I use Acronis True Image 11, build 8027.
I installed it on my system. I used the option of making a bootable CD. When my system gets so messed up it cannot boot, the CD can be a life-saver.
A few observations. . .
When True Image restores your system volume, it installs it's own code that runs after booting because it can't restore a running system. When finished, your disk is identical to what it was when the image was made.
A sticky bit. . .
If I run the True Image installed on my system, it makes a copy of my disk the way it is while my system's running! If I restore from this image, then start my system, Windows senses that it's booting a system that wasn't shut down properly and asks me if I want to start in Safe Mode to fix the problem. Seeing this Boot Options screen can be alarming.
If I run True Image from a bootable CD, it makes a copy of my disk after my system has been shut down! If I restore from this image, then start my system, Windows senses that it's booting a system that was shut down properly and starts normally.
Proper practice and laziness struggle continually. I know making images using the True Image CD is the better practice, but the convenience of using the installed software wins all too often. My most recent image was made from True Image on CD. I only know this because I restored my system after this morning's experiment -- I'd forgotten making my most recent image.
If I were in an excuse making mood, I'd mention that the installed True Image has handy system clean-up utilities that are not available on the CD.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. Before making an image, I do some routine system cleaning.
Windows 7. . .
Reliability Monitor
Windows Update
Defender / Security Essentials scan
NirSoft Clean-After
CCleaner
Windows Disk Cleaner (Extended)
Device Manager (To uninstall Ghosts)
Empty Recycle Bins
Empty Temporary folders
Clear System Event Logs
Clear Browser(s) Cache/History/Passwords
Flush DNS
Kill Remote Desktop Connection remnants
Chkdsk
sfc /scannow (System File Checker)
Optionally, I may run. . .
EmptyFolderNuker
Duplicate File Finder
Solitaire
Of course, I only image a system that seems stable. (Why archive garbage?) |
