An Image Backup that's Very Easy to Use?

Discussion in 'backup, imaging & disk mgmt' started by Wendi, Mar 11, 2013.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2005
    Posts:
    12,115
    Location:
    NSW, Australia
    Wendi,

    Use this to keep three images....

    IF EXIST snap_03.sna (DEL snap_03.sna)
    IF EXIST snap_02.sna (REN snap_02.sna snap_03.sna)
    IF EXIST snap_01.sna (REN snap_01.sna snap_02.sna)
    REN C_full.sna snap_01.sna

    You can edit the above lines to keep as many images as you desire.

    Excellent. Your friend now has an offsite secondary backup.
     
  2. Wendi

    Wendi Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2008
    Posts:
    643
    Location:
    USA
    That's great; thanks again Brian. Considering that my gf's late husband has a paid (lifetime?) license for DS I consider your backup batch-file the ideal solution for her (as she truly is a novice PC-user)! :thumb:

    Wendi
     
  3. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2005
    Posts:
    12,115
    Location:
    NSW, Australia
    Wendi,

    It's always nice to have a native format backup of your personal files. Even though the files are already in the DS image it is reassuring to actually see them in native format on the external HD and you can back them up daily in a few seconds. A mirrored backup. Only changed files are copied.

    I suggest a scheduled batch file backup with Robocopy. Something like....

    Code:
     robocopy C:\Users G:\Users_backup *.* /e /efsraw /copyall /dcopy:t /r:0 /log:c:\rclog.txt /v /xj /tee  
    At your leisure. You might prefer to omit /tee. But not on the initial backup.
     
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2013
  4. taotoo

    taotoo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2013
    Posts:
    459
    This is a conundrum in terms to say the least.

    Said I would butt out but I have to speak up. If you don't even know how to modify a batch file to increase the retained backups from two to three, you'll likely be of little use should she ever run into a problem and Brian or similar isn't around to solve it. And your 'off-site' backup will be hopelessly out of date should she ever need to access it. If you want to help your friend (and I'm quite sure you do), I strongly suggest you abandon this farce and provide her with a far simpler and easier to use solution. Her primary need is for a FILE backup, and this hasn't even been addressed! My suggested solution is earlier in the thread. Ignore me if you wish (and others may rebut my comments) but a year or two down the line you may wish you hadn't. As it stands you're playing with fire. Brian - you should be congratulated for your good intentions, but I honestly feel you have failed to gauge the lack of experience of both parties involved. Sorry but IMO it had to be said.
     
  5. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2003
    Posts:
    20,590
    Taotoo

    I have to totally agree with you. It is a bit silly to try and support someone with something you yourself don't fully understand.

    Pete
     
  6. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2005
    Posts:
    12,115
    Location:
    NSW, Australia
    Wendi,

    I have confidence that you understand and can manage your friend's backups.
     
  7. aladdin

    aladdin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Posts:
    2,986
    Location:
    Oman
    Hi Taotoo,

    I fully agree with you. On the very first page of this thread and the third comment of this thread, I posted as such:

    I was told to butt out too. Macrium Reflect FREE creates a xml, which can be used to image the hard drive on a regular basis. And, SyncBack FREE creates a schedule which "mirrors" the "User Files" on a regular basis. To set up the above, requires no computer expertise, about half hour work.

    Someone to use it, it requires even less expertise, the usage is "automatic".

    Best regards,
     
  8. aladdin

    aladdin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Posts:
    2,986
    Location:
    Oman
    Another thing is worry about is "WinPE bootmenu" and "WinPE DVD/CD/USB" in case of restoration.

    Drive Snapshot is very expensive, unless one is using the pirated version or relying on monthly updates to increase the time period.

    On the other hand, Macrium Reflect PRO is 50% off with a coupon code: ZT1-FZL-Z1S, therefore the net cost is less than $30. It is a program which does everything automatically without user interface.

    1. It can be used for both imaging and file backup.
    2. It creates automatic backup.
    3. It creates automatic incremental backup based hourly, daily, and so forth.
    4. It creates automatic differential backup based on hourly, daily and so forth.
    5. It can backup the "User Files" separately, if need be. Or, one backup of both OS, Programs and User Files.
    6. It creates WINPE bootmenu for restoration and imaging outside the Windows.
    7. It created WinPE on a removable media such as DVD, CD, or USB for restoration and imaging outside the Windows.
    8. The list is on and on and it is very easy to use.

    Best regards,
     
  9. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2005
    Posts:
    12,115
    Location:
    NSW, Australia
    aladdin,

    Wendi's friend owns Drive Snapshot. Why should she buy another product? Why should she spend $30 when she owns DS.

    I think she has a fantastic setup. She will have image backups of her OS and these backups will contain her personal files. In addition she will have native format backups of her personal files. Her personal files are backed up by two different apps. Belt and bracers. Also, backup is automatic. She doesn't have to lift a finger. And if it hadn't been for Wendi she would have no backups at all.

    With respect, I sometimes wonder if you guys have read this thread.
     
  10. aladdin

    aladdin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Posts:
    2,986
    Location:
    Oman
    Dearest Brian,

    We all have lots of respect for all your expertise and your contributions towards Wilders and Imaging Programs.

    I have learned a lot from you in this thread about DS and how to use DS for automatic backups.

    However, this thread is not about DS and that one owns DS. The title of this thread is:

    "An Image Backup that's Very Easy to Use?"

    And, in the OP of this thread, no mention of DS is made. The requirements are set out in the OP.

    Therefore, lots of people in an open forum gave their opinions based on the title of the thread and the requirements in the OP.

    Best regards,
     
  11. bgoodman4

    bgoodman4 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2009
    Posts:
    3,237
    I had looked at Macrium and found that (at the time) it did not include a way to create a recovery disk from within the program. You had to create it from outside the program by downloading something or other (its been a while since I looked at it so I have forgotten exactly what was involved). Because of this extra element of complexity I have never recommended it to any of my friends who wanted a simple backup solution.

    As for the CNET issue you mentioned you can get the free version (2013) at http://www.paragon-software.com/home/br-free/
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2013
  12. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2005
    Posts:
    12,115
    Location:
    NSW, Australia
    aladdin,

    You are a good mate and I hope I can call those who disagree with me mates too. But you haven't read the thread.
     
  13. aladdin

    aladdin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Posts:
    2,986
    Location:
    Oman
    All Macrium Reflect programs create a recovery disk within the program. For the FREE version, WAIK is required.

    All Paragon Programs, whether PAID or FREE, require WAIK.

    Best regards,
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2013
  14. jwcca

    jwcca Registered Member

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2003
    Posts:
    772
    Location:
    Toronto
    I just purchased Reflect Pro and had to download the WAIK (1.67GB).
    Reflect does provide a link from within the program.

    Reflect did include PE 3.0 until Nov. 12, 2012. Anyone who purchased Reflect up until that date received PE 3.0 with Reflect.
    After that date, MS increased the cost of licencing which meant that Macrium would have had to either increase the prices for Reflect or drop PE 3.0 as part of their package. Macrium chose the latter and therefore 'forced' us to download the WAIK from MS. The "Create Recovery Media" now handles this very well, it provides a means to 'point to' the KB3AIK_EN.iso and extracts everything needed. This doesn't affect folks with 'unlimited' bandwidth but for myself, that 1.67GB cost me an extra $30. Still, the 50% coupon covered that so my total cost was still only about $60CAD.
    The Linux 'recovery' option wasn't an option for me due to it's limititations.

    J
     
  15. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2003
    Posts:
    20,590
    Hi JW

    Unfortunately this is all non applicable as the friend can't spend any money. So 50% discount is immaterial.

    Pete
     
  16. Cruise

    Cruise Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2010
    Posts:
    1,236
    Location:
    USA
    I find some of the more recent posts in this thread pretty sad. Based on what I'm reading I would conclude that Wendi is not competent to support her friend, parents, or anyone else because she lacks DOS knowledge. Since when does having a solid understanding of Windows require DOS knowledge (perhaps that was true with Windows 9.x)?

    And to those of you who claim 'you were told to butt-out' when offering your advice, by whom (and where) were you told that? As far as I can see, Wendi never replied to anyone in a less than courteous and polite manner!

    Cruise
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2013
  17. taotoo

    taotoo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2013
    Posts:
    459
    I believe everyone that has posted is simply trying to help.
    I think that's a misdrawn conclusion. Others are simply suggesting how she might better support her friend, within both their levels of experience.
    The issue is that they will be working at a lower level than windows.
    I suspect something was said based on a mis-reading of my post.
     
  18. aladdin

    aladdin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Posts:
    2,986
    Location:
    Oman
    Hi Pete,

    Very true! We are told on page 5 in post #102, that the late husband of the gf owns a lifetime license of DS. So, any other solution becomes immaterial.

    I have learned so much in this thread from Brain regarding DS and how to automate DS. It has been one of my favorite threads.

    Best regards,
     
  19. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2005
    Posts:
    12,115
    Location:
    NSW, Australia
    aladdin,

    Thanks for the vote of confidence.

    taotoo, in message #104 you said...

    Yet in two previous posts, Messages #97 and #103 I discussed backing up Personal Files in native format. That is a File and Folders backup. Please read the posts.

    In summary, Wendi's friend has a belt and bracers backup. OS image and File and Folders backup. The personal files are being backed up by two different methods. How many more methods do you want her to do?
     
  20. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2003
    Posts:
    20,590
    Totally agree. Brian has done a 5 star job here.

    Pete
     
  21. Wendi

    Wendi Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2008
    Posts:
    643
    Location:
    USA
    Cruise, thank you so much for your moral support. I must admit that my feelings were so hurt by some of the remarks (such as those quoted below), that I questioned my further participation in these forums.

    Come on guys, it's really difficult to misconstrue what was said. It is true that I am not DOS-literate, but I do consider myself Windows-literate (I am a school teacher and one of the classes I teach is 'Windows101'). Furthermore, I have been a DS user for 3 years, during which I have restored my Windows patition several times and I've used DS to browse and retrieve personal files, without ever having to use DOS!

    Btw, I did give thought to where my friend might turn for help if I wasn't available and so I added this forum to her IE Favorites and demonstrated it to her (now, to be perfectly honest, after what I consider to be cruel remarks I'm no longer sure that's a good idea).

    But I'm not a quiter and I hope those of you who made those remarks will try to understand how they came across to me.

    Wendi
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2013
  22. taotoo

    taotoo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2013
    Posts:
    459
    Your first post dismissed file backups as secondary, and your second was posted while I was composing mine. As for reading the posts - to be blunt I would suggest that you never fully read the first one.
    Not sure why you think I am suggesting more than two methods.

    No point in perpetuating this as clearly you've both invested much time in it all and a path has been set.
     
  23. taotoo

    taotoo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2013
    Posts:
    459
    No offence intended Wendi, and I apologise if it was taken. I stand by my comments though as I believe they accurately reflect the situation. I wouldn't judge anybody's worth by their ability to modify a batch file, simply assess whether the correct path was being followed. Well done for helping your friend and good luck.
     
  24. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2003
    Posts:
    20,590

    I like wise intended no offense, and also apologize if it was taken that way.

    And yes I would now agree that for this situation DS and Brian's batch file is ideal.

    But I just went back and completely and closely reread the thread from the beginning. No where did you tell us you were a DS user with 3 years experience. The closest you came was saying you were going to test the batch file on your machine. That could have been done by taking the exe from her machine and testing.

    Wendi to help us help you and your friend stating the question better can be a huge help. A lot angst would have been spared is you simply told us your friends situation, that she had DS, that you had 3 years experience with it, and how could it be made easier for your friend.

    Had I known I sure would have taken a different tack.

    Seriously I hope we can put this behind, and I hope you will introduce your friend to us. Another recommendation for her is the computer haven forum. (www.computerhaven.com) It is run by a lady who is a computer consultant and almost all of the mods are Microsoft MVP's. This forum is intended to help very inexperience people like your friend. Good resource.

    Again apologies.

    Pete
     
  25. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2005
    Posts:
    12,115
    Location:
    NSW, Australia
    I knew from a previous thread that Wendi was a DS user. I guess I just assumed others knew too.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.