Backup/Restore suggestions for XP, and Vista

Thanks.



"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:%23PAHERktIHA.4912@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Acronis True Image (TI) works great.
>
> Still haven't used TI to make a backup "clone" of the system, when an
> "image" backup to an external USB HD enclosure drive does the trick for
> me. (I never pull out that drive - it's a pain to do, so a "clone" won't
> work well for me). Anytime I want to restore the backup, I just restore
> the image to the source drive. Works fine here, and the source drive
> stays put (no swapping of drives).
>
> Big Al wrote:
>> PD43 wrote:
>>> Big Al <BigAl@nowhere.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Lanwench [MVP - Exchange] wrote:
>>>>> Anonymous <com@com.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't know about the Amazon reviews, but I've been using Acronis for
>>>>> years and have been universally pleased. Get the full workstation (not
>>>>> home) version with universal restore.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Again this is the "what works for you" story.
>>>> I use two backups. JUST TO MAKE SURE.
>>>> I use Acronis True Image Home to do an image, this copies everything.
>>>> (and it seems to work for me okay, of course I'm not crossing between
>>>> XP
>>>> and Vista). Then I use stomp soft backup to backup just files.
>>>
>>> Why don't you use ATI for both? It will DO both.
>> Its a hang over from old days, I've had stomp for years. It allows me
>> to make a config file listing just what I want to backup. Not sure ATI
>> does that. I've only had ATI for 4 months and only use it to make
>> clones so far. I've used ATI to restore files from the clone, as I
>> forgot a file on my last backup that was only on the clone. Anyway the
>> stomp 'file' backup is a one click and its done.
>> If I can config ATI, I'll look into it and yes, one less program on the
>> machine.
>
>

I posted this text here recently, soliciting various backup
and restore product experiences.

Thanks to all who provided helpful replies.

Additionally, during my recent 5/15 reply to:
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...6832009?hl=en#
it caused me to recall a product that I'd used in the past be-
cause it was provided with an ExHD product I purchased.

The company is CMS Products:
http://www.cmsproducts.com/
and they provide competing backup/restore systems along
with various optional hardware. My experience with their
backup/restore software was positive, but it was just an
entry level product shipped with a piece of hardware that
I bought.

Their site uses some youtube video to demonstrate some of
their product operations. I'm going to look closer, and I sugg-
est those here still looking for backup/restore/recovery solu-
tions take a look also.

As usual, my disclaimer is that I have no personal/business/
financial interest in this CMS products, or anyone in/around
their organization. My only interest is as a former user.

Thanks again, for all the helpful comments.

Gary





"Anonymous" <com@com.com> wrote in message
news:CsEWj.3224$7k7.3164@flpi150.ffdc.sbc.com...
> Any suggestions for "complete" backup/restore SW for XP
> Pro? And that can be eventually migrated to Vista?
>
> I need "complete" backup/restore for data retention, image
> recovery, boot restore, (int)(ext)ernal large HD, and (E)-
> SATA support.
>
> The obvious answers, Acronis and Ghost, seem not to have
> unanimously glowing feedback on Amazon.
>
> Or, are the feedback just flawed?
>
> Acronis:
> http://www.amazon.com/review/product...View points=1
>
> Ghost:
> http://www.amazon.com/review/product...View points=1
>
>
> Thanks you very much,
>
> Gary
>
>
>
>

The last couple of editions of True Image have been both XP and Vista (x86
and x64) compatible. You can't miss.

"Anonymous" <com@com.com> wrote in message
news:PdQWj.108$Q57.52@nlpi065.nbdc.sbc.com...
>
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:%23PAHERktIHA.4912@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Acronis True Image (TI) works great.
>>
>> Still haven't used TI to make a backup "clone" of the system, when an
>> "image" backup to an external USB HD enclosure drive does the trick for
>> me. (I never pull out that drive - it's a pain to do, so a "clone" won't
>> work well for me). Anytime I want to restore the backup, I just restore
>> the image to the source drive. Works fine here, and the source drive
>> stays put (no swapping of drives).
>>
>> Big Al wrote:
>>> PD43 wrote:
>>>> Big Al <BigAl@nowhere.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Lanwench [MVP - Exchange] wrote:
>>>>>> Anonymous <com@com.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I don't know about the Amazon reviews, but I've been using Acronis
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> years and have been universally pleased. Get the full workstation
>>>>>> (not
>>>>>> home) version with universal restore.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>> Again this is the "what works for you" story.
>>>>> I use two backups. JUST TO MAKE SURE.
>>>>> I use Acronis True Image Home to do an image, this copies everything.
>>>>> (and it seems to work for me okay, of course I'm not crossing between
>>>>> XP
>>>>> and Vista). Then I use stomp soft backup to backup just files.
>>>>
>>>> Why don't you use ATI for both? It will DO both.
>>> Its a hang over from old days, I've had stomp for years. It allows me
>>> to make a config file listing just what I want to backup. Not sure ATI
>>> does that. I've only had ATI for 4 months and only use it to make
>>> clones so far. I've used ATI to restore files from the clone, as I
>>> forgot a file on my last backup that was only on the clone. Anyway the
>>> stomp 'file' backup is a one click and its done.
>>> If I can config ATI, I'll look into it and yes, one less program on the
>>> machine.
>>
>>
>
>

Thank you.



"Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:378AA5DE-6F6D-4F86-8919-CA2618317935@microsoft.com...
> The last couple of editions of True Image have been both XP and Vista (x86
> and x64) compatible. You can't miss.
>
> "Anonymous" <com@com.com> wrote in message
> news:PdQWj.108$Q57.52@nlpi065.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>>
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:%23PAHERktIHA.4912@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Acronis True Image (TI) works great.
>>>
>>> Still haven't used TI to make a backup "clone" of the system, when an
>>> "image" backup to an external USB HD enclosure drive does the trick for
>>> me. (I never pull out that drive - it's a pain to do, so a "clone" won't
>>> work well for me). Anytime I want to restore the backup, I just
>>> restore the image to the source drive. Works fine here, and the
>>> source drive stays put (no swapping of drives).
>>>
>>> Big Al wrote:
>>>> PD43 wrote:
>>>>> Big Al <BigAl@nowhere.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Lanwench [MVP - Exchange] wrote:
>>>>>>> Anonymous <com@com.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I don't know about the Amazon reviews, but I've been using Acronis
>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>> years and have been universally pleased. Get the full workstation
>>>>>>> (not
>>>>>>> home) version with universal restore.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Again this is the "what works for you" story.
>>>>>> I use two backups. JUST TO MAKE SURE.
>>>>>> I use Acronis True Image Home to do an image, this copies everything.
>>>>>> (and it seems to work for me okay, of course I'm not crossing between
>>>>>> XP
>>>>>> and Vista). Then I use stomp soft backup to backup just files.
>>>>>
>>>>> Why don't you use ATI for both? It will DO both.
>>>> Its a hang over from old days, I've had stomp for years. It allows me
>>>> to make a config file listing just what I want to backup. Not sure ATI
>>>> does that. I've only had ATI for 4 months and only use it to make
>>>> clones so far. I've used ATI to restore files from the clone, as I
>>>> forgot a file on my last backup that was only on the clone. Anyway
>>>> the
>>>> stomp 'file' backup is a one click and its done.
>>>> If I can config ATI, I'll look into it and yes, one less program on the
>>>> machine.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

Anonymous wrote:
> Any suggestions for "complete" backup/restore SW for XP
> Pro? And that can be eventually migrated to Vista?
>
> I need "complete" backup/restore for data retention, image
> recovery, boot restore, (int)(ext)ernal large HD, and (E)-
> SATA support.
>
> The obvious answers, Acronis and Ghost, seem not to have
> unanimously glowing feedback on Amazon.
>
> Or, are the feedback just flawed?
>
> Acronis:
> http://www.amazon.com/review/product...View points=1
>
> Ghost:
> http://www.amazon.com/review/product...View points=1

Another alternative. Better than the others IME.
http://www.paragon-software.com/home/hdm-personal/


--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

Not for $35. Lets see, $35 or 35 hours restoring? Hmmmmm :-)


Colin Barnhorst wrote:
> The last couple of editions of True Image have been both XP and Vista
> (x86 and x64) compatible. You can't miss.
>
> "Anonymous" <com@com.com> wrote in message
> news:PdQWj.108$Q57.52@nlpi065.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>>
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:%23PAHERktIHA.4912@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Acronis True Image (TI) works great.
>>>
>>> Still haven't used TI to make a backup "clone" of the system, when an
>>> "image" backup to an external USB HD enclosure drive does the trick
>>> for me. (I never pull out that drive - it's a pain to do, so a
>>> "clone" won't work well for me). Anytime I want to restore the
>>> backup, I just restore the image to the source drive. Works fine
>>> here, and the source drive stays put (no swapping of drives).
>>>
>>> Big Al wrote:
>>>> PD43 wrote:
>>>>> Big Al <BigAl@nowhere.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Lanwench [MVP - Exchange] wrote:
>>>>>>> Anonymous <com@com.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I don't know about the Amazon reviews, but I've been using
>>>>>>> Acronis for
>>>>>>> years and have been universally pleased. Get the full workstation
>>>>>>> (not
>>>>>>> home) version with universal restore.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Again this is the "what works for you" story.
>>>>>> I use two backups. JUST TO MAKE SURE.
>>>>>> I use Acronis True Image Home to do an image, this copies everything.
>>>>>> (and it seems to work for me okay, of course I'm not crossing
>>>>>> between XP
>>>>>> and Vista). Then I use stomp soft backup to backup just files.
>>>>>
>>>>> Why don't you use ATI for both? It will DO both.
>>>> Its a hang over from old days, I've had stomp for years. It allows me
>>>> to make a config file listing just what I want to backup. Not sure ATI
>>>> does that. I've only had ATI for 4 months and only use it to make
>>>> clones so far. I've used ATI to restore files from the clone, as I
>>>> forgot a file on my last backup that was only on the clone. Anyway
>>>> the
>>>> stomp 'file' backup is a one click and its done.
>>>> If I can config ATI, I'll look into it and yes, one less program on the
>>>> machine.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

"dadiOH" <dadiOH@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:Ot2vzSntIHA.5268@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Anonymous wrote:
>> Any suggestions for "complete" backup/restore SW for XP
>> Pro? And that can be eventually migrated to Vista?
>>
>> I need "complete" backup/restore for data retention, image
>> recovery, boot restore, (int)(ext)ernal large HD, and (E)-
>> SATA support.
>>
>> The obvious answers, Acronis and Ghost, seem not to have
>> unanimously glowing feedback on Amazon.
>>
>> Or, are the feedback just flawed?
>>
>> Acronis:
>> http://www.amazon.com/review/product...View points=1
>>
>> Ghost:
>> http://www.amazon.com/review/product...View points=1
>
> Another alternative. Better than the others IME.
> http://www.paragon-software.com/home/hdm-personal/
>
>
> --
>
> dadiOH
> ____________________________
>
> dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
> ...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
> LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
> Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico
>
>
>


Thanks, I'll look there also.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Anonymous" <com@com.com>
Newsgroups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: Backup/Restore suggestions for XP, and Vista


>
> "dadiOH" <dadiOH@invalid.com> wrote in message
> news:Ot2vzSntIHA.5268@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > Anonymous wrote:
> >> Any suggestions for "complete" backup/restore SW for XP
> >> Pro? And that can be eventually migrated to Vista?
> >>
> >> I need "complete" backup/restore for data retention, image
> >> recovery, boot restore, (int)(ext)ernal large HD, and (E)-
> >> SATA support.
> >>
> >> The obvious answers, Acronis and Ghost, seem not to have
> >> unanimously glowing feedback on Amazon.
> >>
> >> Or, are the feedback just flawed?

All backup software will have some negative feedback, imaging software even
moreso.

I've used several tools over the years. My current favourite is Acronis True
Image Home.

Acronis True Image Home can do a complete image of your drive, so in the
event of a drive failure you just install a replacement drive and restore
your recent image to the new drive. Everything will be exactly as you left
it before the old drive failed: Windows (or whatever OS you use), all
applications, all your settings and config, all your data.

Or, you can use Acronis True Image Home to backup just your documents and
settings, or just specific files, or whatever you want. You can schedule
automated backups, can do full, incremental and differential backups, etc.
It's a great tool that has saved me a few times.

"Tuttle" <nospamhere@notarealaddressnospam.gs> wrote in message
news:OcOY39rtIHA.5500@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Anonymous" <com@com.com>
> Newsgroups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
> Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:35 PM
> Subject: Re: Backup/Restore suggestions for XP, and Vista
>
>
>>
>> "dadiOH" <dadiOH@invalid.com> wrote in message
>> news:Ot2vzSntIHA.5268@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> > Anonymous wrote:
>> >> Any suggestions for "complete" backup/restore SW for XP
>> >> Pro? And that can be eventually migrated to Vista?
>> >>
>> >> I need "complete" backup/restore for data retention, image
>> >> recovery, boot restore, (int)(ext)ernal large HD, and (E)-
>> >> SATA support.
>> >>
>> >> The obvious answers, Acronis and Ghost, seem not to have
>> >> unanimously glowing feedback on Amazon.
>> >>
>> >> Or, are the feedback just flawed?
>
> All backup software will have some negative feedback, imaging software
> even
> moreso.
>
> I've used several tools over the years. My current favourite is Acronis
> True
> Image Home.
>
> Acronis True Image Home can do a complete image of your drive, so in the
> event of a drive failure you just install a replacement drive and restore
> your recent image to the new drive. Everything will be exactly as you left
> it before the old drive failed: Windows (or whatever OS you use), all
> applications, all your settings and config, all your data.
>
> Or, you can use Acronis True Image Home to backup just your documents and
> settings, or just specific files, or whatever you want. You can schedule
> automated backups, can do full, incremental and differential backups, etc.
> It's a great tool that has saved me a few times.
>
>
>



I've had similar replies, including the suggestion to use the
Acronis Workstation version, rather than Home.

Like you, my years of Ntbackup usage have been quite
positive, meeting all my needs for a backup.

However, although Ntbackup will easily protect against
accidental loss, it is either unable, or quite cumbersome
at providing recovery, or bare metal restore.

I have to admit that the backup product from CMS looks
quite attractive though. Because I like the idea of simply
rebooting the backup image for a quick recovery. Watch
this video:
http://www.cmsproducts.com/video/desktop_backup.html

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with E/SATA, and support
would require my upgrade. But, I'd get the functionality
described, in addition to the significantly higher speeds.

One of the Amazon reviewers complaints on Acronis TI
Home was that E/SATA was not currently supported. I
guess I would've thought a backup product would simply
rely on the OS for peripheral access.

I'm currently investigating this "boot from backup" on an
external drive issue. What it takes? (E/SATA, Firewire,
etc?), and what I've have to upgrade. But, I like the idea.

Not only is it easier, but simple testing of a crash recovery
requires no intermediate restore. Much less exposure to
error.

Additionally, because the backup image is stored in native
format(non-composite), even lost file restores are easier.
And FAT limitations are avoided for users of that archi-
tecture.

Thanks.

"Anonymous" <com@com.com> wrote in message
news:5q1Xj.3224$ah4.2192@flpi148.ffdc.sbc.com...
> I've had similar replies, including the suggestion to use the
> Acronis Workstation version, rather than Home.
>
> Like you, my years of Ntbackup usage have been quite
> positive, meeting all my needs for a backup.
>
> However, although Ntbackup will easily protect against
> accidental loss, it is either unable, or quite cumbersome
> at providing recovery, or bare metal restore.
>
> I have to admit that the backup product from CMS looks
> quite attractive though. Because I like the idea of simply
> rebooting the backup image for a quick recovery. Watch
> this video:
> http://www.cmsproducts.com/video/desktop_backup.html
>
> Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with E/SATA, and support
> would require my upgrade. But, I'd get the functionality
> described, in addition to the significantly higher speeds.
>
> One of the Amazon reviewers complaints on Acronis TI
> Home was that E/SATA was not currently supported. I
> guess I would've thought a backup product would simply
> rely on the OS for peripheral access.
>
> I'm currently investigating this "boot from backup" on an
> external drive issue. What it takes? (E/SATA, Firewire,
> etc?), and what I've have to upgrade. But, I like the idea.
>
> Not only is it easier, but simple testing of a crash recovery
> requires no intermediate restore. Much less exposure to
> error.
>
> Additionally, because the backup image is stored in native
> format(non-composite), even lost file restores are easier.
> And FAT limitations are avoided for users of that archi-
> tecture.
>
> Thanks.


I'm sure you understand that when we talk about eSATA or just plain SATA in
this context of backup programs, we're simply talking about the HDD that
will be involved in the backup and/or restore process. And that HDD will be
a SATA (not a PATA) HDD. The distinction between SATA & eSATA is simply the
connector that a SATA HDD will be connected to. The "e" in eSATA stands for
"external". A number of motherboards are equipped with an eSATA port and a
number of desktop computer cases are similarly equipped. The eSATA port is
considered a more secure SATA connector than the "regular" or "normal" SATA
connector and the eSATA data cable will be equipped with an eSATA connector,
not a "regular" SATA connector. But for all practical purposes a SATA HDD
will perform just as well connected to either type of port - SATA or eSATA.

The important point to remember here is that connecting a external SATA HDD
to *either* a SATA or eSATA port will give the user SATA-to-SATA
connectivity (as opposed to USB connectivity for example). Obviously we're
presuming that the PC has SATA capability, i.e., it supports SATA hard
drives.

Having SATA-to-SATA connectivity is most advantageous when using an external
SATA HDD as the recipient of the backed up contents of one's internal
day-to-day working HDD. There are two significant advantages...
1. The data transfer rate is considerably higher than, for example, a USB
external HDD device.
2. Assuming the SATA HDD contained in a SATA external enclosure is the
recipient of the cloned contents of the user's internal HDD through the use
of a disk-cloning program, e.g., the Acronis one that has been mentioned,
the SATA HDD will be a bootable device even though it's being used in an
external capacity. The system will treat that drive as an *internal* HDD
because of its SATA-to-SATA connectivity notwithstanding the fact that it is
physically external to the machine.

(BTW, that CMS device you mention is really nothing more than an external
enclosure that provides both USB & SATA connectivity. There are scores of
similar enclosures on the market. You can simply install your own SATA HDD
into the enclosure.)

The Acronis True Image program that has been recommended to you is a fine
program with many satisfied users. You should consider it, especially since
there's a trial version available.

However, for a variety of reasons, the disk-cloning program we greatly
prefer is the Casper 4 program. If you (or anyone coming upon this thread)
want some details about that program I'll post such.
Anna