Backing up Bootcamp Partition

Howdy All
I have a Macbook Pro 17 with 8g ram and 256G SSD all factory installed. I have used bootcamp to install windows 7 ultimate. Everything works fine.

I use Acronis True Home 2011 for disk back up and imaging.

I loaded this and it ran appropriately but said that it won't back up this partition.

Apparently this is not compatible with win 7 UNDER BOOT CAMP.

Then I unistalled Acronis. When I chose win7 "backup your computer" it does nothing, as if Acronis overwrote windows' native backup system.

Seems that this is a real problem, as I have researched and found that Winclone is not made any more.

Then what software is recommended to perform system backups of the windows partition? there must be something.

How can I get my system back up "back"?

If I can't back up my windows partition (it's the only one I use, I don't use the mac partition for anything), the computer would be unrestoreable if crashed!

Thanks in advance, if any
Doug

 

Google for WinClone and give that a go

 

Winclone was apparently discontinued. Anyone? I would think this would have raised as a problem before now. What good is a laptop that can't be backed up?
DOUG

 

Your problem is self-inflicted by primarily running Windows on a Mac.

 

This should not be a problem. I did research before I bought this, there were no real references to this problem. It still runs windows without a flaw so far, and this was my intention.

 

When you use devices in a way other than their intended use, there are always trade-offs. Yes I know Macs can run Windows, but they weren't designed to run Windows 100% of time, they were designed and optimized to run MacOS.

 

FYI, Apple allows you to run Windows on a Mac.

Where did you get the info that you shouldn't run Windows 100% of time? BC?

 

And if you read my comment above, you'd see that I acknowledged that.

It's pretty obvious in my opinion. Apple sells every Mac with OSX for a reason. If they wanted you to run Windows all the time they'd sell it with Windows and provide better driver support.

With regards to the OPs request, you'll probably have to try different backup software until you find one that works.

 

Thanks for scolding me on choosing Mac to run windows. I bought it for the screen and form factor. I don't regret this. I am trying to find a solution for backing this up, and I do realize this gap in functionality, and yes it is my fault. I was hoping that of the people using this in the way I am that this problem might have been adressed

:}
Doug

 

Well why don't you just tell him one instead of bashing him then?


@ OP I couldn't find a winclone alternative. You can still get it here Winclone for Mac - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com and that would be your only bet.

 

Thanks Seshan I will try that.
Doug

 

Windows 7 has a built-in facility to back up and restore itself: Windows Backup and Restore Center.

How To Use Backup and Restore in Windows 7 - How-To Geek

From there you can also burn a system repair disc, which I think you can use to restore the backup image.

If that doesn't work for some reason, Paragon offers a free version of their Backup & Recovery program that can be used as an alternative.

EDIT: Sorry I just realized you may bump into Boot Camp-related issues. (I can't find how to delete my post.) But... I'm sure people have tackled this issue before...

 

I used Winclone to back up and restore my x64 Windows 7 install.

Absolutely no trouble at all. Run the backup, format, reinstall OSX, create a bootcamp partition, then restore using Winclone to the newly made partition. No brain energy involved at all. I can't recommend it highly enough.

And why you guys get so catty on this forum is beyond me.

 

It's uncanny, really.

I wish it weren't so. It gives Mac owners a bad name. There really is no excuse for Khris's comments.

Anyway, posts were deleted.

 

Alternatively, you can use: Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

 

use these settings with Winclone:



then create the image (just select the source partition/drive then push the "Image" button and follow whatever directions come after) and wait.

when you're ready to restore the image, just:

1.) create a bootcamp partition of the same size or larger than the original Windows 7 partition (it will refuse to put the image on a partition that is too small)

2.) close the bootcamp application after it creates the partition

3.) install then open Winclone

4.) Click the restore button and specify the location of the storage image and destination...then push "restore".

wait for it to finish.

5.) reboot into Windows and be impressed by how trouble-free that was.

 

yep, winclone 2.2 will work just fine.
If you have the space on your mac partition.
Clone the bootcamp partition first, save the image on the mac partition.
Then use time machine, all done in one easy backup