Re: XP Backup Needed
- From: "Abradaxis" <jsindler@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:53:31 -0500
Many thanks to all who answered. As I expected, there is no concensus! I
considered some of the suggestions, and here are my thoughts:
1. No matter how easy is may appear, I have 4 pcs (three desktops and one
laptop), and although I am fairly meticulous, when I consider that one pc
has been upgraded from Windows 98, one is Windows XP Media, one is OEM, and
one is a retail copy of XP (with SP1) I don't have four original and
discrete XP disks (all my systems are legal and licensed, I just got there
different ways), the idea of slipstreaming doesn't seem appealing or doable
for my system.
2. Since Retrospect uses open file backups, you get a restore of everything
that you backed up, so if your ISO file is made with a CD other than one
from your machine with SP upgrades, your system will back up fine, but won't
run, since there will be incompatibilities. Believe me, I tried it once and
the results weren't pretty.
3. To the gentleman who claimed that Retrospect used what was on your hard
disk, not the original disk, I'm sorry to say that it is not true. The
contents of your disk are backed up, but your bootable ISO file that loads
the recovery software that loads your data from your backup IS made with a
compatible Windows System CD.
4. Some of my responders issued instructions (well meaning, I'm sure), of
multi-stage backup and restore processes which may very well work, but don't
meet my initial request that the solution be "simple." It seems some of you
guys and gals out there may have your PhDs in Operating Systems.
Not me; I'm just a simple user.
5. I apologize for the two responders who got into an argument about Casper
versus Agronis. You two can fight it out between yourselves, with my thanks
for your efforts.
6. Since I need a multi-CPU backup solution, and intending no slur on Casper
or Ghost
(although I'm certainly no fan of Symantec), I think I'm going to go with
Acronus. I have a few questions which I hope someone might answer, however.
Here they are:
a. Being from the old school of one copy of any program for one personal
user (even if he has ten machines), can I use my one copy of Acronus on all
five of my PCs?
b. I take it that I can back up to an External USB HD, of which I have
plenty. I don't need incremental backups. I will be fine if I can back up
everything on each pc once a week, file by file or disk image.
c. The product seems to sell for around $40. Great! What is this I read
about my needing to buy a "rescue something" for $10 extra. Is that $10 per
machine, and why doesn't the Acronus web site mention this.
d. They keep talking about a hidden partition on the hard disk which is used
for recovery. The only time I ever had to recover was when my hard disks
blew up and I couldn't boot the machine. What do I need a hidden partition
for if I can't boot my pc?
4. Is it easy to use? I don't mean simple minded; retrospect has a learning
curve and I'm no virgin. But is it straightforward, with easy instructions,
etc.
5. I understand there is a trial period, and I might use it. But I found out
long ago that putting in the effort to learn to use a program during the
trial period was almost as hard as learning to use it once you bought it.
Some I'm asking the users if they truly believe it's a reliable and easy to
implement solution.
6. Anything else I should know before I get involved with it?
I want to truly thank everyone who took such time and effort to answer my
questions, and to do the same for my latest set.
"Abradaxis" <jsindler@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:Olijj%23dkJHA.4448@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
For years now I've been using Retrospect by Dantz Software to complete a
backup of my XP computer. The software allows users to backup the full
system, including open files, to an external disk. Then you create a
special
boot CD (essentially an ISO File) from the backup set produced by your
Retrospect job. Then, when your system catches fire, and you buy a brand
new
one, you simply boot from the ISO File (after installing the latest
version
of Retrospect). Once the system is booted, Retrospect starts reading the
backup files on the external hard disk, which restores your previous
system.
Once the restore is done, you just reboot and, voila, you have recreated
your original system on your spiffy new pc.
The above procedure used to work very well on XP or XP Professional, until
SP1, SP2, and SP3 were issued. These all added lots more drivers to your
original install disk, which is an integral part of building the basics of
your ISO File. The size of the ISO file is now so large for most users
that
it has become impossible to burn it onto a CD (since it won't fit).
Retrospect's heavy handed response to this problem is to advise users to
obtain an original Microsoft XP SP3 (or SP1, or SP2) from Microsoft and
use this, instead of your original installation CD in building your ISO
File. This advice is almost impossible to follow, since Microsoft is
loathe
to issue original XP SP3 disks (I already tried) because of licensing
restrictions. If they do agree, you have to pay $10 to $15 for the
procurement process.
For the above reasons, I'm requesting anyone who knows of a simple backup,
restore, and disaster recovery software that is suitable for a single user
with two computers, and without a PHD in computer software for your
suggestions.
I thank everyone who makes a positive suggestion in advance, and hope that
those of you who are considering purchasing retrospect for a similar
backup
solution be forewarned.
Thank you
Abradaxis
.
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