General Discussion:

Ask yourself: what's on the computer which you cannot replace if the computer fails. Can the data be recreated and at what expense or effort?

The fact that you are reading this topic would seem to indicate you realize the need for backups or have had a recent experience of losing your data.

For example; without backups you lose your

• ..address book
  ..all emails
  ..favorites folder
  ..all website links
  ..mydocuments folder
  ..mypictures folder
  ..all personal anything whatsoever.
  ..all downloaded programs or music or images or anything downloaded.

Now that you have decided backups are necessary, you need to decide which function you want the backup to provide. Your choices are:

• 1. Get your computer back up and running, as completely and as fast as possible. For quickness anc completeness, your best software choice should be an "image" type backup. An b]"image"[/b] type restore would probably takes less than one hour.
  
  2. Or, restore/reload your system by using the XP (or 98) install/restore CD. This would put your system back to the same condition as it was when purchased. Plus, you would still need to visit windows update and update all the changes; -plus, re-install all your software; plus, reload your personal data (emails-address-documents, etc) from a backup(?) of your personal files. Choosing choice #2 would involve "file by file" type backup software plus the original install or restore CD plus all your program software CD's. Using choice #2 would involve several hours--and most likely even more.
  
  3. Or, get the benefits of both type backups by using both an "image" type backup software plus using a "file by file" type software. I personally prefer the #3 choice.
  
  4. For my own personal backups, I use PowerQuest DriveImage7 (discontinued) and Acronis TrueImage8--both "image" type backup programs. I also use Karen Kenworthy's "Replicator" which copies (replicates) data from single files, folders and even whole drives. Each different backup program has their own individual "features". That's why I use 3 or more different backup programs.

Not all backup programs are created equal. Some are better than others. My personal opinion is that those which provide restoration from a boot cd are better than those that do not. However, it does come down to a matter of personal choice based on your own individual needs and preferences. What is right for me may not be the best choice for you.

The features provided by backup software are varied. All make backup copies of files.
Some vendors need Windows to be installed and functional in order to restore backup files. Others vendors provide boot cd's or the ability to create boot cd's and restoration of your backup is possible without the need for Windows to be functional. If the system will bootup via their boot cd, then a quick and complete restoration is possible. Restoration of a current backup would put the system back to what it was at the time the backup was created.

My personal choice for backup software is to use one which will enable you to restore your system from its own boot cd. That's one major reason why I use DriveImage 7 and Acronis TruImage 8. I recommend either. Each of the programs have their own good and not so good points. Whatever you choose, my suggestion is that you buy the package where you have the program on CD in your own possessio--not a downloaded version. IMHO

• Listen to TJ & Erik Answer your Questions about backups and the procedures they use. Link to audio here.

Addendum: (12-8-2005) The latest versions---Acronis TrueImage9 and Ghost #10 advertise their programs enable you to perform both full and incremental backups. Visit their sites for the latest information about this new incremental backup feature. Note: program downloads and updates are in the 20-30MB range. It is always recommended that you buy the retail pkg of your software so that you have the actual install CD in your possession.

Topic: Backup programs and info

Backup software comes in two types. You have the one which create images of the entire hard drive, and then you have the programs which create their backups by copying each individual file.

DriveImage-7 (created by PowerQuest but now owned by Symantec) and Ghost (version 9) are imaging backup program. Just like the camera lens, it captures everything in view. An imaging backup (DI or Ghost) creates a backup image of everything--even things which you do not need to be backed up. Such un-wanted files as the recycle bin, temp files folder, temporary IE files, all cookies, etc. Therefore, I delete all these type items before creating my imaging backup. I use a program called CCleaner (Crud Cleaner) to clean out all these unwanted temp files/cookies, etc. I also delete all the old system restore check point--which were covered by previous backups. I try to only backup that which needs to be archived. Your system help & support file can also provide more info about removing temp files and restore checkpoints.

Just as there is need for various camera and their different capabilities, there is a need for both the image backup programs (Ghost-DriveImage) and file backup programs which backup only the files which you choose to be backed up. Once Ghost or Drive Image is installed and operable on your computer, you can use their Backup Image Browser to access a previous backup and selectively restore individual files or folders. It is possible to restore a single file/folder using their backup browser, however, it is not possible to perform a single file backup using DriveImage or Ghost.

Normal backup software (such as Retrospect by Dantz or BackupMyPC by Stomp) take each file and copies the entire file to storage and then proceeds to the next file--and repeats this procedure throughout the entire disk. Thus, the backup is file by file. You can designate individual files or by file type or by groups/folders of files. This designation can be included or excluded from your backup--whereas imaging backup is unable to bypass anything. File by file backups offer a great deal of flexibility, whereby the imaging backup copies everything with no exclusions.

From a number of CD's standpoint, either backup type (image/file) consume about the same number of CD's. However, after the initial full backup, the backup by file type can perform backups only on those files which have changed (incremental) since the last full backup--so subsequent backups can consume far fewer CD's.

Both backup types should be considered. I like both and have used both. Imaging backup is easier to restore-in my opinion. "File by file" backups often require that the system be workable before it will restore a backup. This depends on how which program is used and how backups are performed.
I have not used the new BackupMyPC software. The lite version comes with XP (note-1) and the retail version is available with more options-. If you have ever used tape backup, then you are accustomed to the backup by file procedure using the full or incremental procedures--which is used by this program and by Retrospect.

Replicator by Karen Kenworthy :

• I like and use many of her programs. This free (personal use) multi-faceted program enables you to copy any designated file or folder either unconditionally or only if it has been changed from the last copy, so it does perform some synchronization. It is not practical as a full backup software.
  http://www.karenware.com/powertools/powertools.asp
  
  I use it every night to copy my address file and my emails, Firefox profile (& more) to a different hard drive. This copy occurs via Task Scheduler during my non-waking hours. I also use Task Scheduler to run my virus checking and adware checking.

The only point that I am trying to make it that a single backup program may or may not solve all your needs. I use three (sometimes more) different backup programs.It depends upon what your needs actually are.

• http://www.backup-software-reviews.com/
  
  Drive Image 7
  http://www.powerquest.com
  
  BackupMyPc by Stomp
  http://www.stompsoft.com

Note-1: Using the Windows XP Backup Program:

• If XP Professional, the XP Backup Utility (NTBackup.exe) is pre-installed. If XP Home, you need to install it from the ValueAdd\Msft\NTBackup folder. To start this utility, run the NTBackup.exe from a command prompt, or choose the Backup Shortcut located at \All Programs\accessories\System Tools program menu.
  
  You can backup your entire system to another drive as one large file but does not support backing up directly to a CD. You can create a single file under 650MB and later copy this single backup file to CD.
  
  This backup program is the lite version of Backup Exec by Veritas Software. The retail/shareware version has been improved and is very highly rated. Its new name is BackupMyPC by Stomp Software
  • http://www.stompsoft.com/
  
  

When you perform a full backup, you must have a place to store it.

This means either a spare internal hard drive, DVD or CD or DAT tape, or external hard drive.

Most backup programs will allow you to burn backup directly to DVD/CD. However, this can be very, very time consuming and requires you constant presence during the backup. If burning direct to CD, usually you must use CD/RW re-writable media as the data may be written to the first and last cd's multiple times. Be sure and buy the correct speed for your CD/RW media to match your burner speed.

If you plan to store your backups on DVD or CD's. generally, your best option is to create your backup/store on a spare drive or spare partition, and then burn to DVD/CD later at your convenience. Usually, the size of a full backup will approximate 50% of your used disk space.

If you use imaging backup software, you must record/store this backup file onto a separate partition--either on the same disk or on a separate drive. Imaging software will not allow you to backup and store on the same partition. Likewise, it is not possible to restore a partition if the restore file resides on same partition being restored.

If you use file backup software, you can choose which folders are archived and can store wherever desired.

Don't overlook one other option, your new disk drive will have setup software which will allow you to make an identical image of an existing drive. Thus, it is possible to add a new larger drive and use this setup software to copy the all data from the old drive onto the new drive. In other words, all registry settings and hardware settings would be transferred to the new drive.

Some of the newer external hard drives (like Maxtor One Touch) include backup software (Retrospect) to make backups easier or a "One Touch" process. Many of the newer internal hard drives also include "file by file" backup software.

As TJ & Erik have reminded us many times. Your backups are not truly safe unless you have multiple chances to recover your data. This means multiple copies of CD/DVD's. If you store your backups on a hard drive, be sure you also have CD/DVD copies of the same data. A hard drive can fail or be infected and your data on the drive becomes in-accessible. If you store your backups on a hard drive, take the extra time to additionally burn to CD as well.

Imperative with any backup program is your assigning of unique volume names to your hard drive partitions. This is a "must do". If you haven't already performed this necessary chore, do it NOW.

Many backup programs get drive letter assignments confused and your only drive identification is the unique name previously assigned by you. This situation occurs most frequently when booting from the backup program CD or restore partition. If you choose the wrong restore location, this error can be disasterous. Choose the restore location based on your unique names--not the drive letters assigned by the backup program.

Go into drive properties (note-1) and add your own unique volume names. See sample Here. Make sure the unique names you assign are those which will positively identify the specific partition should the Windows name convention get messed up.

Examples of my naming convention is below but use a description that works for you within 8 characters. I recommend including the drive letter as part of your unique name. See sample Here.

• Windows drive letters__________My unique names
  ___________ Serial 120 Gig Drive
  ......C......................................SATA_C
  ......D......................................SATA_D
  ......E......................................SATA_E
  ____________IDE 80 Gig Drive
  ......F......................................80-P1_F
  ......G......................................80-P2_G
  ......H......................................80-P3_H
  ____________IDE 120 Gig Drive
  ......I.....................................120-P1_I
  ......J.....................................120-P2-J
  ......K.....................................120-P3_K

Note-1:
One way to access the location where you can add your own unique disk names is to:

• ...Double Click on My Computer
  ...Right Click on Drive C (or other hard drive letter)
  ...Click Properties
  ...Under the General Tab, you should see a small open window where you can enter your own unique 8 character name. Should you add or remove drives, always keep this information current.

update-May 11: If you can find the time, you might be interested in seeing my real life illustrations of how other restore programs display these drive letters in a confusing manner.
http://grover.tabinc.com/name-drv/index.htm

Ghost 9 = Advanced backup and recovery for your PC

Symantec’s Norton Ghost 9.0 provides advanced backup and recovery for your PC. Protect your data by making a backup of your hard drive’s contents—without restarting Windows®. New feature of Incremental backups save you time and disk space. You can even schedule backups to run automatically. Quickly restore individual files, selected folders, or the entire hard drive.

Ghost 9 Information & features:

http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,117621,00.asp
http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,117215,00.asp
http://www.powerquest.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/

Ghost Tutorial for 2003-2004 & Vers 9
http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/ghost/ghost_2003_info_tutorial.html

In additon to the above, there are many other backup software programs. Just be sure to get one which provides for disaster recovery.

Important note: Both Ghost and Drive Image have special version requirements involving Microsoft .Net Framework. Read the differing requirements before buying. Buy the retail pkg in a box.

Update: 12-8-2005: The newest version of Ghost is Ghost 10.

Acronis TrueImage backup software:
http://www.acronis.com/

The current version is #9. This writeup relates to my use of version 8. Version 9 should have all these features plus more. Download a trial version of Acronis and see how it works. You may be able to do the same for Ghost--check the Symantec site. Try backing up to CD and to a spare drive or external drive--if you have such.

Both TrueImage8 and Ghost-9 are similar--both do an imaging backup. Each have Disaster Recovery and can restore from their boot CD. Only TrueImage can perform a backup from the bootCD--easily created by you. Each of the programs has its own plus and minus features. The more you use either, the easier it becomes.

Remember. An external drive is for temporary storage of your backup image. After burning to the external, then I would strongly urge that you take the time to copy/burn that image also to CD. If the information is really important, you might even want to burn multiple copies. Allow the backup copy to reside on the external hard drive as long as you have room but at some point, you will need to remove it for a more recent backup. I usually have 3 or 4 different backup files on my hard drives. Also burning to CD is imperative. You may need the CD copies if your external drive fails or gets infected.

I prefer to have multiple internal drives plus an external drive for my backup use plus burning these backups to CD. Having multiple choices of restoring can be a real asset should problems arise.

Creating a backup direct to CD is very very time consuming and is not without problems. I rarely use the burn to CD option. I prefer to backup to hard drive in cd size files (700MB). Later, at my convenience, I burn the image files from the hard drive to CD media as a simple file copy procedure. This saves me a great deal of time.

Acronis TrueImage 8 will

• ...backup to cdrom or dvd. (using burn software existing on computer)
  ...backup to another internal or external drive.
  ...perform full or incremental backups.
  ...Schedule backups.
  ...Restore from any of the above devices.
  ...Clone a new disk or add a new disk.
  ...Restore individual files or folders.
  ...Option to create a bootable Recovery CD or set of 3.5" floppies.
  .......If booted using User Created Recovery CD, Create a backup to CD or drives; or restore from CD or drives.
  ...The verify image feature works but is a separate function rather than built-in the backup process.
  ......If you use this option, it can be time consuming.
  
  ...provides an option to create a Acronis Secure zone which serves two functions.
  ......First: is a special, hidden system partition for storing backup disk and partition images. This will create an additional partition (hidden) on any drive user designates. Should you only have one drive, this feature enables you to have a separate drive (hidden partition) to store your backup image files.
  Secure zone is safest when created on second disk drive--other than the boot drive. If boot drive replaced, backups still be safe and accessible.
  ......Second: is accessible during bootup by pressing F11--when prompted. Complete backups and restores can be performed from this bootup Recovery option. . User manual and program help section cover this feature in great detail.

All in all. I like this program. I alternate between TrueImage8 and Drive Image to create backups on a regular basis.

PCWorld Review of Acronis:
http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,117961,00.asp

There are many good backup programs available. The important thing is to find one and create backups on a regular & routine basis. Test your software to make sure it will restore your backup images. Buy the retail version in a box. Don't buy the download copy.

Another general reference: Better Backups
http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,116995,00.asp
by Jon L. Jacobi...From the September 2004 issue of PC World magazine

Dantz Retrospect:
http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,119709,00.asp

Nov 23 update: PCWorld recent comments.
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,123202,tk,pox,00.asp

[*]Addendum: 12-8-2005

• Version 9 had a maintenance update on Dec 5, 2005. 37mb

I have updated from Acronis TrueImage 8 to version 9. I continue to be impressed and pleased with this program. I would recommend to anyone needing an image type backup program. ps: This new version now includes an incremental and differential type backup and backup verification now can be part of the initial backup. Much improved.

http://www.acronis.com/

Some additional information and evaluations can be found at links below.
Check item 2.1 Best Drive Imaging Program:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/issues/issue131.htm

A Comparison of Acronis TrueImage 9 and Symantec Ghost 10
http://www.techsupportalert.com/drive-imaging-reviews.htm

A pdf copy of the user guide can be downloaded from link below.
http://download.acronis.com/pdf/TrueImage9.0_ug.en.pdf

As previously indicated, True Image has an option to create a secure zone for storage of backups. This is a hidden partition only accessible by Acronis--not the user or any other program. The user can choose where the partition is created. If possible, I believe it best that the partition be created on a second hard drive. This would enable you to replace a defective boot drive without destroying your backups--because they would be on a different drive. If you do not have a second drive, then create it where you must.

.....So to summarize my current backup procedure & programs:
1. I create/store one set of always current backups inside the Acronis Secure Zone (hidden partition).
2. I store a second set of reasonably current backups on other internal and external drives (both used). I alternate using both Acronis TrueImage 9 and PowerQuest Drive Image 7.
3. I copy the CD sized backups files (created in step 2) to cd or dvd's.

4. I never create a backup directly to CD or DVD media. It takes too long.
5. I activate the Acronis Recovery console so it is accessible during initial bootup. Access is extremely easy.
6. I perform most of my backups from inside the Recovery Console so there is no issue of "files in use", etc. You can backup to any device from inside the Recovery console. Or, optionally, you can create backups by booting using a user created Acronis Boot CD.

7. Would strongly, strongly, strongly, strongly, urge that you assign unique to each of your hard drives and hard drive partitions. It is not unusual for any and all of the backup programs to become confused when assigning drive letters during a recovery. All follow the same naming convention (when in recover mode) and all display the same wrong drive letters. Your only means of ascertaining which is the correct drive letter is your unique names.

• Finally:
  
  a. If I lose my boot drive, I can create a new one using this software either to clone or restore from the Acronis Secure Zone; or the other internal or external drives; or the backup set stored on CD/DVD.
  b. Or, if I lose the other internals or even the other externals, I still have all the multiple set of cd's which I have accumulated.
  c. Recovery time would be within minutes--not hours or days. Following my procedure, I have multiple options in recovery restoration.
  d. This is an excellent program and I would recommend it to anyone needing a backup program.
  You get create both image type backups as well as incremental or differential or backup individual files or folders. One program provides it all. Quick full system recovery.

As of this writing, I continue to use both Acronis TrueImage 9 and Powerquest DriveImage 7 for my imaging needs. Within TrueImage 9, I have ceased to use the Secure zone and the Recovery Console. Instead work from within either Windows or using the User created Recovery CD with backups to other hard drives. One feature I really like about Acronis True Image is the ability to do backups, restores or cloning from the User Created Recovery CD. This is a feature lacking in the Norton products--(unless you're a real geek and create yourself a separate BartPE bootable CD).

Also, continue to use Karen's Replicator for simple copying of assorted personal files on a scheduled nightly basis.

Symantec has come out with a new "Norton Save & Restore" which is a variation of other products.

A discussion of Symantec Ghost products for imaging of your hard drive.

http://ghost.radified.com/

July 2, 2007 Update:
1. As of this writing, I continue to use both Acronis TrueImage Home(=ATI) and Powerquest DriveImage 7 (=DI..now discontinued) for my imaging/recovery needs. While version 9 build 3677 served my needs very well, I have upgraded ATI to version 10, build 4942.

You can download a trial copy of TrueImage Home Version 10. Always un-install any other versions of TrueImageHome before installing an update or trial.
http://eu.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

What I want from an imaging recovery program is one that will allow me to create an image of the entire disk contents; and to duplicate that drive by restoring that image back to the same or new drive--so no re-install of Windows is necessary. TrueImage home (all versions) has served that need very well.

To make it easier for newcomers to utilize the ATI program, I have written

• Beginner's Guide to creating a basic full disk archive (pdf)
• Beginner's Guide to restoring a basic full disk archive (pdf)
  Links to downloads and other important links included.
  http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=168165

You get best results by using another hard drive (internal/network/external) for the destination for your backup files. An external usb drive is an excellent choice. I use internal and external drives for my storage. ATI does support burning a backup direct to CD or DVD. Many have reported problems creating and restoring from this removable media. My recommendations is to avoid using the direct burn feature--although you can copy/burn a backup from a hard drive storage location onto a CD or DVD. This two step burn procedure provides an additional storage location for your backups--and alternative copies is always better security. For security reasons (power surges, viruses,etc.), external drives (used for backup storage) should only be attached when in actual use--not used 24/7.

As stated above, I strongly urge a new user to avoid using the Secure Zone and Startup Recovery Manager--at least until such time as they know the risks & benefits of using these optional feature. show link
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=136184

The new version 10 has several new features My Application Settings and My E-mail are two features I choose not to use. Too few programs covered and not all e-mail settings are the same--avoid using features.

I find ATI does its basic functions very well and these are the features I use and recommend to others. The Acronis support forum provides a great deal of help--including a lot of volunteer help from users. Most questions have already been asked and answered on this forum so the search feature can be really helpful for newcomers to gain insight about its usage before asking any questions of their own.
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=65

2. How to Create an Acronis Bootable USB Hard Disk

A new user option is now available for ATI thanks to Paul Purviance (a.k.a. "Mudcrab"). He has provided guides showing how to make an external usb drive act in place of the TI Rescue CD. An external drive can be made bootable with the TI Rescue program so that it boots directly into the TI Rescue program and can also contain multiple backup archives for easy backup or recovery.
How to Create an Acronis Bootable USB Hard Disk
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=176958

3. Good news! Free Backup Software:

If you own a Seagate or Maxtor drives, you can download the free Disc Wizard utility from Seagate or Max Blast 5 from Maxtor; which is a customized version of ATI. In order for this free ATI program to work, you need to have a Seagate or Maxtor drive installed...and should you have need for official support, the support must come from Maxtor/Seagate.
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=39779

This re-branded version will image and restore your drive but does have reduced features. The link below by "Mustang" lists the limitations
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=175584#7

Acronis is hoping you like the reduced version so much that you will upgrade to the full featured version of ATI.

To download from Seagate:
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/

4. ATI (or similar type program) is one that can put reloading of your OS in the past. Regular full disk backups to a freshly attached external USB drive can go a long way in preventing loss of data. No backup program is perfect but I do like and recommend ATI when using its basic features. There are other vendors for imaging/recovery but I cannot speak from experience about their features or limitations.