Need help finding a backup software

I know that windows comes with its built in backup service, but I dont want to leave it on 24/7 and have it suck up my disk space.

I'm looking to make an image of my current setup, save it on an external HDD and forget about it until whenever I need it. I'm not looking for continous backups, I want something to make reinstalling easier if I have to. So I dont have to retweak and reinstall everything, each time.

Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

Have you checked the free software sticky? Also, if one of your drives (internal or external) is a Seagate or Maxor you can use Seagate DiscWizard which is a stripped down version of Acronis True Image. It's what I use for my OS and programs (and have an image of a fresh XP install) and it works great.

I also use Karen's Replicator for backing up data.

 

I have a seagate ehdd, where is this disc wizard :O

 

The only one that seems to do the full HDD OS and all is the one called DriveImage XML, but I'm not sure about it. And unfortunately my external drive is a WD 250GB I got for $15, so no seagate discwizrd for me

 

I use Paragon Drive Backup Personal.

I also picked up a second HDD on eBay, so I can restore (and test the restore periodically) without destroying my running system.

I strongly advise whatever backup scheme/scenario you decide to use includes a periodic validation of the restore process. If you are backing up and cannot restore you have write-only data, which is not terribly useful.

 

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/discwizard

The external Seagate will need to be attached to use the program. You'll also be able to upgrade to the full version ATI for 40% off..

Don't for get to make a bootable disk in case you need to do a restore and Windows is screwed up

 

Bummer, it's exactly what you were looking for and then some. Unforetunately I have no experience with DriveImage XML and am also confused with saying something about logical drives but not primary drives? If you try it, lets us know how it works out.

 

i believe what you want is norton ghost

 

I checked out Paragon via JohnDoes advice, there is a free version I'm using from them now that seems pretty good. It has tools to not only backup the entire partition but also makes a bootable CD incase windows itself goes kaboom.

Anymore I stay away from anything with Symmantec/Norton's name on it...they've disappointed me over and over again. They used to be so good too.

 

I noticed that, too, that Paragon had come out with a free version ( Paragon Drive Backup 9.0 Express).

Kind of annoys me, actually, since I bought Paragon Drive Backup Personal V8.51 in the last December/this January timeframe and cannot upgrade to the current V9 of Paragon Drive Backup Personal without paying full price again.

I've downloaded the Express version to test it.