Backup Utility/Software Input Needed

I have used Windows XP Backup Utility and been happy with the recovery
ability of files from the backup. Looking at the following site, it appears
that the Automated System Recovery feature should allow recovery from a
complete hard drive failure. Is this true and can it be trusted?

http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/howto-18.html

Are there advantages to using products like Drive Image 7 and Ghost 2003?
Which is better? Due to the high percentage on CNET that didn't recommend
and provided negative feedback, I am uncertain what would be the best backup
process and software that will allow recovery from a complete hard drive
failure. Thoughts?

http://reviews.cnet.com/4505-3682_7...html?tag=search

http://reviews.cnet.com/PowerQuest_..._7-9850156.html

Can't comment on ASR, as I'm not a user.

Backup techniques and philosophy are largely a matter of opinion. The only
incontrovertible truth is that you must backup. So understand that what
follows is only my opinion. You should seek out other opinions as well.

I'm very enthusiatic about Norton Ghost. I find the program very powerful,
flexible and totally reliable. I have relied on it in several critical
situations and it has never failed me. However, Ghost is not a simple
program, which is why it's generally recommended for experienced users.
There is a lot to read and understand before it can be used to best effect.

By the way, the latest version of Ghost is Ghost 2003. I used Drive Image in
the past and it did not work properly for me. In any case, Drive Image is
now owned by Symantec, so you can expect it to be absorbed into Ghost
eventually.

Other people hate Ghost and/or anything coming from Symantec. You might also
want to look at TrueImage, by Acronis, and BootIt Next Generation (known as
BING.)

It's always good to have a second line of defense when backing up. In my
case, in addition to using Ghost regularly, I copy all my important users
files to DVD monthly.

Rocky

"InfoQuest" <InfoQuest@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:0Z5pc.4319$hH.101371@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> I have used Windows XP Backup Utility and been happy with the recovery
> ability of files from the backup. Looking at the following site, it
appears
> that the Automated System Recovery feature should allow recovery from a
> complete hard drive failure. Is this true and can it be trusted?
>
> http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/howto-18.html
>
> Are there advantages to using products like Drive Image 7 and Ghost 2003?
> Which is better? Due to the high percentage on CNET that didn't recommend
> and provided negative feedback, I am uncertain what would be the best
backup
> process and software that will allow recovery from a complete hard drive
> failure. Thoughts?
>
> http://reviews.cnet.com/4505-3682_7...html?tag=search
>
>
http://reviews.cnet.com/PowerQuest_..._7-9850156.html
>
>