First Defense by Raxco

[hollywoodpc]

I am looking for info on this program . I am trialing it . Just want some thoughts from those that have used it or still use it . Many thanks in advance . And Peter . I started this thread cause I got tired of waiting for you to . lol . Thanks

[Peter2150]

At HollywoodPc's request my impressions.

First I think First Defense is fantastic, and also Raxco is fantastic.

First Defense basically gives you the option of keeping up to 10 different snapshots of your system. They all must reside on your main drive. Also they do consume space. I keep one snapshot and it is the same size as the contents of my hard disk. You could easily reduce the size of one you wanted to keep by uninstalling stuff from the snapshot.

I use it for 2 reasons. First for some testing like when I trialed KAV, I boot to the secondary snapshot, work there, and then when I am done go back to the primary and recopy. The other reason for my love affair. This morning I was playing around with some stuff in a new program, and discovered I had hung my computer. Power button rebooted, and got the the log in window, but system would hang on log in. When into Safe mode to see if I could clear the problem.(I couldn't). No Sweat, I just rebooted into my seconday snapshot which was fine, and did a copy (3 minutes), and booted back into my primary snapshot and went about my business. FDISR has save my bacon this way on several occasions. Makes me very willing to experiment, I just make sure my secondary snapshot is up to date first.

Now let me tell you what Raxco is like. I ran into a problem with Perfect Disk 7.0 recently. Wouldn't do the offline defrag. I called and got hold of the tech support tech I've talked to before. He asked a few questions, then asked me to try something. I called back with the results, and he then said he would send a program with instructions to run and then send back the log. He did, and I did. While we were waiting for the developers to look at what I sent we got to talking about did the same thing happen under version 6.0. I no longer had version 6 which is no longer available. He sent me a copy so I could test. He then had me run another log to give to the development team. While waiting I accidently stumbled on the solution, but in the process screwed up First Defense. He then helped me fix that. THis was only over a 3 day period.

More on Raxco. I am buying a notebook, and wanted Raid 0, but wasn't sure it would work with First Defense. Called my tech support guy and he said absolutely yes. I then asked him sort of jokingly if Raxco would make any kind of deal on a 2nd purchase. (They do have a PD and FDISR powerpack at 20% off). He said he bet marketing would do something for a returning customer. A while back I had responding to a VP who wrote a purchase followup Email. They must have like my comments, as I heard from a lady in Marketing who asked me if they could use what I'd written as a testimonial. I said yes, and got a lovely shirt out of it. Anyway I emailed this lady, and asked her what if anything they could do for me purchasing a 2nd set of these programs. She responded with a 25% of coupon which I used on the 20% off package.

Service like this on great software.

HollywoodPC, this may have been far more than you wanted, but it is why I am enthusiastic about these products.

Pete

[Peter2150]

You were waiting and I was writing. :D

[hollywoodpc]

Thanks Pete .
I have PD 7 and have dealt with Raxco . Unlike you , I do not like their tech support . For me , it stinks . When they do reply , it has been generic and unhelpful . Also . I found it interesting that I inquired today , about a discount on FD as I am a returning customer . They sent me to a link where EVERYBODY gets 20 % off . I wrote back and said I thought they might give me something better as I am being loyal . Nope ! That was it . This too , irritated me . But , I was interested in FD . Thank you Pete for this analysis . Very nice of you . I will not forget it .

[Peter2150]

Hollywoodpc

You are most welcome. I've found for me it easiest to pick up the phone and call. Being in their backyard doesn't hurt. On the discount thing, also having both products, and a person I'd dealt with before probably made a big difference. I suspect the person I contact was a much bigger factor then the 2 products.

All that aside First Defense is a wonderful product.

All the best

Pete

[hollywoodpc]

Thank you again . Tough decision but , I like the product . Could be a life saver . I wonder what else out there is like this . hmmmmm

[Acadia]

Ok, first, I would recommend that anyone wanting to trial FirstDefense, go to the Raxco website and study all the pdf files, faq and knowledgebase on FD, there are several, before even downloading it. FD is not a set-and-forget program like GoBack is, another excellent program by the way in my opinion. FD is much more flexible than GoBack, you can do much more with it, but, it is not as easy to use and you've got to know what you are doing.

Here are several threads from the pas about FD with much information, good luck:

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=54766&highlight=firstdefense+acadia

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=66418&highlight=firstdefense+acadia

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=67398&highlight=firstdefense

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=44413&highlight=raxco+acadia

Acadia

EDIT: Two other programs that will take your hard drive "back in time" are, of course, GoBack, and ReStoreIt from Farstone, which is similar to GoBack in that you only have one history bin and can only go in one direction: back. With FD, you can return to the present, or should I say, goback to the future. ;)

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Thank you again . Tough decision but , I like the product . Could be a life saver . I wonder what else out there is like this . hmmmmm <-QUOTE}

There are some others. One is Symantec's Goback. I used this when it was owned by Roxio. They have fixed the time limitation to some extent in that they doubled the storage area from 4g to 8g. It worked well, but the problem was it was a sliding time window, and a few very large files, and you shrank that window. Had it on a friends machine and the time window got shut down due to some very large files. Thats when I moved on. of course there is also Symantec's legendary support.

Another product is RestoreIt 6.0 by Farstone. Don't know much about, but I did use one of their disk imaging programs. It was primitive compared to others, and I gave it up. I am not to awfully inclined to go looking as First Defense has worked for me time and again.

Hey I see you are in VA. If you ever need techsupport again, PM me and I'll give you my contact.

Pete

[Acadia]

Good grief, I believe the three of us are in the same neighborhood, and my wife and I are going to be vacationing once again in Shenandoah National Park in two months.

Acadia

[hollywoodpc]

Thanks Pete . On the way . And thanks Acadia . Your links were good reading . I learned a little bit . Seems FD is pretty easy though . I reformatted and found this gem . So I have a snapshot of everything in perfect order .

[Acadia]

{QUOTE-> So I have a snapshot of everything in perfect order . <-QUOTE}
EXCELLENT! And you can keep that pristine Snapshot forever! Unlike GoBack or MS System Restore, it will never go away, even if you disable FD. In fact, you can even uninstall FirstDefense and you will be given an option to keep the snapshots, so if any time in the future you reinstall FD, you can just pick up where you left off and use those old snapshots.

Acadia

[hollywoodpc]

And Acadia .
Come in the fall if you can . Everyone else will too but , it is absolutely beautiful

[hollywoodpc]

{QUOTE-> EXCELLENT! And you can keep that pristine Snapshot forever! Unlike GoBack or MS System Restore, it will never go away, even if you disable FD. In fact, you can even uninstall FirstDefense and you will be given an option to keep the snapshots, so if any time in the future you reinstall FD, you can just pick up where you left off and use those old snapshots.

Acadia <-QUOTE}
Thank you . That is super !

[Acadia]

Ahhhh, in the fall we go to, can you guess, Acadia!

Acadia

[hollywoodpc]

{QUOTE-> Ahhhh, in the fall we go to, can you guess, Acadia!

Acadia <-QUOTE}
Got it !

[Peter2150]

To use a bad pun, what a "trip" this is.

[hollywoodpc]

:o :o :o :D Yep

[Acadia]

Must be careful or else this thread will be moved again, this time to Ten-Forward!! ;D

Acadia

[Don Pelotas]

Hollywood. I share Peter & Acadia's sentiments about FD, assuming your trial goes well, i don't think that you would regret buying it, especially if you trial lots of different programs & beta's. Money well spent. :)

[Don Pelotas]

Does anyone know how the new version of FD is progressing, and is it true that it will include writing to disk as an option?

[bluekey23]

Hello All,
My experience has been the same as Peter's and I also heartily recommend FD. It does everything Peter says it does. For backups to hdd, I don't think you will find a better program.
One caveat, however: If you want to delete a snapshot where Process Guard is installed, be sure to uninstall PG first. Otherwise, you will create "structure error' in FD and will only be able to boot into your most recent snapshot. I ran into this problem last year and the support I got from Leapfrog was great. The developer in a series of emails was able to troubleshoot the problem and sent me a small file to run that helped me get out of the problem. Nevertheless, better not go there in the first place.
Goodluck.

[Chris12923]

{QUOTE-> I wonder what else out there is like this . hmmmmm <-QUOTE}
Something similar is ShadowUser and ShadowSurfer from http://www.shadowstor.com They don't allow snapshot but with a reboot your back to the way you were prior to enabling. Very nice.

Hope this helps,

Chris

[Acadia]

To prevent any confusion for anyone studying this thread, Leapfrog and Raxco are affiliated with each other; I believe Leapfrog helped Raxco to develop FirstDefense.

No, I have not heard any more rumors about the next new version of FD; that would indeed be fantastic if the Snapshots could be kept on another hard drive.

Acadia

[Mephisto]

I use and recommend R-Drive Image 2.0 ...

* A simple wizard interface - no in-depth computer management skills are required.
* Image files are created on-the-fly, no need to stop and restart Windows. All other disk writes are stored in a cache until the image is created.
* Drive Image data can be compressed to save free space.
* Image files can be stored on removable media. Support for USB 2.0 devices in the pseudo-graphic mode.
* Drive Images can be split into several files to fit the type of the storage medium.
* Disk Image can be created incrementally.
* Disk Image files can be password-protected and contain comments.
* Data from an image are restored on-the-fly, except on a system partition. Data to the system partition can be restored either by restarting R-Drive Image in its pseudo-graphic mode directly from Windows, or by using specially created startup disks.
* Special startup disks (either 2 floppy disks or a bootable CD) can be created to restore data to a system partition.
* The file system of the restored disk can be converted to another one (FAT16 to FAT32 and vise versa.).
* Data from a disk image can be restored on a free (unpartitioned) space on any place on a hard drive. The size of the restored partition can be changed
* Data from a disk image can be restored on other existing partitions. R-Drive Image deletes such partitions and restores data on that free space.
* An entire disk can be directly copied on another one.
* A disk image can be connected as a read-only virtual drive and its content can be viewed and copied.
* A disk image can be checked for its integrity.
* Scripts can be created for frequent or unattended actions. Scripts are executed from a command line and can be included to any command file

[Mephisto]

Whoops - forgot the link:
http://www.drive-image.com/

[S!x]

Yea it is nice ... so is R-Guard.
http://www.r-tt.com/
http://www.drive-image.com/

[Peter2150]

I use R-Drive Image for backup, but not to be confused, it is not the same as First Defense. For disk imaging to another disk it is great and necessary, as First Defense won't help a bit if your disk crashes. But for anything else, if your disk hardware is intact you just can't beat First Defense.

While yes you can restore a drive image and be back up you can't up date that image in under 3 minutes, and most significantly if something happens that corrupts windows, FDISR can have you up in about 3 minutes plus 2 reboots. No image restore is anywhere near that fast.

[Antarctica]

Peter2150,
With R-Drive Image can you back up and restore a image from CD-RW? and if yes how many CD you will need approximatly?

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Peter2150,
With R-Drive Image can you back up and restore a image from CD-RW? and if yes how many CD you will need approximatly? <-QUOTE}

Hi Antartica

I believe the answer is yes, but I don't consider it practical. I did one CDR backup of my system (about 19g) and it took 17 CD's No good, as all it takes is anyone of those going bad, and you have 17 coasters. External Hard Drives are the only way to go, IMHO.

Since my PC is mission critical to two businesses I image with both Acronis and R Drive. Alternate every other day. Do a backup with Retrospect Every Day(I like this program). All these are done to and external USB 2.0 drive. Additionally the files are stored on a 2nd drive for redundancy.

Pete

PS R Drive doesn't work with Raid where as Acronis is supposed to.

[Antarctica]

{QUOTE-> Hi Antartica

I believe the answer is yes, but I don't consider it practical. I did one CDR backup of my system (about 19g) and it took 17 CD's No good, as all it takes is anyone of those going bad, and you have 17 coasters. External Hard Drives are the only way to go, IMHO. <-QUOTE}

Many thanks Peter2150, that's exactly what I wanted to know. Right now I don't have a External Hard Drive but I am looking for one. Price is what's hold me right now. :o

[Peter2150]

One thing I'd add here. Whether disk imaging or copying with First Defense, I always disable my AV, Process Guard, Spysweeper, Prevx or Safe'n'Sec. In another words all the monitoring software. Just avoids problems.

Also when doing disk images that copy the master boot record, I disable First Defense's preboot.

Just a safe better than sorry approach.

Pete

[hollywoodpc]

Thanks guys . One thing though . Since Processguard IS in my snapshots , if I ever want to delete one of those , I need to UNINSTALL PG ? Not just disable it ?

[Peter2150]

I disable PG if I create a snapshot, for refresh it. Then when I boot to it I just enable it. I tend to leave it disabled when I leave the snapshot. Then if you want to delete refresh or what ever it doesn't matter. I have never had a need to uninstall Process Guard in relation to PG.

Pete

[hollywoodpc]

So , when making a snapshot , disable PG . ? What if PG was enabled when the snapshot was done ? Will it only cause a problem if I try to delete a snapshot ?

[Acadia]

Hollywood, I just want to let you know that I am not ignoring you, I'd love to help but I'm afraid that I can't ... I have never used Process Guard. If the day ever comes that I purchase PG, I will have the same questions.

Acadia

[hollywoodpc]

No problem Acadia . Quite alright . If I can help you with PG sometime , let me know . lol . Although , it seems , everybody on the Wilders Forum is pretty much an expert on it . Wow . And thank you again for the help you have already offered . You and Pete were invaluable .

[Peter2150]

Hi Hollywoodpc

Reason for disabling PG to do the copy is if you don't you might notice that there were 2 errors during the copy. Probably from the locked PG files. I don't think it will affect removing a snapshot in the slightest. Actually not even a big deal from any stand point. Just disable PG and do another copy and all will be fine in the other snapshot.

Pete

[S!x]

{QUOTE-> I did one CDR backup of my system (about 19g) and it took 17 CD's No good, as all it takes is anyone of those going bad, and you have 17 coasters. External Hard Drives are the only way to go, IMHO. <-QUOTE}

Currently i use seperate disc's to restore with R-Drive Image. To keep the backup small i only include the default install of Windows (with all the updates) Antivirus, firewall, & my drivers for video, sound, etc ...(takes 2 or 3 discs) - all my other programs are on seperate discs. I have several hard drives and quick change bays on my case (they just slide in - no internal connectors) which is the same technology as the external HD's, I may look into First Defense if its that fast as another option.

But i still think keeping backups on disc of my bought & paid for programs is essential ... any hard drive connected to your system - be it internal or external - can run the risk of getting infected by a virus/trojan/rootkit and ruin all your executables (.exe, .com, etc...) then you can't back them up. I had a virus over a year ago that nailed 3 of my drives at once (now i only connect them one at a time) ;D

I must admit though that i have put a few backup discs that i created in my PC that failed and became coasters - but that (so far) has been a very small percentage (around the 1 in 30 range as an uneducated guess). I have also had a few hard drives die on me over the years, although at a much smaller percentage than the ROM failures it is a viable possiblility.

[Acadia]

Yes, until programs like FirstDefense and GoBack put their history bins and Snapshots onto another hard drive, they do not replace a traditional true imaging program. I have always had a least one true imaging program at all times (currently I have two). In almost six years of computing, because of GoBack and FirstDefense I have NEVER, I REPEAT, NEVER had to restore an image from these programs, FD or GB have always saved the day. But I know that the day that I stop making images of my system, that is the day my hard drive will crash.

Acadia

[Peter2150]

Hi S!X

I keep my backup images on two external drives. One being somewhat active I suppose a virus could get to it. They other drive would be tough for a virus to infect as it is powered down 95% of the time.

Acadia, you are right. Both of those programs have saved me countless times, but I still spend the time doing backups,images etc, cause like you said.....

[hollywoodpc]

Thank you Pete .

[sukarof]

Hi

I have just bought this wonderful program. The decision was much based on what I have read here at wilders about Firsdefence (+the clowns @ punkbuster/Evenbalance forcing gamers to uninstall paid programs, but thats another story :) )

Anyway, I noticed now that I do need much bigger C partition to have the (3) snapshots I want. I´m looking for ways to avoid a reformat and a new install of Windows to achive that. Somehow it feels like partition magic (program to increase a partition without loosing data) would cause problems if I tried to increase my C partition with Firstdefence installed. Am I right in my presumption or is it possible to use Partition Magic with Firstdefence?

[Acadia]

Hello, sukarof. When I first purchased FD last July, I asked tech support if it was OK to use FD with a partitioning program. They told me, "Yes".

But on their website they warn about using any programs that mess with the Master Boot Record since FD needs to claim the MBR as its very own.

I would contact FD tech support if I were you. They should get back to you within a day or two at the most with the correct advice. Good luck.

Acadia

[sukarof]

{QUOTE->
But on their website they warn about using any programs that mess with the Master Boot Record since FD needs to claim the MBR as its very own.

I would contact FD tech support if I were you. They should get back to you within a day or two at the most with the correct advice. Good luck.

<-QUOTE}

Thanks for your reply. I guess I can do the next best thing and uninstall Firsdefence (and snapshots) and do the partitioning and then install FD again.
I have contacted FD support about that and Windows 64 compability, but since it is weekend and I thought I might try to do it this weekend I took a chance that maybe someone here had done it already. :)

[Peter2150]

Hi Sukarof

I would wait until you hear from Raxco, but also note the for imaging and stuff like that there is an option to disable the preboot, which takes First Defense stuff out of the MBR. You just have to remember to turn it back on.

Pete

[JW Clements]

I've used Partition Commander to resize, same reason, to increase c: to allow 5 FD Snapshots and had no problems. I had 3 snapshots, wanted more, and didn't need to uninstal FD or even turn off the pre-boot. I'm on W2K. I did however hedge my bet by copying the entire drive to another using Copy Commander in case it didn't work. So, you should be OK, Jim

[JW Clements]

{QUOTE-> So , when making a snapshot , disable PG . ? What if PG was enabled when the snapshot was done ? Will it only cause a problem if I try to delete a snapshot ? <-QUOTE}

You have to disable it in order for the PG files to be copied to the target snapshot.
To see what happens:
Leave PG protection enabled.
Open FD (system icon (Manage FirstDefense-ISR
Click on Tools > Clear Log entries and confirm OK
Copy a snapshot
Click on Help > About First Defense - ISR > Support Info and then have only the Include Detail Logs for the previous 1 day checked and click OK.
The log will be displayed showing that PG files were not copied.
then
Click on Tools > Clear Log entries and confirm OK
Turn off PG Protection, repeat the Copy Snapshot etc. and you'll see that the PG files were copied.
Turn PG protection back on.
Jim

[Rainwalker]

{QUOTE-> Ok, first, I would recommend that anyone wanting to trial FirstDefense, go to the Raxco website and study all the pdf files, faq and knowledgebase on FD, there are several, before even downloading it. FD is not a set-and-forget program like GoBack is, another excellent program by the way in my opinion. FD is much more flexible than GoBack, you can do much more with it, but, it is not as easy to use and you've got to know what you are doing.


EDIT: Two other programs that will take your hard drive "back in time" are, of course, GoBack, and ReStoreIt from Farstone, which is similar to GoBack in that you only have one history bin and can only go in one direction: back. With FD, you can return to the present, or should I say, goback to the future. ;) <-QUOTE}

Hi Acadia.............are you using the new GoBack ? Did you have any problems w/cookies at there site?

[Acadia]

Rainwalker, sorry to have taken so long to reply, I just now noticed your post. I have not used GoBack since last June, so no, I have never used the latest GoBack. I have only used FirstDefense since last July, but I can still highly recommend GoBack and I would have no problem returning to it if for some reason FD became incompatible with my system. GoBack is easier to use, set and forget; FD is more flexible, you can do more with it.

Acadia