.2. If memory serves, that won't work.

Someone else may be able to clarify.

If you do upgrade, I'd think you should make new recovery media.

Do you have some other reason not to move to 6? As far as I know, it has added features, but if you don't need the added features, I can see why you might not want to bother.

I did upgrade and have no interest in the new features. The new version seems to have added a step or two to the process (regarding scheduling) that I have to walk through. Maybe there's a way around that--I haven't bothered to drill into it.

 

[SIW2]

Copy the Program Files\macrium folder to your desktop.

Rename it macrium4.

Install v6.

Copy/move the macrium4 folder back into Program Files.

Then just create a shortcut to Program Files\macrium4\reflect.exe.

I use AOMEI Backupper. Standard version is free. Simple to use and includes restore to different hardware feature.

However macrium works fine also. Use whichever suits you.

 

[SIW2]

Alternatively, you can keep a copy of the macrium v4 msi file. It is in Windows\Installer folder. It might have an odd name, so just hover over each .msi to see which it is:

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Version 6 is supposed to be compatible with earlier images. What you can't do is use an earlier version of Macrium Reflect to restore images made with a later version.

If you are still nervous about it (nothing wrong with being cautious), just install the earlier version on a CD or a USB stick (you should already have one anyway for the version you are using) and just use it if you find out an image made with that version won't work with the later version of Macrium Reflect. There is no need to install two versions on your computer, just the current one.

 

[abredt]

I decided not to update it. I'll stick to Version 4.2.

Thanks to all, cb

 

[mjf]

How can I keep Version 4.2 (and the new version) in case I need 4.2 to use an older backup?

Thanks, cb

Maybe I missed your point.
Why do you need to install 2 versions. When I restore an image I use the rescue disk. You should have a V4.2 rescue disk (best to have more than one and also store the ISO) and you use that to restore V4.2 images. If you ugrade to V6 you use the V6 rescue pe to restore those images.

I have V5 on one PC and V6 on another. I was able to use the V6 rescue pe 5 (not to be confused with the Macrium version) to restore my Macrium V5 images. The pe 5 rescue disk has built in USB3 drivers which is useful. I'm not sure about the backward compatibility with Macrium V4 images.

 

[abredt]

I thought the newest version might be better??
cb