AX64 Ready for Prime Time?

Several people have recommended that I seriously consider AX64 as an alternative to Rollback RX, and also recommended that I check out the thread here on this forum. The program looks very intriguing to me, with an approach that appears to be far more sensible than that employed by Rollback. But frankly I was amazed to see that the thread on this program has reached 99 pages and counting! I've never been one to shy away from long threads, but 99 pages is a little too daunting by my standards. I was wondering if someone could answer a couple of simple questions and save me hours of reading. First, has the application been commercially released, or is it still in beta? Second, and more important, is it reliable? Should I feel confident in entrusting imaging/back-up duties to it? If there's an easier way to answer these questions by pointing me to a specific point within the thread, feel free.

 

Well, I was a RRX user since version 7.
I (like everyone else) got fed up with the lack of communication and missed deadlines from HDS.
I have used AX64 for 1 month and registered it yesterday.
IMO, it's a great alternative.

Pros
Costs less than RRX
Uses a boot disk so the MBR isn't messed with.
They do a great job of listening to users ideas and communicating/updating to them.
The program is much easier to use than RRX when restoring files.
It saves and restores snapshots as well as makes complete backups. Not sure if RRX will ever do this.
Uninstalling and re-installing is about the same as any program unlike RRX (I always held my breath praying the MBR would remain intact).

Cons
AX64 lacks some needed settings (like alternative restore time options). These will be added later though. In fact, most of what it misses seems to be in the process of being implemented.
The backup process is slower than RRX.

This is a great program and I would recommend it. You don't need to wait.

 

Yes AX64 Time Machine has been released about a month, and a new version is due in about a week that fixes bugs that have been discovered in the original release. See these sites: http://feedback.ax64.com/knowledgebase/topics/34606-users-manual , https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?p=2234297#post2234297

 

Sounds really good.
I'm not a Mac user, but it sounds similar (with more functionality)
to Time Machine.

 

Hi Steve

I agree with the above consensus indeed. AX64TM even in its young stage, is both capable and simple for most users to utilize. The support and the close attention that Isso has paid to details has been impressive, especially today when so many companies appear to be severely lacking in their product support.

I believe AX64TM will find itself becoming a very competitive product in the near future and it is my hope that Isso and his team are successful at enjoying a large market share as time moves forward. It is reliable now...imagine as features are added and certain areas tweaked, how solid this application will be. I can bet you that companies such as HDS and others are paying close attention to its development...it presents a real threat to their dominance in this sector, and it offers far more thorough features than the competitors as far as bare metal recovery goes. It offers the best of both realms, drive imaging and snapshot style technology, and it will offer even more as time goes on.

I look forward to watching how its development continues to unfold over the next few months, as a few issues get ironed out and its feature list becomes even more impressive.

Great job Isso

Jim

 

Just a couple of quick questions before I purchase:
First, Masterblaster mentioned above "...uses a boot disk so the MBR isn't messed with." I'm not sure what 'boot disk' means.
Second, and a related question: does this mean that after AX64 is installed, the MBR, operating system, and data stored on the master disk is 'unadulterated' - i.e. not modified in any non-standard way?

 

Basically, Rollback Rx messes with your MBR and any program that messes with your MBR, is no, no.

Secondly, AX64 is two programs in one.

1. It is a snapshot program like Rollback Rx.

2. It is an imaging program which is a must. With Rollback Rx you need an imaging program. If you had used an imaging program with Rollback Rx you would not be in mess like you are today.

Best regards,

 

Also you need to separate your OS from your daily data. Keep your OS on "C" partition and your daily data on "D" partition.

You need an imaging program to back up your OS, like AX64. Not an snapshot program like Rollback Rx.

You need a file backup program to backup your daily data, like Second Copy 8.

Best regards,

 

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your interest. I'm Isso - one of the AX64 developers. I can see that your questions were already answered above (thank you for positive reviews guys! )

I'll just add one note - there is a 30 day fully functional trial available on www.ax64.com (no registration needed). Before purchasing the program you might want to install it and test drive for a month to make sure it fits your needs. Also check our Knowledge Base - there is a lot of helpful information there.

Isso

 

Hi Steve! I'm not sure your questions have really been answered (due to the excitement involved )

When using AX64 Time Machine, if your system becomes unBOOTable (something seriously breaks in the BOOT process, possibly due to various virii), if you had created its RECOVERY MEDIA (BOOTable CD or DVD, aka "boot disk"), you could use that to completely recover your broken system as you would with any other disk imaging product, to whatever snapshot you wish that you've taken.

Your statement about the MASTER DISK above is correct. AX64 Time Machine modifies nothing on the partition it is protecting other than creating its own "tracking" file for snapshot mgmt and adding a simple volume level driver to the OS (which is removed upon unINSTALLation).

Hope this helps!

 

A few other points of interest,,,,,

Snaps shots can reside on external media or on the internal drive on a 2nd partition from the partition being protected (external media is recommended of course).

If you want to you can use Rx & AX64 on the same PC. Check the info provided at < http://feedback.ax64.com/knowledgebase/topics/34099-5-compatibility >. I had intended to do this but have found AX64 so good/reliable that on my new PC Rx is absent.

In short, relative to all of the above posts, try it, you will like it.

 

I'm giving serious consideration to buying this application.Are there any special offers or promotions available/due soon?

 

RRX = $69.00
AX64 = $39.95

What's your question again?

 

PM Isso and ask if there's still a promotion for Wilder's Security Forums members.

 

I started looking into Rollback RX a bit today after having some bad experiences with it before. I haven't been too active at Wilders recently so I haven't heard much about AX64 but I have to say, I am really looking forward to trying it once I get home from work. AX64 + Crashplan could be my ideal backup solution.

 

Thanks to all again. I will definitely try out AX64 and almost undoubtedly purchase. By the way, to respond to an inferred conclusion here, I in fact HAVE been regularly using an imaging program in addition to Rollback RX. I've been using Paragon's imaging product. I'd rather not go into the details (water under the bridge) other than to say that the program failed to restore my most recently backed-up image to a new drive, despite repeated attempts. Needless to say, I will not be using either program (Rollback or Paragon).

Steve in Jersey

 

Thanks for that

@Masterblaster
I agree that it is competitively priced already,but in these tough times a special offer is always welcome.

 

Good list Masterblaster but a couple more pros for me was I no longer have to wait for RBx to finish its defragging upon boot up. I took several snapshoots a day so I had to wait for RBx to boot my machine at least once or twice per week. Also, I can defrag my C drive now without having to uninstall my protection program.

The MBR issue is a big one. I used RBx for years with no issues (and it saved me multiple times). However, once something went horribly wrong with RBx upon bootup. I ended having to reformat my machine. Not a good day.

I removed RBx and now happily using AX64.

 

Keep in mind that after defragging the next snap will be quite large. I think there is no way to avoid this unfortunately other than to start a new backup chain.

 

I could be wrong but I think you can also defrag RRX but this also consumes disk space. I never did it but I think you can.

 

My understanding is that this was not possible unless you used some command line thingy, and defrag with Rx installed was def not recommended by HDS. The command prompt thing was created by HDS for those who insisted on doing this, but,,,,,,,

 

Fantastic description and right to the point Aladdin.

Be advised, I've taken notice and correspondences are beginning to flood into my own PM box from former loyalists of Raxco's FD-ISR who have caught wind of this AX64 stir.

Not all of us jumped to RBx, but resigned ourserselves to sticking with XP because of many things, our limited compatibilty of having FD-ISR with only XP systems and TimeFreeze also was not an option.

AX64 changes everything now. Watch as former FD-ISR users enter the fray. LoL

Regards Easter