Introducing AX64 Time Machine - hybrid imaging/snapshot software

[Isso]

Originally Posted by Empath

I noticed you didn't include Keriver One-Click Pro, which is the package that most closely resembles your efforts with ACTM. It's amazing how closely they are to one another.

I still use One-Click Pro, even though I have purchased your package. There's some minor differences, some favorable and some not. Most unfavorable features has to do it's lack of the maturity One-Click Pro. I purchased AXTM, because I have confidence that eventually you'll have everything ironed out, since you're in a constant state of advancement.

One big reason I haven't switched completely; and I did try yours for a week, is because it cripples the disk check feature. I can figure ways of running a disk check from a separate USB system, but then it messes up AXTM, requiring a new "first snapshot" on the next backup.

Usually when you see One-Click discussed here, it's the free version. The PRO version has much more features, including most of what you're attempting with AXTM.

Empath,

Thank you for your comments and for purchasing AX64. You are right, I'll try to find time to write an article on comparison to Keriver.
When I was testing Keriver last time (it was a while ago) I really liked its simplicity and robustness. However it's incremental backups were quite slow. Maybe it has improved since then - I'll check.

By the way re checkdisk - you can run it just fine anytime you want from the live system (it will run in read-only mode though). The only case when you'd want to run it from separate USB system is when your file system has errors and you need to fix them. But that's a quite rare case.

Isso

[Cruise]

Originally Posted by Isso

...I need to make some clarifications on what's happening with ShadowDefender. AX64 backups seem to be working fine in both Shadow mode and normal mode. The only case when it takes longer is right after the user transitions from normal to Shadow mode and restarts.

...Hope this makes sense.

Isso, that may make sense but it's far from good news for SD users. Most SD users transition from Normal to Shadow Mode and back to Normal Mode at least on a daily basis (and perhaps more frequently). So if I'm understanding you correctly we SD users can typically expect our incremental snapshots to take about as much time as our initial (baseline) snapshot. Is that correct?

Cruise

[Isso]

Originally Posted by Cruise

Isso, that may make sense but it's far from good news for SD users. Most SD users transition from Normal to Shadow Mode and back to Normal Mode at least on a daily basis (and perhaps more frequently). So if I'm understanding you correctly we SD users can typically expect our incremental snapshots to take about as much time as our initial (baseline) snapshot. Is that correct?

Cruise

Cruise,

Basically if you start the PC in normal mode and shut it down in Shadow mode it will result in one long backup after next power up. I'm sorry, but I don't see any solution to that problem at this moment.

Isso

[Cruise]

Originally Posted by Isso

Cruise,

Basically if you start the PC in normal mode and shut it down in Shadow mode it will result in one long backup after next power up. I'm sorry, but I don't see any solution to that problem at this moment.

Isso

Isso, I understand that conflicts will happen, but surely this unexpected AX64 behavior contradicts any claim of compatibility between AX64 and SD!

Cruise

[Isso]

Originally Posted by Cruise

Isso, I understand that conflicts will happen, but surely this unexpected AX64 behavior contradicts any claim of compatibility between AX64 and SD!

Cruise

OK, OK guys, you convinced me - they are totally incompatible!

Isso

[Cruise]

Originally Posted by Isso

OK, OK guys, you convinced me - they are totally incompatible!

Isso

Isso, the last thing I want to do is upset you, but it is what it is.

Cruise

[Isso]

Originally Posted by Cruise

Isso, the last thing I want to do is upset you, but it is what it is.

Cruise

Cruise,

I'm absolutely not upset, and actually I think it might make sense to block AX64 from running with SD - as it might save me support time. Maybe I can later find a way to overcome that limitation, but now I'm really not in a position to take care of that issue, sorry.

Isso

[carfal]

Guys, I think we all need to step back and cut Isso a break in regards to the issue of longer snapshot/restore times by AX64 caused by external programs (which is to say no fault of AX64).

I think it's unfair that the onus is only on Isso to make AX64 compatible with other vendors programs. Why are the other vendors not being asked to make their product compatible with AX64?

I think one also needs to take into account that the issues are arising from other similar competing programs and the reality is that we as individuals need to decide which one we trust the most and stay with that. If we do choose to run 2 similar programs together then that is our choice and we shouldnt pressure the developer too much into providing a "fix" because as i said above, it's not fair.

There's nothing wrong with making the developer aware of the situation and with a little time and patience i'm certain that a solution will be forthcoming if one is in fact possible. I myself mentioned a longer backup/restore time when i tested RBrx with Ax64 back a while ago and i'd like to think that i havent harped on about it. I've accepted that limitation and i just work with it. If Isso finds a solution that's great, if not, i can live with it.

[aladdin]

Originally Posted by Brian K

Isso,

Do you have information on how many AX64 users don't bother to create boot media? Just curious.

Hi Brian,

What is your definition of boot media. If it is CD/DVD/USB, then I hardly create a boot media.

However, I do create a boot menu with EasyBCD. I like this option more, as it saves me CDs/DVDs and/or constantly writing to USB.

With the release of new versions, I just replace the file for boot menu in the directory they reside, which is usually on "D"partition.

Best regards,

Mohamed

[newbino]

Originally Posted by Isso

Cruise,

I'm absolutely not upset, and actually I think it might make sense to block AX64 from running with SD - as it might save me support time. Maybe I can later find a way to overcome that limitation, but now I'm really not in a position to take care of that issue, sorry.

Isso

This comes from a non-tech viewpoint, but if I understand correctly this other statement about its workings

The reason for the long backup is apparently following: AX64 uses a "dirty shutdown" bit that it saves on the disk. Basically this bit is set when the system is started, and reset when it's properly shut down. If the bit is found to be set when OS starts, then AX64 assumes that the computer was shut down improperly (crashed, powered off etc), and creates the next backup in slow ("re-sync") mode.

could it be possible to insert a command, reset "dirty shutdown" bit at shutdown?

I understand that the potential for misuse would be high, so maybe it's not such a great idea, but it looks like at Wilders at least SD has many fans