[referee07]

Can I back up my Windows Vista using DVD discs or do I need to use CD discs? Thanks in advance.

[simpswr]

You can use dvd discs

[referee07]

simpswr, thanks for the reply. I backed up Windows Vista about a month ago using DVD discs and thought everything went OK. (It took three double-layer discs and before each back up started the back up program asked if I wanted to format the disk, which I indicated "yes.") But... when I was notified by back up that it was time to back my stuff up again on Jan 1, I used disc #3 (as asked by the program) but got a message that the disc (#3) was not formatted. I tried several times and then used a blank DVD disk and was then asked to label it #1 (apparently if I use a blank disc, I will need to do a complete back up again.) Any ideas on this? Thanks in advance.

[simpswr]

Are you backing up the whole system? . . I only ever backup the data . . and I don't trust double layer discs so cannot help with that.

[Bob Cerelli]

Originally Posted by referee07

simpswr, thanks for the reply. I backed up Windows Vista about a month ago using DVD discs and thought everything went OK. (It took three double-layer discs and before each back up started the back up program asked if I wanted to format the disk, which I indicated "yes.") But... when I was notified by back up that it was time to back my stuff up again on Jan 1, I used disc #3 (as asked by the program) but got a message that the disc (#3) was not formatted. I tried several times and then used a blank DVD disk and was then asked to label it #1 (apparently if I use a blank disc, I will need to do a complete back up again.) Any ideas on this? Thanks in advance.

Might try using an imaging program like Acronis True Image to backup to an external hard drive. Typically much faster and easier the dealing with all the DVD swaps and problems.

[simpswr]

Originally Posted by Bob Cerelli

Might try using an imaging program like Acronis True Image to backup to an external hard drive. Typically much faster and easier the dealing with all the DVD swaps and problems.

I agree . .

[tronic592001]

Will Acronis 8 work on windows Vista? or if not Will Norton Ghost 9 work.

[Bob Cerelli]

Check with Acronis. Given the price of the product, if not, just get the latest version.

[Triple6]

You'll need to purchase a newer version of Acronis TrueImage to work with Vista, version 10 and 11 do work with Vista, version 8 does not.

[tronic592001]

ok cheers m8

[kingocouch]

Originally Posted by Bob Cerelli

Might try using an imaging program like Acronis True Image to backup to an external hard drive.

My hard drive has a partition with the recovery/factory image files, so am I ok to simply copy all files on the partition to an external drive?

Thanks!

[Bob Cerelli]

I would want to make certain that you can run it like it was when on the original hard drive should it fail.

But one of the advantages of Acronis is time. It typically takes far less time to restore your computer as it is, with all the updates, software installed, configurations changes etc. Just put a new hard drive in mine and the Vista OS partition with all programs etc. restored in 15 minutes.

[Triple6]

Copying files will work fine for data, but if your hard drive fails then copying the files from the external won't get you back to a usable state. Using Acronis to make a image of the drive is the best route.