Difference?: Disk Image vs XP Backup

[Steve Adams]

I am new to XP, but the Backup prgm that comes with it seem to do everything
that an image would do.

"Backup" can back up the registry, system files, etc.

Is it about the same as an Image?

Thanks,

Steve (XP Pro SP 2)

 

[R. McCarty]

Not exactly, a backup like NTBackup isn't really a stand alone
encapsulation of the whole machine. An image is in reality like a
giant Zip module that once unpacked ( restored ) recreates the
system 100% as it was when the image was taken.
NTBackup really needs an existing OS in place on which in can
then restore data. A Image can be restored to a "Bare Metal"
setup where no pre-existing OS is installed.

 

[Steve Adams]

Thanks R.

-Steve

Not exactly, a backup like NTBackup isn't really a stand alone
encapsulation of the whole machine. An image is in reality like a
giant Zip module that once unpacked ( restored ) recreates the
system 100% as it was when the image was taken.
NTBackup really needs an existing OS in place on which in can
then restore data. A Image can be restored to a "Bare Metal"
setup where no pre-existing OS is installed.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I am new to XP, but the Backup prgm that comes with it seem to do
everything that an image would do.

Look again, and more closely. It doesn't, and it is considerably more
tempermental and restrictive.

"Backup" can back up the registry, system files, etc.

It can only do that if your system is XP Pro, if ASR is selected, and *if*
your system has a floppy drive.

I will point out again that the floppy drive *is not optional* if you want
ASR. Many people seem to miss this detail.

So if your system doesn't have a floppy drive, as many modern systems don't,
you're going to *have* to get one if you want to use ntbackup in this way.
External USB floppy drives can be a practical choice.

Modern imaging programs do not require floppies, and most can create
bootable optical media.

ntbackup ASR is launched via booting from the XP install CD, and if your
system came with a restore CD instead of an actual install CD, you probably
can't use it. The options just aren't there. You have to know, be
absolutely sure, *before* you rely on it.

Is it about the same as an Image?

It might be in a generalized way, but in practice there are important
differences.

As an example, if your system hardware fails and you try to restore to a
non-identical configuration... you may be out of luck. You should be aware
of the procedures at this page, and note the text what MS says about
restoring to a system that has *any* differences:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/249694
"You can restore a system state backup from one physical computer to the
same physical computer or another computer that has the same make, model,
and configuration (identical hardware).

Microsoft does not support restoring a system state backup from one computer
to a second computer of a different make, model, or hardware configuration.
Microsoft will only provide commercially reasonable efforts to support this
process. Even if the source and destination computers appear to be identical
makes and models, there may be driver, hardware, or firmware differences
between the source and destination computers.

This article describes how to create a system state backup on one computer
and restore it to the same computer or to a different physical computer of
the same make and model. If you do not follow the steps in this article, you
will reduce the probability of success when you restore to different
hardware. "

Compare this to:
http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products/ATICW/universal-restore.html

"Acronis® Universal Restore allows you to restore to different hardware or
to a virtual machine, providing complete disaster recovery. Acronis®
Universal Restore prepares you for even the most unforeseen events."

As you can see, ntbackup and the imaging program account for very different
circumstances.

An image can usually be easily restored to different hardware, followed by
a repair install to install correct drivers (then, install the motherboard
chipset drivers, and then specific drivers, followed by all the applicable
Windows Updates). This is of course the same procedure you'd have to
follow if you moved a working XP install on a hard disk from an otherwise
failed system to a new one.

Imaging programs aren't expensive, and are much more flexible and reliable
than ntbackup. I have had great results with Acronis TrueImage, which
starts around $50. I regularly image hard disks prior to servicing
systems, and it takes usually under half an hour including removing the
drive. Restoring the image takes about that long.

Imaging programs can also be used to move an XP install to a new, larger
hard disk, using the extra space, and this isn't remotely possible with
ntbackup.

That said, some people do have good results with ntbackup, but some just
don't, and they find out much too late.

No matter what backup solution you choose, take time to become very familiar
with it. When disaster strikes is the *wrong* time to learn about its
features and limitations. Actually go through and restore the files,
including a restore to a new drive.

Finally: *never* rely on one backup or image, don't store them all in the
same place, and verify the backups!

HTH
-pk

 

[M.I.5¾]

I am new to XP, but the Backup prgm that comes with it seem to do
everything that an image would do.

"Backup" can back up the registry, system files, etc.

Is it about the same as an Image?

There is an important issue behind your question. No matter how fastidious
you are at keeping a backup of your hard disk, that backup can be totally
useless if you have no way of restoring it to a brand new blank hard disk.

Backup will make backups of all or part of your hard disk (I don't use it so
I know not how complete a backup it makes). But one thing I do know is that
it requires an installed operating system with the restore utility working
in order to restore the backed up data (something you may not have easily
available if you've lost the disk).

Most imaging utilities have the ability to create a bootable CD, so that the
image can be restored to a completely blank hard disk. Imaging utilities
are not intended as backup solutions but are an adequate solution for the
majority of home users. Current versions even support incremental and
differential images.

Whatever solution you chose, make sure that you can restore your backup.
Don't wait until you need to restore it in anger - this is generally when
you discover that there is something you have overlooked. The best test is
to try and restore your backup to an old empty hard disk. Remember that you
also may need to know how to make the hard disk bootable after an image has
been restored.

If you want a recommendation, then I have had no problems with Acronis
TrueImage (currently at version 11) and it has got me out of trouble more
than once. Ohters will no doubt have their personal favourites.

There are only two types of computer user: those that have had a hard disk
fail - and those that are going to have a hard disk fail.

 

[Lil' Dave]

I am new to XP, but the Backup prgm that comes with it seem to do
everything that an image would do.

"Backup" can back up the registry, system files, etc.

Is it about the same as an Image?

Thanks,

Steve (XP Pro SP 2)

Reasonable assessment.

Assume your hard drive fails entirely. You replace the hard drive with an
identical hard drive. Now, what are the differences between NTbackup and an
imaging program, if any, regarding restoration of all data, system files,
boot files, disk signature, original boot record, mbr, partition and its
size and so forth?

Further, in your current XP install, assume 2 users with data specific for
each user. What are the requirements for the new XP install prior to
successful restoration of both users data for NTbackup?
Dave