I haven't used any disk imaging for a year now

During that time, had to reinstall and cleanup a number of computers. I use this approach -

1. customized Windows install disc, with lots of stuff (like drivers, tablet, speech) removed to make it small, and has latest updates applied to it
2. OS goes on c:\, user profile on d:\
3. Most of my apps are portable, and go on d:\Apps
4. Data on d:\ is backed up regularly, using a sync program to external drive

Reinstall is very simple. Install OS after wiping c:\ in the installer, then move profile dir to existing d:\ and it picks up all the current data. Then I simply reinstall whatever apps I need, such as security, browsers, development etc.

I keep installers for some apps around. But most of the time, a newer version is available, or I switch to a different app. It's just not worth it using imaging since my data is secure and OS is easy to restore.

 

Each to their own, as long as it works for you thats fine.

I prefer an image a week and RollBack Rx plus an on-line backup service (up-dated as data changes) for critical data. I sleep better that way.

 

Yes, I didn't mean to say my method was better. I was just spending too much time trying to find the perfect solution and realized my data didn't change that much. When my pc crashed and I had to rebuild, it was surprisingly painless having to reinstall, so I decided to keep things simple.

 

I've had a couple of half-hearted goes & failed. What program did you use etc?

Appreciate a link to a Do it yourself web-site.

 

For Win7 there's RT 7 Lite
For Vista,VLite
For XP nLite or RyanVM:

http://www.rt7lite.com/
http://www.vlite.net/
http://www.nliteos.com/
http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/

Here's a couple of forums for update packs and other resources:

http://www.msfn.org/board/
http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?/forum/88-wpi-nlite-and-rvm-addons/

 

Defcon,

I'm pleased it works for you. I image twice daily as it would take me weeks to rebuild my system. I restore an image a few times a month for minor software issues. An image was restored yesterday when I couldn't get on the internet after a friend's router messed up my networking.

 

After using Image for Windows for a couple of months, I couldn't imagine not having imaging software.

 

The Seeker,

Same here. I've found a new way to restore .tbi images automatically over a WPA2 wireless network using IFL. No boot disk and no cables.

 

Yes I saw your post on the TeraByte forums

 

I also love imaging software... I take weekly images with macrium free. It saves me time and hassles....