Best Backup program

Have just bought a 750GB Maxstor external hard drive to back up my current
system
running XP MCE SP3, which contains about 230GB of system files and data.

The latter is mostly MP3 files and some TV recordings.

While the software that came with the drive is backing up data on an
incremental basis
would like to take a system snapshot on a regular basis to be able to
reinstall a working
system should I have a hardware major failure, my previous hard drive just
stopped working.

Would appreciate any views on the best "backup" package available and any
pros cons.

TIA

Brian

I use Acronis TI

wrote in message
...
Have just bought a 750GB Maxstor external hard drive to back up my current
system
running XP MCE SP3, which contains about 230GB of system files and data.

The latter is mostly MP3 files and some TV recordings.

While the software that came with the drive is backing up data on an
incremental basis
would like to take a system snapshot on a regular basis to be able to
reinstall a working
system should I have a hardware major failure, my previous hard drive just
stopped working.

Would appreciate any views on the best "backup" package available and any
pros cons.

TIA

Brian

Go to www.cmsproducts.com and read. You decide.
wrote in message
...
Have just bought a 750GB Maxstor external hard drive to back up my current
system
running XP MCE SP3, which contains about 230GB of system files and data.

The latter is mostly MP3 files and some TV recordings.

While the software that came with the drive is backing up data on an
incremental basis
would like to take a system snapshot on a regular basis to be able to
reinstall a working
system should I have a hardware major failure, my previous hard drive just
stopped working.

Would appreciate any views on the best "backup" package available and any
pros cons.

TIA

Brian

wrote in message
...
Have just bought a 750GB Maxstor external hard drive to back up my current
system
running XP MCE SP3, which contains about 230GB of system files and data.

The latter is mostly MP3 files and some TV recordings.

While the software that came with the drive is backing up data on an
incremental basis
would like to take a system snapshot on a regular basis to be able to
reinstall a working
system should I have a hardware major failure, my previous hard drive just
stopped working.

Would appreciate any views on the best "backup" package available and any
pros cons.

TIA

Brian

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page. It's
very good.

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:



wrote in message
...
Have just bought a 750GB Maxstor external hard drive to back up my current
system
running XP MCE SP3, which contains about 230GB of system files and data.

The latter is mostly MP3 files and some TV recordings.

While the software that came with the drive is backing up data on an
incremental basis
would like to take a system snapshot on a regular basis to be able to
reinstall a working
system should I have a hardware major failure, my previous hard drive just
stopped working.

Would appreciate any views on the best "backup" package available and any
pros cons.

TIA

Brian

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.


It's very good.


Yes, it is.


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

wrote in message
...
Have just bought a 750GB Maxstor external hard drive to back up my current
system
running XP MCE SP3, which contains about 230GB of system files and data.

The latter is mostly MP3 files and some TV recordings.

While the software that came with the drive is backing up data on an
incremental basis
would like to take a system snapshot on a regular basis to be able to
reinstall a working
system should I have a hardware major failure, my previous hard drive just
stopped working.

Would appreciate any views on the best "backup" package available and any
pros cons.

TIA

Brian


Brian:
I'm sure you understand that in this business whenever one asks "What's the
best hard drive?" or "What's the best monitor?", or "What's the best
printer?", or even "What's the best backup program?", you can be certain of
only one thing. And that is there's no simple answer to questions of that
sort; there's "no one size fits all" so to speak. So take that into
consideration when you receive responses to your query. Many of these
backup-type programs have demo or trial versions available and you should
avail yourself of the opportunity of working with as many as is practical
for you to determine based upon your own needs what program best suits those
needs.

Anyway, here is my recommendation for your consideration...

Working with thousands of PC users over the years it has been abundantly
clear to us that there is a crucial need for a substantial number (if not a
vast majority) of these users who would be well-served by establishing &
maintaining a comprehensive backup program - a program that would not only
back up their personal data, but one that would also back up their OS and
all programs & applications - in effect, a program that would create a
precise copy of their day-to-day working HDD(s). So that if & when that day
comes that their system becomes dysfunctional because of a corrupt OS
resulting in an unbootable HDD or the HDD itself becomes defective, the user
would have the means to effectively & reasonably quickly restore their
system(s) to a bootable, functional state.

In our view a disk-to-disk cloning program is an effective tool in meeting
that objective. We've continually searched for a program that was effective
(it did what it was supposed to do), straightforward in design, and
easy-to-use even for an inexperienced user. We've used & experimented with a
variety of such programs over the years and found the Casper 5 program met
those objectives. Together with its "SmartClone" technology - which I'll
describe in more detail below - we've found this program superior to others
we've used over the years.

When one peruses this newsgroup and similar ones dealing with users'
problems, how many times a day, a week, do we see these types of plaintive
pleas for help?...

"Helllllp! My hard drive apparently died. How do I get my data back?", or,
"I just installed SP3 and now my computer doesn't even boot", or,
"I made that registry change (XXX) suggested and now I'm getting weird
messages from Windows", or,
"I installed the latest update from Microsoft and now my anti-spyware
program has been trashed", or,
"I installed that new (Super-Duper Anti-Malware) program and now all I get
is a black screen", or,
"All of a sudden I'm getting that dreaded BSOD and my system won't boot. How
can I save my precious photos?", or,
"After I just installed that beta copy of Windows 7 I get this funny message
from Windows that I have to close down my system and now nothing works", or,
"My hard drive was making funny noises and now nothing happens when I push
the power button on my 'puter"...
"After installing internet explorer 8.0 my computer went wonky. I couldn't
get online."

The list goes on & on, does it not? Does an hour, a day, a week pass where
we don't come across the above "cries of distress" and similar pleas for
help?

In so many cases the problem would have been a non-problem had the user made
a precise copy of his or her then-functional system *prior* to installing a
major program on their machine or making some major configuration change in
their otherwise perfectly-working system. This can be relatively easily
achieved through the use of a disk-cloning program such as the Casper 5
program which we prefer. So that in the event of a catastrophe - minor or
major - the system can be easily restored to its previous functional state.
When all is said & done, that is the sum & substance of the value of a
disk-cloning program.

Simply stated, a *desirable* disk-cloning program will allow the user to
restore his or her system easily & quickly when their system fails because
of a defective HDD or the system has become unbootable & dysfunctional
because of data corruption from malware, unwise configurations, or other
causes.

But as I previously indicated, the chief reason we prefer the Casper 5
disk-cloning program (aside from its simplicity of operation and general
effectiveness in carrying out the disk (partition)-cloning operation) is
because of its rather extroardinary ability to *speedily* clone the contents
of one drive (or partition) to another drive (or partition) when the program
is used on a frequent basis. As I mentioned, Casper incorporates what it
calls its "SmartClone" feature. The program has the happy capability of
automatically detecting *incremental* changes in the source drive's data
since the *previous* disk-cloning operation. By so doing and then taking
only those incremental data changes into account, the amount of time the
program needs to complete subsequent disk-cloning operations is
significantly shortened (as compared with other disk-cloning programs). Keep
in mind that the resultant clone is a *complete* clone of the contents of
the source HDD; it is *not* merely an incremental "file".

As a result of this feature there is an enormous incentive for users to
backup their systems on a more-or-less current basis knowing that the
expenditure of time in doing so will be relatively slight. Heretofore this
has been a major problem with disk-cloning programs (in terms of *routinely*
using the program as a comprehensive backup system) because each time the
disk-cloning operation was undertaken it was considered by the program to be
a "fresh" operation and therefore took a considerable amount of time to
complete the cloning operation. So many, if not most, users would balk at
using the disk-cloning program on a frequent basis because of that
expenditure of time to undertake the disk-cloning operation.

Obviously there are different approaches one can take with respect to
selecting a backup program (or programs) depending on one's interests. In
many cases the user is unconcerned with backing up their OS and programs &
applications. Their only interest is backing up personal data. Or many users
prefer the disk-imaging process rather than the disk-cloning process, such
as you find in programs such as Acronis True Image or Symantec's Norton
Ghost, etc., as a comprehensive backup tool. As previously indicated we
encourage users to experiment with various backup programs & approaches to
determine which ones will best serve their needs. Especially when trial/demo
versions of these programs are available.

In your case where you're using a USB external HDD (I'm assuming it's a USB
device), that device would serve as your "destination" HDD, i.e., the
recipient of the cloned contents of your day-to-day working HDD. Hopefully
you would undertake the disk-cloning process on a routine, frequent basis -
perhaps not less than once a week. Because of Casper's "SmartClone"
technology described above, the amount of time needed to complete the
comprehensive backup operation would come close to being trifling. Again,
this assumes you would be undertaking (or scheduling) the process on a
frequent basis.

So that you would have at hand a precise copy of your "source" HDD
containing the *complete* contents of that drive, including the OS, all
programs & applications, and all your personal data. Everything. So that in
the event your source HDD fails or becomes dysfunctional you could simply
clone the contents of the external HDD back to the source HDD (assuming the
latter was not defective) or a new internal HDD. The process would be simple
& straightforward. What better comprehensive backup system can one have?

The downside to the Casper 5 program is that it is not particularly
inexpensive. Single licenses cost $49.95 + $9.95 for the "Startup Disk"
(program to create a bootable CD containing the program - a necessary
adjunct to the program). A trial version (32-bit) of the program is
available so let me suggest you give it a try -
http://www.fssdev.com/products/casper/trial/. The trial version is slightly
crippled but should give you an idea of whether it meets your needs. AFAIK
the program is available only through the developer and not from any online
vendors or retail outlets. In any event in our view the program is so
superior as a comprehensive backup program that it is well worth the
additional cost as compared to other similar programs.
Anna

"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:



wrote in message
...
Have just bought a 750GB Maxstor external hard drive to back up my
current
system
running XP MCE SP3, which contains about 230GB of system files and
data.

The latter is mostly MP3 files and some TV recordings.

While the software that came with the drive is backing up data on an
incremental basis
would like to take a system snapshot on a regular basis to be able to
reinstall a working
system should I have a hardware major failure, my previous hard drive
just
stopped working.

Would appreciate any views on the best "backup" package available and
any
pros cons.

TIA

Brian

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.


It's very good.


Yes, it is.


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

It's still being called DiscWizard, but it is supposedly ATI free, similar
to the Western Digital version that I use and like very much.

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard

SC Tom

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:28:58 -0500, "SC Tom" wrote:



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.

It's still being called DiscWizard, but it is supposedly ATI free, similar
to the Western Digital version that I use and like very much.

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard

SC Tom


Thanks very much. That's not at all what Thip said, of course, and
without his (or someone else, like you) supplying that information,
nobody going to the site could find it.

You say it is "supposedly ATI free." That "supposedly" worries me. How
do you (or anyone else) know that's correct?

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:28:58 -0500, "SC Tom" wrote:



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.

It's still being called DiscWizard, but it is supposedly ATI free,
similar
to the Western Digital version that I use and like very much.

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard

SC Tom


Thanks very much. That's not at all what Thip said, of course, and
without his (or someone else, like you) supplying that information,
nobody going to the site could find it.

You say it is "supposedly ATI free." That "supposedly" worries me. How
do you (or anyone else) know that's correct?

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

There was a post in one of the groups (might even be this one) about the
time that I got the WD version (which is called "Acronis True Image WD
Edition"
http://support.wdc.com/product/downl...&wdc_lang =en
). One of the posters had downloaded and installed the web version of
DiscWizard and said it was made by Acronis, and that the interface and
features were similar to his old edition of True Image Home. Like the WD
version I have, it doesn't do scheduled back-ups, and a few other things
that the full version of ATI does. I can't vouch for that, never having
owned a full version, but the WD edition does everything I need it to do.

SC Tom

Many thanks to everyone who replied to my post.

I look forward to many "happy" hours trying out the various options.

Brian

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:17:05 -0500, "SC Tom" wrote:



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:28:58 -0500, "SC Tom" wrote:



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.

It's still being called DiscWizard, but it is supposedly ATI free,
similar
to the Western Digital version that I use and like very much.

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard

SC Tom


Thanks very much. That's not at all what Thip said, of course, and
without his (or someone else, like you) supplying that information,
nobody going to the site could find it.

You say it is "supposedly ATI free." That "supposedly" worries me. How
do you (or anyone else) know that's correct?

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

There was a post in one of the groups (might even be this one) about the
time that I got the WD version (which is called "Acronis True Image WD
Edition"
http://support.wdc.com/product/downl...&wdc_lang =en
). One of the posters had downloaded and installed the web version of
DiscWizard and said it was made by Acronis, and that the interface and
features were similar to his old edition of True Image Home. Like the WD
version I have, it doesn't do scheduled back-ups, and a few other things
that the full version of ATI does. I can't vouch for that, never having
owned a full version, but the WD edition does everything I need it to do.


Thanks again.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

Many, many apologies for posting misinformation. It's Western Digital
drives.

crawls back into corner to hide

"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:



wrote in message
...
Have just bought a 750GB Maxstor external hard drive to back up my
current
system
running XP MCE SP3, which contains about 230GB of system files and
data.

The latter is mostly MP3 files and some TV recordings.

While the software that came with the drive is backing up data on an
incremental basis
would like to take a system snapshot on a regular basis to be able to
reinstall a working
system should I have a hardware major failure, my previous hard drive
just
stopped working.

Would appreciate any views on the best "backup" package available and
any
pros cons.

TIA

Brian

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.


It's very good.


Yes, it is.


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:28:58 -0500, "SC Tom" wrote:



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.

It's still being called DiscWizard, but it is supposedly ATI free, similar
to the Western Digital version that I use and like very much.

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard

SC Tom


Thanks very much. That's not at all what Thip said, of course, and
without his (or someone else, like you) supplying that information,
nobody going to the site could find it.

You say it is "supposedly ATI free." That "supposedly" worries me. How
do you (or anyone else) know that's correct?


It is a stripped down version of Acronis True Image. It lacks the
scheduling capabilities and a few other features of the commercial
version. I use it on my other PC that the kids use.

On Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:56:26 -0600, Roy Smith
wrote:

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:28:58 -0500, "SC Tom" wrote:



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.

It's still being called DiscWizard, but it is supposedly ATI free, similar
to the Western Digital version that I use and like very much.

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard

SC Tom


Thanks very much. That's not at all what Thip said, of course, and
without his (or someone else, like you) supplying that information,
nobody going to the site could find it.

You say it is "supposedly ATI free." That "supposedly" worries me. How
do you (or anyone else) know that's correct?


It is a stripped down version of Acronis True Image. It lacks the
scheduling capabilities and a few other features of the commercial
version. I use it on my other PC that the kids use.


Thank you.


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:28:58 -0500, "SC Tom" wrote:



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote in message
...

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:48:57 -0500, "Thip" wrote:

You can get Acronis TrueImage free from the Maxtor/Seagate Web page.


Not as far as I know (unless that's something new for them). And I
couldn't find it on their web site. Please provide a link to the
specific web page there where you can download it for free.

It's still being called DiscWizard, but it is supposedly ATI free,
similar
to the Western Digital version that I use and like very much.

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard

SC Tom


Thanks very much. That's not at all what Thip said, of course, and
without his (or someone else, like you) supplying that information,
nobody going to the site could find it.

You say it is "supposedly ATI free." That "supposedly" worries me. How
do you (or anyone else) know that's correct?

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

I had no problems finding it serveral days ago when I was looking for a
means of installing a larger WD drive in a friends computer and moving
everything from the old to new disk.