Question Backups and/or system image

[Eamonn100]

I'm wanting to learn and know about protecting my PC with backups and now (just newly discovered)... system images.

What is the difference... and in what situations would one be used over the other.... or even are the 2 used together?

 

[USAFRet]

Backup is a generic term for 2nd/3rd copy of your data.
In case of drive fail or malware..all is not lost.

2 main ways to do it:
1. File or folder backups to a different device.
2. Full drive Images.

Both have their place.

I much prefer full drive, fully automated Images. Far too often, we see someone here with "I backed up my files, but I forgot that one folder. "
Full drive images, you can't forget part of it.

The basic concept is 3-2-1.
3 copies, on at least 2 different media, at least 1 offsite or otherwise unaccessible.

I use Macrium Reflect. Each drive or system, on its own schedule. All hands off.

For just file/folder backups, I used to use FreeFileSync, or SyncBackFree.

 

[Lafong]

I'm wanting to learn and know about protecting my PC with backups and now (just newly discovered)... system images.

What is the difference... and in what situations would one be used over the other.... or even are the 2 used together?

You sometimes see both terms used rather loosely.

"Protecting my PC" may mean recovering from a bad situation...a disaster or semi-disaster, particularly referring to your operating system and applications. A virus? Software installation went haywire? System images would be the preferred tactic. Two step process: making an image, then later "restoring" it through a formal process that might take an hour or less. Restores "everything" that was on the drive at the moment the image was made. Full images are just a single huge file (30 GB? 200 GB?)...you might keep more than one from various dates in the past.

Or, "Protecting my PC" may mean recovering personal data...your irreplaceable pictures, tax returns, whatever...with nothing to do with Windows or applications. Accidental deletion? File becomes corrupt for unknown reasons? Drive failure? You modified a file but wish you still had the unmodified version? A "backup" program would be the preferred method. Simple one step process accessible by a standard folder tree on a drive. You choose which files and which folders you want to back up. Maybe all? Maybe only stuff in a certain folder? Maybe only these 22 files or folders?

System imaging CAN help you recover personal files, but it isn't the simplest or most elegant way of doing that.

I use both. Full system images monthly using Macrium and personal file backups a couple of times a day using SyncBackFree. My Windows and applications (C drive) change slowly, so I don't have any need to image more often. You might. Depends on your PC habits.

 

[Eamonn100]

Fundamental, I'd want (if something bad happened) to just be able to reset my PC as it was before... with a few clicks, everything's back as it was before? My desktop, programs, etc... That would be a "Full system image"?

Although, I've just saw something called a clone?? Is that the same/similar as a "Full system image"?

 

[USAFRet]

Fundamental, I'd want (if something bad happened) to just be able to reset my PC as it was before... with a few clicks, everything's back as it was before? My desktop, programs, etc... That would be a "Full system image"?

Although, I've just saw something called a clone?? Is that the same/similar as a "Full system image"?

Yes, you want a full drive image (or images if you have more than one drive)

A Clone is somewhat similar, but different,

Clone is for changing drives in the system right now. For instance, going from a small SSD to a larger.
It is a single snapshot in time.

An Image is for storing away for later.
And with tools like Macrium Reflect, you can do a Full Image, then a following series of Incrementals.

I can recover any drive in my system, or the whole system, to its condition on any date in the last month.

 

[Eamonn100]

With Macrium Reflect is it a full subscription service... or can it be bought out right?

 

[Lafong]

Fundamental, I'd want (if something bad happened) to just be able to reset my PC as it was before... with a few clicks, everything's back as it was before? My desktop, programs, etc... That would be a "Full system image"?

Although, I've just saw something called a clone?? Is that the same/similar as a "Full system image"?

You'd need a full system image in answer to your first paragraph.

Clone is a cousin of imaging and is typically used when all is well and you just want to move a good system to another drive. Maybe you bought a new drive and want to move everything from the old drive to the new drive. BUT....you could use imaging for this purpose if you want.


Cloning is a one step process. current state to current state on another drive. NOT a restoration to an earlier state.

 

[Lafong]

With Macrium Reflect is it a full subscription service... or can it be bought out right?

I think Macrium is now a subscription only. Unfortunately. Changed quite recently. Use to cost maybe 15 for a lifetime license.

 

[USAFRet]

With Macrium Reflect is it a full subscription service... or can it be bought out right?

Unfortunately, its gone full subscription.

But sometimes, there is that one piece of software where it is worth it.

I'm in the process of building up a new PC (last part arrived yesterday) and I will be buying a MR sub for it.

My other systems have either the lifetime Free (from long ago), or the lifetime single system Paid version.

 

[Eamonn100]

I think Macrium is now a subscription only. Unfortunately. Changed quite recently. Use to cost maybe 15 for a lifetime license.

Are there any good companies you could recommend that do a one time payment program?

 

[Eamonn100]

Unfortunately, its gone full subscription.

But sometimes, there is that one piece of software where it is worth it.

I'm in the process of building up a new PC (last part arrived yesterday) and I will be buying a MR sub for it.

My other systems have either the lifetime Free (from long ago), or the lifetime single system Paid version.

So, with your new build. Is it a clone or image you'll use?... That's a clone? Just everything being brought over to the new system?

 

[USAFRet]

Are there any good companies you could recommend that do a one time payment program?

A year ago, all the major players had a Free version. A bit feature limited, but it was there.
Then, ALL went to a paid model.
Macrium has piled on with Subscription.

Conpetitors:

Acronis True Image (subscription)

Buy Acronis True Image (formerly Acronis Home Office)

Backup doesn’t need to be complicated. It should be comprehensive, reliable, easy to use and secure.

www.acronis.com

EaseUs ToDo apparently has a one time purchase, $80
(and maybe a free level)
https://www.easeus.com/backup-software/tb-free.html

 

[Eamonn100]

Also, you both use Macrium for images and clone... but have said that you use SyncBackFree for daily file backups. Why is this? Does Macrium not do daily file backups?

 

[Lafong]

Are there any good companies you could recommend that do a one time payment program?

Aomei Backupper was in the running a year or so ago.

I have no idea if it is still free.

Never used it. Respected people have said good things about it, but I have no personal knowledge.

I've heard of one recently, can't recall name. Hasleo maybe? Not sure if it is free.

Paragon is another possibility. Don't know if they are free anymore either.

 

[USAFRet]

So, with your new build. Is it a clone or image you'll use?... That's a clone? Just everything being brought over to the new system?

New system will be a whole new OS install (and everything else).

Trying to bring a drive+OS, or a clone, from the old system often/usually fails.

And going from AMD -> Intel...fail is almost guaranteed!

 

[USAFRet]

Also, you both use Macrium for images and clone... but have said that you use SyncBackFree for daily file backups. Why is this? Does Macrium not do daily file backups?

I used to use SyncBackFree.
Since I've gone to full drive images, that is no longer needed.

But Macrium does do file and folders, if you choose.

 

[Lafong]

Also, you both use Macrium for images and clone... but have said that you use SyncBackFree for daily file backups. Why is this? Does Macrium not do daily file backups?

Macrium can do file backups on command. BUT restoring them is somewhat of a pain. It's an image after all. On the other hand, file backup programs like SyncBackFree don't use images. They simply replicate the file to some other location in its original form in a folder tree. Access and recover the file in a few seconds, rather than fiddle with Macrium. Macrium is doable, but not ideal..for that purpose.

 

[USAFRet]

Macrium can do file backups on command. BUT restoring them is somewhat of a pain. It's an image after all. On the other hand, file backup programs like SyncBackFree don't use images. They simply replicate the file to some other location in its original form in a folder tree. Access and recover the file in a few seconds, rather than fiddle with Macrium. Macrium is doable, but not ideal..for that purpose.

MR does have the function to mount an Image as a drive letter.
You can cruise through, and find that one file from last weeks Image that you need.

 

[Lafong]

MR does have the function to mount an Image as a drive letter.
You can cruise through, and find that one file from last weeks Image that you need.

I tried that 2 or 3 years ago and gave up on it. Can't recall exact reasons other than it wasn't preferable to standard file backup progs like FreeFileSync.

I might use Macrium for that purpose if the standard programs weren't free....but as for now they are.

USAF...what's your parts list on the new build? I'm still hung up on 14th gen versus Core Ultra versus whatever comes out in early 2025.

Have you confirmed whether a Macrium lifetime single license can or can't still be moved to another single PC, giving up the capability on the older PC? I'll be facing that.

 

[USAFRet]

I tried that 2 or 3 years ago and gave up on it. Can't recall exact reasons other than it wasn't preferable to standard file backup progs like FreeFileSync.

I might use Macrium for that purpose if the standard programs weren't free....but as for now they are.

USAF...what's your parts list on the new build? I'm still hung up on 14th gen versus Core Ultra versus whatever comes out in early 2025.

Have you confirmed whether a Macrium lifetime single license can or can't still be moved to another single PC, giving up the capability on the older PC? I'll be facing that.

I'm 99% sure it can be moved to a new system.

https://www.macrium.com/eula

Your right to use Macrium Reflect® and the Documents


Macrium Reflect® purchased licenses must be installed onto a Computer owned, leased or hired by you. Once you have installed Macrium Reflect® and entered your purchased license key, you may not transfer your purchased license key to any other Computer.


Macrium Reflect® enables you to make exact copies of the data stored on a Computer's built-in media ("Images"). All Images must be restored to the Computer from which they were taken.


There are two (2) permitted "fair use" exceptions to these obligations:

1. If you permanently replace your Computer you may load Macrium Reflect® and your license key onto your new Computer provided you have removed Macrium Reflect® from your old Computer. Once you have done so, you can use Macrium Reflect® on your new Computer as normal and restore existing Images to it. However, you must not restore Images back to your old Computer.

My new parts list is in my Sig, under 'Raptor'.

 

[Lafong]

My new parts list is in my Sig, under 'Raptor'.

OK. Thanks for that.

265K....

I'm also looking at that Aorus if I decide to use my full size case.

I've been looking for in-depth NON-GAMING tests on 245k and 265k and not finding much, particularly in comparison to 14600k.

I think I read that Macrium will "de-activate" your old license if you send them the last 4 digits of your license...then I guess they issue you a new code? But I've never got that officially confirmed.

 

[Cilantro7536]

Maybe a year ago, people were recommending Macrium Reflect and Aomei Backupper. Now, the Backupper isn't recommended as often.

There are often free promotions for (see MalwareTips forum):

• Aomei Backupper Pro
• Ashampoo backup Pro
• Easeus Home

I am using AOMEI, but the Emergency USB doesn't seem to have anything to deal with Bitlocker. Ashampoo 17 Pro was really slow. Easeus, I can't say anything about.