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    How do I backup? o_O

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by L4d_Gr00pie, May 19, 2009.

  1. L4d_Gr00pie

    L4d_Gr00pie Notebook Evangelist

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    I know this has probably been asked alot, and I've searched around the forum too. But what do you guys do for backup? I would like to have just an image of my current hdd (and vista) so that if I mess up the os or that my hdd gives up in the future I can just restore to this version. Are there any guides?
    Thx
     
    L4d_Gr00pie, May 19, 2009
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  2. gengerald

    gengerald Technofile Extraordinaire

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    I prefer Norton Ghost because of its speed, compression, and ease of use. There are a couple other alternatives, though. Incremental back ups are useful for your data files, but imaging is your best bet for your system partition. You may want to consider creating a system partition and a data partition. Keep images of the system and incremental back ups of the data. A large flash drive or external hard drive would be suggested. The size will be dependent upon the size of your partition. I have backed up 15-20GB to 8GB, but that is on high compression. After creating your first good save image, I would burn it to DVD and find it a good home as a last resort back up. Good luck!

    Freeware:
    DriveImage XML
    Part Image
    Ultimate Boot CD
    Clonezilla
    Hiren's Boot CD (freeware apps included)

    Commercial:
    Norton Ghost
    Acronis True Image
    Paragon Hard Disk Manager

    Decent Informational Article - Link

    Lifehacker's Review of XML - Link

    Partition Management and Image Suggestions: Link
     
    gengerald, May 19, 2009
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  3. TabbedOut

    TabbedOut Notebook Evangelist

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    I do regular backups using Paragon Drive Backup (I image my drive). I have gone through several recoveries and have never regretted the purchase.

    (BTW, Paragon has a freeware version as well)
     
    TabbedOut, May 19, 2009
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  4. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Mime with Tourette's

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    I also use Paragon Drive Backup (successfully, I might add). Be sure to test the restore part of any backup solution as unless that is successful the backup isn't worth beans.
     
    AKAJohnDoe, May 19, 2009
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  5. LPTP-LVR

    LPTP-LVR Notebook Deity

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    Why not just use Vista's complete backup feature? Never had any issues with it. And no need for installing extra software!
     
    LPTP-LVR, May 19, 2009
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  6. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Mime with Tourette's

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    That only exists in Vista Ultimate (perhaps Business?) ttbomk.
     
    AKAJohnDoe, May 19, 2009
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  7. L4d_Gr00pie

    L4d_Gr00pie Notebook Evangelist

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    Oh yeah I do have business hmm
    I'll try this backup on my external hdd and I'll see if it works fine.
     
    L4d_Gr00pie, May 19, 2009
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  8. L4d_Gr00pie

    L4d_Gr00pie Notebook Evangelist

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    Did the backup on vista and it seemed to have worked. But how can I verifie the backup? Do I restore it and see? I don't wanna mess my os if it didn't work or anything.
     
    L4d_Gr00pie, May 19, 2009
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