[IvanJ]

Long ago I learned that setting up all the software that I use, after a clean install of Windows, is a process that can take weeks, and not something I want to go through more than a few times in my life.

I've long searched for the best backup solution that would allow me to backup my entire OS setup. The process I've been using most recently - use Vista's built-in "Backup and Restore Center" feature "Backup Entire Computer" - do this once a week on a slim USB HDD that I store in water and fire proof safe.

Question #1 - can someone recommend a better solution?

Question #2 - is this a reliable solution? I haven't actually had HHD failure since I've been using this system, but I have no idea what it would look like if I had to restore from backup. Would I boot from the external HDD? Or would I use Vista boot CD and somehow restore from there? Would it restore just fine if my hardware has changed?

Question #3 - Can I restore such backup, taken with Vista, on a machine with Windows 7? Or does it override the whole thing?

Thanks!

[LauraMJ]

Question #1 - can someone recommend a better solution?

Acronis True Image.

[DaveA]

I use Acronis True Image also.

[IvanJ]

Anything wrong with windows backup?

[DaveA]

Yes, the backup files can ONLY be restored to a machine with the SAME version of OS that they were backed up on.

Such as, you can not backup from a XP machine and restore to a Vista machine. NOT much good when updating to a NEW OS.

[letchworth]

Another vote for Acronis--

I must admit that I have not used the built-in backup, but the reason I purchased (about $40.) Acronis is that I heard discouraging words about built-in backup & glowing reports of Acronis.

As part of my testimonial- I have had to recover from computer problems- wasn't long and I was back in business (less that an hour, if memory serves)-- Windows XP back in place and all my basic programs loaded and usable.

I set up image of a fresh install with my favorite programs in place. I then backup my data on another DVD/s (or external HD if you prefer).

I wish I knew more about M$ version-- not even sure it backs up the Operating System-- but do know for a fact that Acronis True Image does back up the Operating System.

good luck
letchworth

[Noyb]

Another vote for Acronis .. It will run in any computer ..
Not just the one with windows backup in it.

The Trail DL is fully functional for 15 days .. Better Price

[DarqueMist]

Originally Posted by letchworth

...
I wish I knew more about M$ version-- not even sure it backs up the Operating System-- but do know for a fact that Acronis True Image does back up the Operating System.

If you're interested : Windows 7 Backup and Restore on Lifehacker

[letchworth]

Originally Posted by DarqueMist

If you're interested : Windows 7 Backup and Restore on Lifehacker

Unfortunately, the review isa year and a half old-- and only speaking about a beta version of M$7-- however
jsmorley says:

Originally Posted by jsmorley says

The version of Windows Backup that is available in Vista Ultimate does indeed do about 75% of what Acronis does. It will let you schedule "image" backups of your system, which you can restore by booting from your Windows CD and restoring from the backup image (which presumably you keep on a separate physical hard drive or external drive or we are back to useless). The only real downside I can see with Windows Backup is that you can ONLY restore the entire image. You can't just restore a a file or folder that you have lost or damaged.

75% is better than nothing, to be sure--- if it does what you need. For $40. I'll still use Acronis True Image

But thank you for that link-- it did help me find out a bit more about it (& I need that)
letchworth

[Noyb]

FYI .. The Windows 7 Imaging will NOT work (recover) if you move the Image file to another storage location ..
or make a copy in another location for backup purposes.

I see no logic in hiring a Hen to protect the Hen house.

[DarqueMist]

I was just googeling out of curiosity, I won't have my hands on Win7 until next week and have just been trying to get a feel of what it has in store for me. Wasn't recommending it's backup utility just throwing info out there about an article I remembered reading.

[letchworth]

Noyb---

I like the hat


Sorry for the Threadis Interruptis

letchworth

[TheOutcaste]

I too vote for Acronis.
I've only used the Vista Complete PC Restore once in a Virtual Machine, so can't say anything is wrong with it. The one downside is you can't restore individual files from the image the Complete PC Restore makes, at least not without jumping though some hoops. The Vista backup creates a Virtual Hard Drive image of each partition, which can be mounted in Virtual PC and accessed, but you have to deal with several UAC prompts, and each partition is given a cryptic GUID type name, and since the images are compressed, it may be difficult to use size to pick a partition if you backed up several at once.

With Acronis, you just mount the image and browse it as if it was another folder to restore individual files.
The Vista/Win 7 backup when used to backup just files can restore individual files easily though.

This is an all or nothing restore, you can't pick and chose files. It replaces everything on the partition.

I wouldn't think moving or copying the file would prevent a recovery but I haven't tried it. If so, that in itself is a reason not to use it.

You can always use Help and Support to find out about Windows Features. That does seem to get overlooked a lot.

Click Start | Help and Support, search on Restore your computer, 1st link for Restore your computer from a system image backup explains the process for restoring.