Current Backup Software of Choice?

For the last 5 or so years, across two XP laptops, I've used Acronis True Image for backups. Now I've just ordered an HP ProBook 4720s, so with the move to Windows 7 I'm re-evaluating the backup options.

From what I've read TI 2010 is problematic (v9.0 I've been using was never entirely without issues), therefore I'm considering alternatives. I've read some good things about ShadowProtect, however it seems one of the more expensive options. I suppose I could give HP's built in Recovery Manager a go but for some reason I just don't trust hardware vendor's own recovery solutions.

So what should I have on my shortlist?

 

Windows Backup. It's part of windows 7.

 

i use the default backup app. on 7

 

Unlike you, I have never had a problem with Acronis True Image 2009 (keep it updated to the latest version thru Acronis downloads). Acronis TI is still my backup program of choice. I use it to create backup images monthly on three PC's with absolutely no problems (and yes I have actually performed backups to each PC to test the restore capabilities).

The following list is not exactly short but these programs seem to be the most popular backup programs used. I have used several besides Acronis to try out and could recommend Macrium Reflect Free and the built in Windows 7 Backup / Restore.

Paragon Backup & Restore Free
Macrium Reflect Free
EASEUS Todo Backup
DriveImage XML
Acronis True Image Home
Windows 7 Backup / Restore
Clonezilla
Norton Ghost

Here is a link to an article comparing a few of the most popular backup imaging programs. Paragon Backup & Restore Free vs Macrium Reflect Free vs EASEUS Todo Backup vs DriveImage XML vs Acronis True Image Home: Which one should you use? | Featured | dotTech

 

It was 9.0 rather than 2009. It appears to be something of a lottery with TI. The nc6320 I'm moving on from was much happier with it than my previous Toshiba. I'm cautious about going for it again due to the sheer volume of complaints about the current version. Also the level of support seems to have been slashed since I first bought it some years back.

Macrium Reflect looks good, would be supporting a UK company too if I went for the paid version. Paragon is certainly an option. I'm presuming W7's backup doesn't make images. . . (Edit - just read it does)

I'd like to get something in place quickish as with a new machine I tend to make multiple images as I install/update stuff in addition to recovery disks.

 

Thanks! I've been musing the thought if giving Acronis a try. I've used Ghost in the past and use Win 7 now, but have read that Win 7 has some gotchas and less than perfect experiences when actually restoring. So I've been hunting for something fairly simple and straightforward but still durable and complete.

 

Here's a nice comparison of the free programs, plus Acronis. Unfortunately, the article doesn't include Win 7 built-in... and the article is about 10 months old... but it may still be helpful.

Paragon Backup & Restore Free vs Macrium Reflect Free vs EASEUS Todo Backup vs DriveImage XML vs Acronis True Image Home: Which one should you use? | Featured | dotTech

 

cobian backup; simple, small, works fine, free

 

Just to let people know, I ended up using Paragon Backup and Recovery Free. I like it a lot, might even upgrade to the full fat version.

 

Windows Live Mesh for backing up across computers

 

I use Drive Snapshot along with a custom Bart PE Bootable CD. Unlike Acronis, you can use Drive Snapshot on any of your systems without having to install it since it is a bloat free stand alone executable. It also had a recent update that gave it full Windows 7 compatibility.

 

Booting from the Acronis CD starts up in limited version of Linux. I have restored successfully using this method when Windows wouldn't boot up. I can backup and restore on any of my computers without having to install Acronis by booting the CD.