What FREE Backup/Recovery utility could you recommend?

I'd like to start backing up my system regularly as an alternative to antivirus software. There are a dizzying array of options, and after reading all morning I'm more confused than ever. What I want to do is backup system files, windows update patches, program files and settings, as well as personal files and folders. Essentially, everything I'd need to reboot and restore the system to a previous state in the event I get infected and a disaster ensues. Can anyone recommend a FREE program that can do all that and works reliably on XP and Vista?

 

I recently tried Clonezilla. After trying/using several other great (and some not so great) programs, I'm switching over to it.

I use it to image my entire drive. Clonezilla looks a little daunting in the beginning. But there are several how-to guides around the web and after you run it a time or two, it's easy to use. It's free, actively maintained and is reliable.

http://clonezilla.org/

 

I fully support the previous post. Clonezilla is very reliable and stable free imaging app. I have never had an issue in restoring an image.

If you want regular imaging then maybe you can try Paragon free. It can do differential imaging.

 

Keriver 1-Click Restore.

 

Hey Amit. You used to be a "SnapShot" supporter. Why? When I had trial with SnapShot I was impressed. Though it failed once in a 'test'. What's you opinion of the two?

And why not use windows 7 built-in back up you guys??

 

Honestly, I would prefer to use it but it really many times disappointed me. Moreover, now it just cannot start on my 2 comps!

 

Clonezilla here. It's very reliable as others have mentioned. If you are interested, check this out: http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/clonezilla.html.

 

Keriver 1-Click Restore is not a real snapshot app
It's an imaging software

 

In addition to Clonezilla, I use these two programs.

Redo Backup and Recovery
DriveImage XML

Redo is very easy to use, just a few clicks. I have successfully imaged and restored multi-boot laptops with Redo.

DriveImage XML is simple to use also. I've also successfully used to it image and restore Windows machines.

 

I still am a Snapshot supporter. I use it in one of my pcs. But this topic is about free apps. And Snapshot needs buck$. I use Keriver and Snapshot on my pcs. And either has yet to fail. Keriver takes image of only the system drive. Snapshot takes all drive images. It also has password protection of images. Keriver lacks that.

 

He was talking about Drive Snapshot.

 

Yes...you are right but Keriver 1-Click Free - even not as snapshot app - is still fantastic backup program worth to use

 

Yeah absolutely. And moreover if you want to use a more featured full blown imaging app there is also Keriver Image.

 

@ichito
What imaging app do you use? I remember you used to use Keriver Restore?

 

Easeus Todo Backup. Works great and its FREE.

 

Still that one - Keriver 1-Click Restore Free Simply and effective.

 

Ah great.