Recommendations on....

[DarkLegend]

Hey, Does anyone have recommendations on some really good system image restore programs? I've heard a few mention Acronis I think it's called and Deep Freeze (Which is supposed to be REALLY GOOD, like you can on purposely infect yourself and you would be fine.) but that costs a little bit of money.

However, I'm looking for one that can save me from the worst (serious infection,system corruption) and the like. As well as protect itself from malware infecting IT. Preferably a free one..yes I'm a freeloader =(

If you could supply me with some details and download links that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Tarq57]

Funny this question is being asked now. Fairly timely.

I use Macrium Reflect. Free version available. And a 1/2Tb external Seagate HD.
Read good things about the program. The brand/warranty of the HD speaks for itself.

Haven't had to test it, yet.

[DavidR]

There are lots of them out there, most are paid options and some free.

As for really good, that is very subjective, what suits 'you' depends on your OS and how you would like to use it. I have what I consider a good one Drive Image 7.1 the last version before Symantec spit bought out Power Quest. Since this is old it won't support newer OSes, since I'm using XP Pro it works just fine.

- Free EASEUS Partition Master http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm this also allows for disk copying.
- Free Paragon Backup & Recovery 10 Free Edition http://www.paragon-software.com/home/db-express/index.html, this is a big download over 100MB for those on dial-up, phone a friend on broadband.

[bob3160]

Since you use windows 7, why not use the built in backup function
It does an excellent job.

[YoKenny]

Since you use windows 7, why not use the built in backup function
It does an excellent job.

+1

[timcan]

Hi, just curious Since I don't use win 7. What boot/restore disc is used in case of a total image restore ? Thanks 

[YoKenny]

Hi, just curious Since I don't use win 7. What boot/restore disc is used in case of a total image restore ? Thanks 

That's a good question and thankfully I have not had to find out.

Google to the rescue:
How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html

[timcan]

That's a good question and thankfully I have not had to find out.

Thanks for the reply YoKenny.

Just hope it works.

[bob3160]

Hi, just curious Since I don't use win 7. What boot/restore disc is used in case of a total image restore ? Thanks 

You might also want to take a look at:
http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/BootDisksForMostVersions/

[sded]

If it is anything like Vista, I would avoid using the Windows Image Backup.  It requires the use of the Windows recovery disk and recovery of the backup and recovery capability in order to restore the system to your configuration.  With something like Acronis, you get a Linux boot disk that directly restores your system without any intermediate step.  Since a common problem is that Windows won't boot, this is just an unnecessary additional step for those of us who have laptops and no real Windows DVD.

[timcan]

  I was trying to learn something.

This helped also: http://www.petri.co.il/restore-windows-7-from-backup-image.htm

[sded]

BTW, I had never used Macrium Reflect Free so I downloaded it to compare it to Acronis True Image.  The only features missing seem to be the incremental/differential image creation, and with today's low cost large disks doesn't seem a real issue.  Timing (and size) for imaging and verification seemed similar to ATI; didn't actually try to restore, just made a restore disk (Linux version).  You can browse images which I also find useful.  Incremental images are a mixed benefit-smaller copy time, but longer times to verify.  So I would highly recommend it based on a quick look, even after using ATI for 7 years.

[DavidR]

Strange you should mention Macrum Reflect, I have just found a PC Magazine cover disk with a free version of it (no way I could download any of these on dial-up), so I might take a look at it too. I have only ever used Full Independent Backup image with Drive Image.

[.: Mac :.]

Hey, Does anyone have recommendations on some really good system image restore programs? I've heard a few mention Acronis I think it's called and Deep Freeze (Which is supposed to be REALLY GOOD, like you can on purposely infect yourself and you would be fine.) but that costs a little bit of money.

However, I'm looking for one that can save me from the worst (serious infection,system corruption) and the like. As well as protect itself from malware infecting IT. Preferably a free one..yes I'm a freeloader =(

If you could supply me with some details and download links that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

DeepFreeze is a great program. But Microsoft actually offers a similar program for free called Windows SteadyState. Its well worth checking out.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/sharedaccess/default.mspx

[DarkLegend]

Thank you all for the replies. I will check into them.