Solved Questions about System Images

[huffman]

I have recently installed Win 7 Pro. I have Acronis 2011 installed. When I try to backup my C-Drive, Acronis sees my C-Drive as "Empty" and will not create an image. Here is what I see:





Definitely NOT Empty.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Next Question:

I have never used the built-in backup in Win 7, but I have heard good things about it. My question is "How reliable are backup images using the built-in when saved to DVD(s)"?

I know it is best to backup to another partition, but I am just curious using DVD(s).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Roderunner]

Hi huffman, Acronis 2011 has known bugs. If you still have the 2010 version build 7046 I would use it. Re the other questions in your post, never used it.

 

[severedsolo]

I have never used the built-in backup in Win 7, but I have heard good things about it. My question is "How reliable are backup images using the built-in when saved to DVD(s)"?

Hi Huffman,

Indeed those good things you have heard are true. If it wasn't for the terrible compression ratio of the images I would use it, but Acronis suits my needs better.

To answer your question about the DVD's, although I haven't tried it myself, I know that people have been successful in restoring from DVD's. Although I imagine it's a bit slow, here is a link to someone who tried it just yesterday:
http://www.sevenforums.com/backup-restore/151293-restoring-image.html#post1301658

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

This is a much more reliable / versatile tool than the default Windows 7 imaging.


Imaging with free Macrium

 

[huffman]

I just reinstalled Win 7 this morning and used my Acronis Rescue disc to image my C-Drive and it worked fine. Why it did not work before I have no clue as it saw my C-drive as empty.

I have both Acronis 2010 and 2011, but I hate the interface on 2010 .

If rescue disc continues to work I don't have to install either.

I do intend to try to use the built-in imager and save to DVD(s) for no other reason than one more way to back up my system.

I believe I tried Macruim a while back and never understand how it was supposed to work. I may not have given it a fair try, so I may it again

Thanks for all the info

 

[gregrocker]

It would be a much more practical and stable method to store your Win7 or Acronis backup image on your second HD.

You also need to use Diskpart or free Partition Wizard bootable CD to mark F Inactive as only the System partition should be marked Active: Partition - Mark as Active - Windows 7 Forums

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Option Two #2 in this first tutorial at the link below will show you how to use an elevated command window within Windows to do so or you could boot to diskpart if need be.


Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

DISKPART : At PC Startup

 

[mjf]

I have never used the built-in backup in Win 7, but I have heard good things about it. My question is "How reliable are backup images using the built-in when saved to DVD(s)"?

I know it is best to backup to another partition, but I am just curious using DVD(s).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you

I use Windows 7 imaging as my primary imaging software and Macrium Reflect as a safeguard and to do the occassional more flexible task. Neither has failed me.
I have reimaged with Windows 7 imaging > 10 times without a single problem even to a couple of brand new HDDs.

I would never rely on DVDs for an image backup. Ideally you should have several images and I think using 2 different imaging apps. An external or separate internal HDD is the only way to go. A 500GB external HDD cost around ~$60!

 

[huffman]

Thanks guys, this is exactly what I wanted to know.

I have everything I need now.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Good to see you found a solution and thanks for the update.