Image Backup

[rov1200]

Can anyone name a good,free, easy to use image backup. I would like to copy the image to another part of the hard drive until I get a separate hard drive.

[VHG]

Is the hard drive set up as only one partition?

If so, image backup programs only allow you to create an image to another partition, or to another hard drive.

If your hard drive has only 1 partition (just C: with Windows and all your files on it) then you will first need to use a tool to split it into TWO partitions (say C: and D:) with maybe your CD drive as E:

Then you can use an image creation program to create an image of your C: drive and put it on the D: drive.

If you dont want to do that then you will have to wait till you get your external drive before creating an image.

[VHG]

I managed to find a free copy of Acronis True Image 10 that can do image backup and restore.

They call it Acronis True Image 10 Personal and it is a cut down version of Acronis True Image 10 Home with limited functionality that they give away free with some magazines (some people have also added it to some web sites)

I think they have stopped the offer now, but if you hunt round the web you may find it somewhere.

This web page gives a couple of sites where you can download it, but they may have expired

http://www.techsupportalert.com/acronis-true-i mage-10-for-free.htm

You can also download a trial of any Acronis software at their web site.

[VHG]

Someone also told me the following (but not verified it is true)

If you have a Seagate hard drive you can download DiscWizzard which is bascially Acronis True Image

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=e n-US&name=DiscWizard&vgnextoid=d9fd4a3cdde5c01 0VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD

[Huderon]

Macrium Reflect will back up all your files (data, programs, Windows) omitting anything in temp directories, and you can create a Linux based CD to restore with in case of dire need (I haven't needed it yet, so I don't know how good the restore is). However it is not a full partition backup program.

Have a look at this page which covers Macrium and similar programs.

[ACtheTROLL]

go to tesco or asda ... read a couple of PC mags ... there is always one giving a free version away.

your basic method sounds flawed ... if it's just file backup - you would be much better with something like active sync.

if it's a system restore backup ... you need it on a bootable medium.

my way of working is to keep system and data seperate
and I generally take 3 full images

I also always build machines with at least 2 partitions
c: is the system + basic progs
d: holds data
e: is for games and rubbish that doesn't matter

that way if you screw your system - restore c: ... and your data is untouched on d:
(if the whole drive dies - you only need a current data backup)

when I build a machine I make 3 images
1 - is the base operating system ... all drivers installed ... all updates and hotfixes applied ... and windows configured how I want it
(just c: - no progs)

2 - as above but with software (still no data)

3 - the full monty .... if I'm in a rush - I have a quick restore option - including most of my data

I use powerquest drive image (because I've used it for years)
but VHG is right - acronis does indeed kick bottom ... and more importantly - it's easy to use

and the paid for version it will make all the discs for you (don't know about the free version)

I use images all the time at work ... and the easiest way of working is to have a bootable set of discs.

a restore takes 20 or so minutes ... and you don't have to think.

[rov1200]

Thanks for all your helpful replies.