Complete Backup

[Oromocto]

I have just completed a complete backup of my hard drive using Nero Backup. I had previously backed up my hard drive using Acronis True image. (I have a 300 GB Maxtor USB Removable drive). There are so many differences between their finished product that I can't have confidence in either of them. And confidence really counts in a backup.

Is there a way that I can simply back up the major folders like "WINDOWS" and get all I need to get a big crashed computer up and running? I use WIN XP Home and have a 3-Ghz Dell. I don't care about the personal files like photos, music etc since I have multiple backups of that easy to save stuff. I also use both CD and DVD disks for backups.

I have heard a lot about Norton ghost. People like the idea that it does its work in DOS and does not have to contend with dynamic, changing files during the backup process. However, since I got into computers late I have no knowledge of how to find my way around in DOS and would like to avoid it if possible.

Thanks

[Rocketmech]

Both True Image and Ghost are tops on the list for backup or imaging . Another is Genie Soft Backup , although less known it is an excellent backup program which few SysOpt'rs will attest to. However , it does not image a drive or partition like TI and Ghost do afaik .

True Image and Ghost both have the capability to function in Dos Mode from a dos boot disk . In Dos mode they both use a GUI , with mouse support. Its all point and click .

[RayH]

I'd trust the Acronis before I'd trust the Nero!

[Oromocto]

Yes I agree. Its just that I have such a high regard for NERO as a burning program (once they have debugged every new upgrade that they put out) that I became concerned.

[bruceb]

I also use Norton Ghost from System Works 2003 Pro
When I tell it to run a Backup, I spec out the options
and backup name / location ... Norton will then reboot
the computer into DOS ... norton is then the only app
running while it is doing the backup ... and no you do
not a DOS Boot Disk

If the pc ever needed to be restored, just put in the
Norton System Works 2003 CD ... it can boot to DOS
from that and allow you to access Ghost to do your restore

Very simple, very effective

[RayH]

In another thread, I learned about a free disk imager Drive Image XML (http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm). This thing works just fine. It works kinda like Ghost or Acronis.

It's free and doesn't have much support. You do have to make your own PE (Preinstallation Enviroment) boot CD to run a restoration. I used the recommended Bart PE (http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/) , which is also free. The chink in the armour is that you need a full copy of Windows XP SP1 or SP2 slipstreamed to get the Bart PE to function. If you have that, this thing is a winner. The price is right.