Complete Backup

I have just completed a complete backup of my hard drive using Nero Backup. I had previously backed up my hard drive using Acronis True image. (I have a 300 GB Maxtor USB Removable drive). There are so many differences between their finished product that I can't have confidence in either of them. And confidence really counts in a backup.

Is there a way that I can simply back up the major folders like "WINDOWS" and get all I need to get a big crashed computer up and running? I use WIN XP Home and have a 3-Ghz Dell. I don't care about the personal files like photos, music etc since I have multiple backups of that easy to save stuff. I also use both CD and DVD disks for backups.

I have heard a lot about Norton ghost. People like the idea that it does its work in DOS and does not have to contend with dynamic, changing files during the backup process. However, since I got into computers late I have no knowledge of how to find my way around in DOS and would like to avoid it if possible.

Thanks

 

Well Oromocto, I am also in the same boat as you. Though I don't see any problems in backing & restoring data, windows and program files are different altogether. Many files are locked when windows is running and I can't see how they can be backed up. Windows would not even allow access to many folders if you are logged in as limited user.

So I guess, data backup is safe. For Windows, I would reinstall.

 

Oromocto--Good topic.

Could you elaborate a little more on that? Why do you feel that way?
I use neither Nero nor Aconis. The software I mostly use is Dantz Retrospect (to an external USB drive). It permits either a "Backup" which results in an encrypted, compressed folder (which I cannot "Read" but can be "Restored" if I use Dantz), or a "Duplicate" which is a readable, immediately usable copy of the files I designate to be copied. The latter is similar to what Ghost used to call a Clone. I do not believe the newest versions of Ghost (versions 9 and 10) can do that anymore. They only Backup.
In any event, both Dantz and Ghost 9 offer to "Backup" my Harddrive (C:\). I fortunately have never needed to Restore so I do not know what they would do. Restore everything on C:\? Restore the Registry? Restore my personal data (which I know I have in the Dantz "Duplicate ", so presume I could transfer it easily, if necessary.)?

 

i've always been fond of drive image. symantec bought em but i think they still make it. it does it's imaging in win directly.

 

There will be many differences in the finished backups as they probably use very different methods and compression of backing up the HD.
I use Acronis TI 9.xxx and love it. I use the boot CD to make a full backup of the active partition and use the verify (check image) function after the backup. I've restored the whole partition many times and love the simplicity of Acronis True image. Once I've created a boot CD from the menu option I can even uninstall the programme and boot from the CD to create or reinstall backups. This is my preferred method as I can't be bothered with incrimental or "within Windows" backups.
Great programme!

 

just my $0.02

I too use Acronis TruImage and like it alot. I used to use DriveImage, before Symantec bought it, and yes it's still available. Unlike Paul, I create my images in Windows and it works very well. Be sure to make the 'boot disk' as this allows easy restoration if you can't access Windows. TruImage will also do 'incremental' backups. I prefer using full images. TruImage also allows you to 'mount' an image and copy files if you just need to repair something and don't need to restore the whole disk. IMO this is really the way to go for backups.

Oromocto, I would give TruImage a little more time, you may just need to get use to it. If you have problems there a several people on these boards that use Acronis and would be more than happy to help.

B

 

The main problem in ASR is floppy. I just don't have enough confidence in them.

 

OMG--What a great number of answers. This is truly a good site.
Now for some answers. To one about my statement about differences I agree with Paul completely. Acronis claims to keep track of files that change during the process and put things right at the end. I have no reason not to believe them. Nero, on the other hand ends up with a much bigger size and has a number of files that have changed and they wont certify. (But I love Nero for burning disks).

My lack of confidence lies with in-experience. In my old Win95/Compact days it seemed that I was using the restore disk at least once a quarter. Now I am using XP on two computers and no restore disk(I have a wife and a router), both are Dells and I haven't had a major crash yet--Can't check out my backups. (Someone is going to rib me about sounding like I am complaining)

I like the answers and I thank you for them.

 

Dell is selling wife also ?

 

refurbished?