Backup/Snapshot Software?

Discussion in 'backup, imaging & disk mgmt' started by DasFox, Jul 26, 2008.

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  1. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    Coming from a long line of using Vmware Workstation, I really enjoy it's simple snapshot manager, simple fast and reliable.

    I've never used any snapshot/backup imaging software before on the actual box I run, but now I'm thinking twice, time to get something that works as smooth as Vmware's snapshot...

    I can't say I've come to know to many products that produce a top quality basic frills program to do the job other then ShadowProtect.

    Beyond this product is there any others I should seriously consider as well, or is ShadowProtect as good as it gets?

    I read this article on ShadowProtect: ( What about the cons mentioned here: Can't back up specific groups of files.) Hmmm

    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2254460,00.asp


    THANKS
     
  2. Hairy Coo

    Hairy Coo Registered Member

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    As alternative Backup/Snapshot Software has been discussed so often in different threads,(do a search),I will just comment on not being able to backup specific file groups.

    (1) If you need to backup specific file groups you really need a data backup app.

    (2)Shadow Protect has a function " Explore backup"

    The complete backup will present in Explorer mode and any files or groups can be easily copied.
     
  3. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    I thought that ShadowProtect would take a complete snap shot to restore?

    So I didn't really understand what was meant by the specific groups of files, if you were going to just take a snapshot of the entire system to backup and restore...

    I don't want to do partial backups, I would like to take a snapshot of the entire OS like how VMware Workstation works...

    THANKS
     
  4. Hairy Coo

    Hairy Coo Registered Member

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    For example True Image will make specific group backups of data files, as well as the complete system

    With SP it takes a snapshot of the entire OS only

    You cant pick and choose.
     
  5. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    Oh ok now I see why that article mentioned that because as you've stated it can only take a snapshot of the entire OS, and you can't just do backups of specific individual things, good just what I'm looking for, entire OS snapshots...

    By the way there wouldn't happen to be any promotion deals going around for ShadowProtect would there? I just can't afford the price, but I'd love to have this app...

    THANKS
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2008
  6. Longboard

    Longboard Registered Member

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  7. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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  8. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    Better is a subjective term. Terabyte products are good products and I've used older versions. SP was faster, but I don't know how it compares with newer versions.

    For a straight backup restore, I would rate terabyte as reliable. Would I mess with the disk structures like I do and then want to be able to restore them back. I don't know if I'd do that with anything but SP. But some might and it might be fine.

    Bottom line is to test them. Test image and test restore.

    Pete
     
  9. Longboard

    Longboard Registered Member

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    :)
    Could be; gets a lot of support here, good rep.
    :)
    Yes.
    I like to keep the TB flag flying as TB tools have been VERY good for me.

    Look, there are multiple options open to you..all have successful profiles..
    Search around the forums here and you will see

    I like The TB suite for partition mgt, multiboot options, run from floppy options
    ie; no install, all included in the price.
    I still install floppy drives just for these tools. ;)
    FWIW, there has been a lot of activity at TB lately and multiple updates to V2 products to include extra features = changes +++ and some issues.
    All completely visible processes and immediate response to any problems.
    Craftsmen at work.
    A slightly haphazard update schedule.
    I am waiting for BING v2: might be some time.
    Many users have not liked the gui limitations of TB tools.
    LOL: some long time users have been complaining of the current 'bloat' :D :D

    Nothing to lose with the fully functional free trial of TB.
    Doesn't SP have some full free trial ??

    I know several users here who have 2 (or even 3) of these/similar tools installed or available.
    Price/feature wise TB cannot be beaten?
    IF Sp looks a bit steep: Hhmm: how much is your digital life really worth.
    :)

    Get the free BurnCDCC.exe anyway, best little burner out there. :)
     
  10. lodore

    lodore Registered Member

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    the fact that image for windows has the image for dos recovery cd that recognizes all my hardware fine on both of my computers.
    it loads almost instantly. its easy to use once you get used to it.
    i would definatly trust image for windows and dos.
    image for windows is definatly the smallist installation of any imaging app.
    the other advantage is that if you buy image for windows you get image for dos and linux for free.
    so with a bit of learning you have a faster booting recovery cd, smaller program that is ultimate reliable.
     
  11. xps

    xps Registered Member

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    don't waste your time waiting too long when creating snapshot.

    RollbackRx8.1 will save your precious time.
     
  12. blacknight

    blacknight Registered Member

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  13. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    I'm not interested in Rollback or Eaz-Fix, I do know these products, thanks anyways for the input...

    This is what I'm interested in. I used VMware Workstation in the past to test and install software on, and once I was satisfied with the applicaiton I'd install it into my production box, then when I was done testing I'd restore VMware with an image to put it back to a clean state that I worked from.

    This is the same idea I'm looking for here, that once I have my working box at a point of installation where I have all of my typical applications installed I want to make an image, later when I test, or play with software and I'm done, then I want to put back this clean image I made.

    That is all I'm looking for in a image/snapshot program nothing else, this is just for my personal box and in 20 years of running it, I've never had to use a recovery/boot disk from a corrupted or failed system, I'm not after those options/functions...

    Simply put as I stated before I just want an image/snapshot like Vmware to replace when I'm done messing. Install apps, if I don't like them, but my image back, when I find the apps I like and I'm ready to move on, take another snapshot, etc...

    THANKS
     
  14. EASTER

    EASTER Registered Member

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    Try DriveSnapshot!!!

    I mothballed years of PARAGON for this little backup app and never been sorry once.

    It is Xtremely reliable! 100% COMPLETELY RESTORED system in litle or no time despite the muscle claims of the big boys of SP & PARAGON, but never Acronis. (My Persomal Experiences)

    EASTER
     
  15. farmerlee

    farmerlee Registered Member

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    I know you said you're not interested in them but Rollback/Eaz-Fix will do exactly what you want. You can setup your system exactly how you like then install the program on top of that. After that you can change and do whatever you like, if you don't like it you can easily rollback to your original setup or if you like it you can take a snapshot and keep the changes. You can literally take hundreds or even thousands of snapshots if you have the hdd space and you can easily jump back and forth between the snapshots.
     
  16. lodore

    lodore Registered Member

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    Hi Easter,
    have you tryed image for windows?
    its better than drivesnapshot imo due to the very decent fast loading recovery cd.
     
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