Introducing AX64 Time Machine - hybrid imaging/snapshot software

Seven64, although I only use AutoSnap haphazardly, when I use it, and the fact that it runs hourly (which makes the snaps pretty small), I don't notice any impact... although I'm sure there is. All imaging programs use compression technologies which do take a bit of CPU time to perform... but small jobs are hardly noticable.

As far as virii are concerned, compressed (proprietary format) backup image files are not executable so therefore executable payloads cannot be added. In the case of CryptoLocker, which scrambles data until you PAY to get it back, the AX64 data file has not showed up on its list of files to scramble... although who knows, that could always happen in the future.

If you want hourly snaps, you need to have a place to store that snap plugged in when it's time to snap. If you're using an external USB HDD for this purpose, AX64 will not blow up if the external HDD is not plugged in at the appointed time... it will delay its hourly snapshot accordingly.

You can't have it both ways. The best way to protect that system is to have good antivirus and anti-malware scanners in place, and the ultimate way to protect is through SAFE NET practices, which has more affect than anything I can think of.

 

I agree completely. With today's super powerful processors on even the cheapest pc's, you can run multiple security software with no problem. Of course you have to get them to play nicely together but that is the pure joy of it (yes, I know that I need help ). And don't even BEGIN to attempt such fun without first backing up using a mirror image program such as AX64, or any of your other favorites.

Acadia

 

Don't forget that besides processor, you also gonna need enough RAMs

Just to make the discussion more complete...

 

Agreed. I would just add that even today's el cheapo systems not only have decent processors, but more RAM than most average folks ever use.

Acadia

 

I am liking this program so much, after the FD conflict bump in the road.

 

Most people do once they give it a try. Welcome to the Collective.

BTW, did you take a look at AppGuard? Its another gem. Very simple and very effective.

 

Yes, have it installed (AppGuard) now for about a year. Very quiet, so quiet I forget it's running until I try to install something. Have to remember to turn it off before a restore.

Out of all the betas for AX64, what one fits your machine the best. What OS do your have? I am very happy with 1.4.0.19 on Windows 7 64bit. Have done alot of hot restores and a few cold, always works.

 

I'm using the same v as you on the same system and it's worked great, with one exception, that the logs of one of my systems disappeared. And that could have been human error. I've used several versions over time and had no problems with any of them. Hot and Cold always worked, except when the hot didn't.

 

I am running Win 7 64 bit as you do and I have been using AX version 1.3.0.7. Its been quite some time since I had a hot restore fail. The only version I had problems with was (I think this is the correct version number) 1.1.2.0 and that was because Isso had not figured out that AppGuard was intermitantly causing hot restores to fail. I have to say his support was above and beyond.

 

Anxiously awaiting the new release. Any definitive word on a release date?

 

That January promise date is fading.

 

Ugh,,,,,,, not what I wanted to hear.

 

AX64 is basically good already. Why don't they concentrate on tightening that up and sending out a new release so they can make some money. Then they can work on the new product until they get it right.

 

I do believe that this is exactly what they are doing. The basic AX64 is fine but there is a problem with Windows 8.1 Recovery from Boot. It would seem to me that solving that is 'tightening' and they will achieve it if left to concentrate on it. If they miss a tentative date it is surely because they have issues to resolve and would rather solve and test rather than issue a new version only to have it fail, causing yet more castigation.
Patience. They are not delaying deliberately. Stay

 

If I understand it correctly AX64 will continue to be developed at least until the merged product (Real Copy + AX64) comes out, but will AX64 be updated after that? Basically I'm wondering if AX64 will be updated to deal with new versions of Windows like an eventual Windows 9 etc?

 

I don't know why they would continue to develop both products desperately once they are merged. It makes little sense for one company to sell two competing products. Not to mention the logistics and costs to develop them separably.

 

I have seen references in this thread to turning off / disabling / uninstalling certain apps before doing a hot restore for increased reliability. I am wondering if there is a list anywhere of problem apps and suggestions --such as --I am using Bit Defender Internet security and wondering if it is likely to cause a problem.

 

The plan is to keep both products going. AX64 will continue to be a very simple program with few options. RealCopy will be more complex with lots of bells and whistles. They are not competing as they are destined for different segments of the market. AX64 for the set it and forget it crowd (like myself) and RealCopy for those who want to tweak the program to satisfy a particular need. Makes perfect sense to me.

 

v1.3.0.7 works flawless for me on x64 W7 SP1. It did not with Malwarebytes Pro until I enabled it's Service "Delayed Start." I believe it was Peter who suspected security software.
Then a month or more later I had a frozen desktop again. That was my previous issue. I'd remembered I had recently installed WeatherPulse, an abandoned freeware app that the developer had to give up because the Weather Channel had stopped allowing their data for free. He resurrected it with NWS data now. I removed it from the start program list and since then I've been removing applications that I test with AX64 recoveries probably a dozen times/week. I love it!

 

I just did a search of the thread and a quick scan of the results and did not find any mention of a problem with Bit Defender, lots of mentions of problems with Shadow Defender though.

 

Just to be safe, until AX64 releases the new HOT RESTORE method, I would temporarily disable BD's AV/AM capability if capable, and would disable their firewall. This just takes a lot of the dynamics out of the equation as far as a HOT restore is concerned. Do it right before you HOT restore the system. Upon the reboot, BD should have everything active again... at least that's the way other security products work.

 

Ok, in my case: I tested/played with AX64 for about two weeks (very impressed). During that time I had Bit Defender installed but only the free version not the full program. I had no problem at all, never had to disable Bit Defender, BUT, I always keep the Auto Scan turned off, everything else is enabled.

Acadia

 

I really appreciate all of the responses to my question regarding possible interfering apps --particularly BitDefender. It is helpful in trying to avoid issues. I don't mind quickly disabling things that will increase a likely positive outcome. It seems that it would be valuable if there were a list of suggestions but I suppose that posting something like that could weaken the app in some folks mind. And given the state of development and relative infancy of AX64 --perhaps it is premature. I too look forward to further iterations of this intriguing app.

 

I'm not going anywhere. This this is the holy grail as is.