Image backup options

[parrottm]

I have finally found at least two options for making full image backups of the original C: drive on the Replay. I am sure there are more, but I only tested software I am familiar with.

I tested the following:
[Worked]
1. Terabyte Unlimited Image for Windows (Paid option, approximately $40 USD), https://www.terabyteunlimited.com/image-for-windows.htm
2. Macrium Reflect Free, https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree
[Had Issues]
3. Easeus TODO Free, https://www.easeus.com/backup-software/tb-free.html
4. Paragon Backup & Recovery 14 Free Edition, https://www.paragon-software.com/free/br-free/

Image for Windows
I will start this by saying I own Image for Windows. I have used it for many years and it has saved my bacon more times than I can remember. It has become a bit more user friendly over the years, but it can still be overwhelming because of all the options available if you delve into the options. This isn't required, however. The defaults seem to work fine for the Replay.

Macrium Reflect Free
The biggest difference in this program than the others is the overall size of the downloads and installation files. Macrium downloads a very large image before it will install. The download file from the web site above is one of those installer installers. I hate when vendors do this, but at least you know what to expect. The total download was nearly 900MB.

I used defaults for my testing and the Macrium defaults created a backup image size that was nearly a factor of 10 larger than the Image for Windows image. This isn't a big concern because you can change the compression settings in both programs to create a nice tradeoff between backup time and resulting image size. One plus to this free software is it allows you to verify the created image while also allowing you to create a scheduled backup job. Always use the verify option in whatever backup software you use. You will be thankful at some point for doing so. Note: Image for Windows also does these things, plus a lot more.

Easeus TODO Free
For whatever reason, I could not get this to install on the Replay. I tried a couple of different versions. I suspect I could have eventually found a version of this that worked. This failure isn't that much of an anomaly as backup software often hooks itself deep into an OS.

Paragon Backup & Recovery 14 Free Edition
This one installed, but would not run afterwards. To be fair, this version is in Beta, so hopefully this error will eventually be fixed.

Summary:
I don't think you can go wrong with either Image for Windows, or Reflect Free. They both work great. If you have a number of computers that need backups, consider Image for Windows comes with a five computer license for the price stated above.

If anyone has any questions, or issues with any product mentioned here, feel free to replay in the thread, or take it to a PM

[Mireille2015]

Its awesome work. Appreciate all the hard work you have done and gather information.

I know I survived a few viruses already. Having a back up image would great to have!

[jsawhite]

I did the Macrium Reflect image route (still have image on a key drive). Took an image before I ever even went through the initial setup (OOBE). One caveat, at least from that far back, you can only activate the software (with your key on the bottom) a few times. After that it gives you an error rendering the Dreamcade software useless. Speaking from experience. I couldn't go back to the Dreamcade front end again if I wanted to... I posted about it, but it went unanswered, so I'm just SOL... *shrug*

So all in all, I'd say make sure you do the initial setup, activate the software, then take the image (maybe do the first round of updates). Limit what changes you make in case you learn later that it was a mistake...

[broichan]

Thanks a ton for the info. It worries me not having a backup of this thing.

[Mireille2015]

I do enjoy Macrium Reflect. I have cloned and have images backed up. As far for activation. There shouldn't be an issue. Dreamcade did resolve the server that was causing some grief.

[broichan]

Again, thank you for this.

I bought Terabyte Unlimited Image for Windows, backed up my system. Proceeded to screw with removing games, modifying settings, do I need to finish this story?

Anyways, restoring the backup worked great & now I have a known good backup.

[parrottm]

Again, thank you for this.

I bought Terabyte Unlimited Image for Windows, backed up my system. Proceeded to screw with removing games, modifying settings, do I need to finish this story?

Anyways, restoring the backup worked great & now I have a known good backup.

Excellent! Glad it worked for you. Make sure you have the latest, btw, 3.27 as of this note. Terabyte recently added a couple of nice features and patched some long standing, obscure bugs.

[RetroGamer75]

Hello, I just brought Terabyte Unlimited Image , next thing is this should I get 256 GB thumbdrive or get Hard Drive back it up before I mess it up? Thanks

[parrottm]

Hello, I just brought Terabyte Unlimited Image , next thing is this should I get 256 GB thumbdrive or get Hard Drive back it up before I mess it up? Thanks

If only want one backup of the original 32GB Replay drive, you only need a drive at least 32GB in size size Terabyte can compress the image it creates. If you want multiple versions, multiply the approximate backup size by the number of backup images you want to have on hand.

[RetroGamer75]

by parrottm , Thanks for replying I am thinking putting a lot emulators stand-alone then copy it, I am new at LaunchBox does it download all images even I don’t have way rip my own games I have Steam account and GOG account and Need for Speed series by the way what kind integrated graphics it has? Once again Thank