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Backup/Restore

Discussion in 'Other PC Software' started by jpcummins, 2008/08/01.

  1. 2008/08/01
    jpcummins

    jpcummins Inactive Thread Starter

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    I plan on backing up to an external drive most likely using Acronis True Image 11. However, until then how safe is using the Windows backup and restore options? I have not as yet purchased an external drive or Acronis True Image 11 instead I backed up my C:/ drive to a USB case and a hard drive that is good but one I have had for some time. Other than a disk crash I assume my backup can be easily restored. Am I correct in my thinking? I would appreciate any and all replies and thank you in advance.

    John
     
    jpcummins,
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  2. 2008/08/02
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Which OS are you using ? - sounds like Vista. If this is the case I'll move your thread to that forum for a more expert response.
     
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  4. 2008/08/02
    jpcummins

    jpcummins Inactive Thread Starter

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    Sorry Pete, my operating system is Windows XP Professional.
     
    jpcummins,
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  5. 2008/08/02
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    The only function of Backup that I have used is ASR - Automated System Recovery and that works very well and has recovered my system on one or two occasions. The drawback is that it requires a floppy drive which these days are scarcer than hen's teeth :) I can see no reason why it should not work for the other Advanced options offered.

    However you should be clear that, AFAIK the backup options on offer, with the exception of ASR do not backup your Windows installation, only data and the System State - registry settings.

    Even ASR does not backup your OS - it backs up all programs and the system state. When ASR is run it first formats the drive and reinstalls a fresh copy of Windows and then restores the programs and settings to the drive - these are in the backup file created coupled with info stored on the floppy disk.

    To create an image of the drive including the OS you need to use a disk imaging program such as Acronis. I use Acronis 11 to make an incremental image of my C:\ partition once a week using the Acronis scheduler. These images are stored on a separate hard drive in my system which is backed up on a weekly basis to an external hard drive. When using Acronis for the first time it is imperative to create the Recovery CD which, in the event of a drive failure, allows you to boot from the CD and restore to a new hard drive.
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2008/08/02
    jpcummins

    jpcummins Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete, I appreciate very much your reply to my post. I am currently evaluating different backup/restore recovery programs and expect to decide on one in the very near future. Paragon, Image For Windows, Power Shadow and Acronis True Image. From what I have been able to see it appears as though True Image may be the most user friendly so most likely that is the one I will pick. I know just enough about computers to get myself into trouble. Again, thanks for you reply.

    John
     
    jpcummins,
    #5

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