Imaging & Recovery for Dummies

I'm a complete novice on this type of software. After finding a dead HD and having to start completely over, I need a way to recover in the future. I can't find any highly recommended free programs, so I need to purchase a reliable solution. Money IS an important consideration, but I do want to purchase something that will do what I want. I need a program that will simply take snapshots of my system and provide recovery options. I have been looking at Paragon Drive Backup 9 and Acronis True Image 11. First question is do they both meet my requirements? And second, without getting to which is "better", is there really a $10 difference in these programs? In other words, does TI provide more options than Paragon? Any suggestions and/or help will be appreciated. See my sig for my current set-up.

 

You might want to tell everyone which Windows you are using. Some only work with Vista (e.g., Paragon).

Also, I assume you want an imaging program that can recover "bare metal" -- i.e., without being able to boot into Windows at all. Correct?

I have happily used Image for Windows for many moons. Support forum HERE - seldom needed.

If you have only one internal HD, imaging to a partition thereon won't help if that HD fails. Imaging to a CD takes several CDs for a full image. Thus, it's usually better to image to an internal HD that is NOT your system HD, or else to image to an external HD (that's what I do).

Good hunting. IMO, imaging is THE bedrock upon which one's wall of security apps should be built.

 

Yes. Completely agree. Though, I would add, use TBOSDTS as well (for 'bare-metal restoring)

Not the best advice. I would recommend a DVD and not a harddrive, which is based on mechanic parts that can fail. If that were not true there's be no need to have an image of your drive at all, right? This way there would be an optical backup that will not fail.

Absolutely agree. Imaging software is more important that any other security software you will ever use. Chose wisely.

 

hi bellgamin, what do you mean some only work for vista example paragon?
paragon does baremetal recovery on xp. it just wont hardware independant restore on xp.


Hi BrysonB,
paragon will do what you want it to.
yes ATI has more features but the extra features are just pointless and bloatware IMO.
also concider image for windows and shadow protect desktop.

 

I totally agree as I had to learn to hard way! Thanks bellgamin, n8chavez, lodore, and Huupi. I will seriously consider Paragon and Image for Windows (which includes TBOSDTS). They are both in my current price range. Once I decide, I'm sure I'll be back for more sage advice.

 

BrysonB I don't know if the latest version of Norton Ghost meets all of your requirements or not but I know a lot of people like it.

 

very true its reliable and easy to use. and has a proper vistape recovery cd.
the Op should definatly try it.

 

Thanks again everyone. After investigating all the above mentioned software, I have decided to go with Image for Windows (and TBOSDTS). I've never used a program like this and the manual looks daunting.....but knowing I have many people at Wilder's to answer my questions makes the task look a little easier.

 

BrysonB

An IFW backup is easy. Only 4 main windows.

An IFD restore is a little daunting at first. On the second window choose File (Direct) (If the image is on a HD)
On the third window choose BIOS (Direct) (If the image is on an internal HD)
In the Restore From window, use Tab key to find your file
Easy from there on.

 

I looked at Norton Ghost today and it appeared to be a very good program. However, with my limited experience with backup/restore software I am asking for opinions from those more experienced in this area. What do you think? Is it in the same category as say Shadow Protect, Paragon, Image For Windows? I kind of favor Paragon but I am still looking. Currently I am using a USB case with a hard drive and using the windows backup/restore options. I will either continue to use this method with the exception of using a better backup/restore software or purchase a seagate external drive and use the software that comes with it. I want a means to recover should I be unable to access Windows. Suggestions and recommendations would be very much appreciated. As always all replies will be appreciated and I thank you in advance.

John

 

if i was you i would trial them all,recommendations here are mainly personal and subjective. Good for me is not necessarily good for you.