XP Backup Needed

[Abradaxis]

For years now I've been using Retrospect by Dantz Software to complete a
backup of my XP computer. The software allows users to backup the full
system, including open files, to an external disk. Then you create a special
boot CD (essentially an ISO File) from the backup set produced by your
Retrospect job. Then, when your system catches fire, and you buy a brand new
one, you simply boot from the ISO File (after installing the latest version
of Retrospect). Once the system is booted, Retrospect starts reading the
backup files on the external hard disk, which restores your previous system.
Once the restore is done, you just reboot and, voila, you have recreated
your original system on your spiffy new pc.

The above procedure used to work very well on XP or XP Professional, until
SP1, SP2, and SP3 were issued. These all added lots more drivers to your
original install disk, which is an integral part of building the basics of
your ISO File. The size of the ISO file is now so large for most users that
it has become impossible to burn it onto a CD (since it won't fit).
Retrospect's heavy handed response to this problem is to advise users to
obtain an original Microsoft XP SP3 (or SP1, or SP2) from Microsoft and
use this, instead of your original installation CD in building your ISO
File. This advice is almost impossible to follow, since Microsoft is loathe
to issue original XP SP3 disks (I already tried) because of licensing
restrictions. If they do agree, you have to pay $10 to $15 for the
procurement process.

For the above reasons, I'm requesting anyone who knows of a simple backup,
restore, and disaster recovery software that is suitable for a single user
with two computers, and without a PHD in computer software for your
suggestions.

I thank everyone who makes a positive suggestion in advance, and hope that
those of you who are considering purchasing retrospect for a similar backup
solution be forewarned.

Thank you
Abradaxis

 

[Big_Al]

Abradaxis said this on 2/18/2009 10:43 AM:

For years now I've been using Retrospect by Dantz Software to complete a
backup of my XP computer. The software allows users to backup the full
system, including open files, to an external disk. Then you create a special
boot CD (essentially an ISO File) from the backup set produced by your
Retrospect job. Then, when your system catches fire, and you buy a brand new
one, you simply boot from the ISO File (after installing the latest version
of Retrospect). Once the system is booted, Retrospect starts reading the
backup files on the external hard disk, which restores your previous system.
Once the restore is done, you just reboot and, voila, you have recreated
your original system on your spiffy new pc.

The above procedure used to work very well on XP or XP Professional, until
SP1, SP2, and SP3 were issued. These all added lots more drivers to your
original install disk, which is an integral part of building the basics of
your ISO File. The size of the ISO file is now so large for most users that
it has become impossible to burn it onto a CD (since it won't fit).
Retrospect's heavy handed response to this problem is to advise users to
obtain an original Microsoft XP SP3 (or SP1, or SP2) from Microsoft and
use this, instead of your original installation CD in building your ISO
File. This advice is almost impossible to follow, since Microsoft is loathe
to issue original XP SP3 disks (I already tried) because of licensing
restrictions. If they do agree, you have to pay $10 to $15 for the
procurement process.

For the above reasons, I'm requesting anyone who knows of a simple backup,
restore, and disaster recovery software that is suitable for a single user
with two computers, and without a PHD in computer software for your
suggestions.

I thank everyone who makes a positive suggestion in advance, and hope that
those of you who are considering purchasing retrospect for a similar backup
solution be forewarned.

Thank you
Abradaxis

First off, if you need to upgrade your current copy of a Windows XP CD,
its simple. You can use a program like nlite to slipstream SP1 then SP3
into the cd and burn your own new windows XP SP3 CD. Google
'slipstream' and/or 'nlite' to find a lot more reading.

2nd, you can use a program like Acronis True Image Home to make an image
of your system. But note that Acronis takes a snapshop of your hard
drive, so if you have 50gig's of program and data on C:, then this may
compress by some factor by its unlikely it will compress to less than
25Gigs. So you need some place to store a 25gig image. Most people
use an external USB hard drive to store. They are cheap now a days,
move easily from PC to PC so it would work for both your PC's, and you
can get even a TB (1000 gigs) of space in an external. 350 gigs is a
respectable size, but again this all depends on your original HD.
Acronis backs up partitions, so if your systems have multiple
drives/partitions, you can back up individual items or all as a single
set. Again, google 'image backup', or 'Acronis' for more info.
Norton Ghost is another image software.

PS. I have used both nlite and Acronis, and they do work.

 

[Olórin]

For years now I've been using Retrospect by Dantz Software to complete a
backup of my XP computer. The software allows users to backup the full
system, including open files, to an external disk. Then you create a special
boot CD (essentially an ISO File) from the backup set produced by your
Retrospect job. Then, when your system catches fire, and you buy a brand new
one, you simply boot from the ISO File (after installing the latest version
of Retrospect). Once the system is booted, Retrospect starts reading the
backup files on the external hard disk, which restores your previous system.
Once the restore is done, you just reboot and, voila, you have recreated
your original system on your spiffy new pc.

The above procedure used to work very well on XP or XP Professional, until
SP1, SP2, and SP3 were issued. These all added lots more drivers to your
original install disk, which is an integral part of building the basics of
your ISO File. The size of the ISO file is now so large for most users that
it has become impossible to burn it onto a CD (since it won't fit).
Retrospect's heavy handed response to this problem is to advise users to
obtain an original Microsoft XP SP3 (or SP1, or SP2) from Microsoft and
use this, instead of your original installation CD in building your ISO
File. This advice is almost impossible to follow, since Microsoft is loathe
to issue original XP SP3 disks (I already tried) because of licensing
restrictions. If they do agree, you have to pay $10 to $15 for the
procurement process.

For the above reasons, I'm requesting anyone who knows of a simple backup,
restore, and disaster recovery software that is suitable for a single user
with two computers, and without a PHD in computer software for your
suggestions.

I thank everyone who makes a positive suggestion in advance, and hope that
those of you who are considering purchasing retrospect for a similar backup
solution be forewarned.

Thank you
Abradaxis

Skirting the issue, perhaps, but have you tried downloading SP3 as an .ISO
file and burning your own SP3 CD with that? Not an "original Microsoft" CD,
but who's to know? (I'm intrigued to hear of these "licensing restrictions"
that Microsoft are citing in a refusal to issue their *own* discs...!)

Failing that, you could try slipstreaming SP3 into your XP installation disc
(if it's the right version) and using that to create your Retrospect CD.

Or - could you create a boot *DVD*?

If you do decide to ditch your current solution, you'll find most folks here
recommending Acronis True Image
(http://www.acronis.co.uk/homecomputing/products/trueimage/) and (much less,
for some reason - probably their bad reputation in the security field)
Norton/Symantec's Ghost (http://www.symantec.com/norton/ghost). Casper
(http://www.fssdev.com/) is another one to check out for suitability to your
exact requirements.

 

[G. Morgan]

Retrospect's heavy handed response to this problem is to advise users to
obtain an original Microsoft XP SP3 (or SP1, or SP2) from Microsoft and
use this, instead of your original installation CD in building your ISO
File.

Why don't you just make your own XP SP3 CD?

http://www.google.com/search?q=slip...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

 

[JS]

Norton Ghost version 14 - has a 30 day trial available
(Trial does not allow you to create a Bootable Restore CD AFAK)
http://www.symantec.com/norton/products/overview.jsp?pcid=br&pvid=ghost14
Product Review "Symantec's 14th Ghost":
http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/Norton-Ghost--Review-78775.shtml

True Image 2009 - has a 15 day trial version available,
(Trial version can create a Restore/Rescue Media CD, but I have not verified
this yet)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
User's Guide: http://us1.download.acronis.com/pdf/TrueImage12_ug.en.pdf

 

[Anna]

For years now I've been using Retrospect by Dantz Software to complete a
backup of my XP computer. The software allows users to backup the full
system, including open files, to an external disk. Then you create a
special
boot CD (essentially an ISO File) from the backup set produced by your
Retrospect job. Then, when your system catches fire, and you buy a brand
new
one, you simply boot from the ISO File (after installing the latest
version
of Retrospect). Once the system is booted, Retrospect starts reading the
backup files on the external hard disk, which restores your previous
system.
Once the restore is done, you just reboot and, voila, you have recreated
your original system on your spiffy new pc.

The above procedure used to work very well on XP or XP Professional, until
SP1, SP2, and SP3 were issued. These all added lots more drivers to your
original install disk, which is an integral part of building the basics of
your ISO File. The size of the ISO file is now so large for most users
that
it has become impossible to burn it onto a CD (since it won't fit).
Retrospect's heavy handed response to this problem is to advise users to
obtain an original Microsoft XP SP3 (or SP1, or SP2) from Microsoft and
use this, instead of your original installation CD in building your ISO
File. This advice is almost impossible to follow, since Microsoft is
loathe
to issue original XP SP3 disks (I already tried) because of licensing
restrictions. If they do agree, you have to pay $10 to $15 for the
procurement process.

For the above reasons, I'm requesting anyone who knows of a simple backup,
restore, and disaster recovery software that is suitable for a single user
with two computers, and without a PHD in computer software for your
suggestions.

I thank everyone who makes a positive suggestion in advance, and hope that
those of you who are considering purchasing retrospect for a similar
backup
solution be forewarned.

Thank you
Abradaxis

Abradaxis:
I won't comment on your negative experience with the Dantz Retrospect backup
program other than to say we have had some experience with that program in
the past and weren't exactly thrilled with its performance. On the other
hand I'm aware of a number of users who regularly use the program and find
it satisfactory for their needs.

Be that as it may, let me offer my suggestions in addition to the ones
you've already received and no doubt will continue to receive...

The program we strongly recommend as a comprehensive backup program is the
Casper 5 program. This program is a disk-cloning program and not a
disk-imaging program. It is designed to create what amounts to a
byte-for-byte copy of your day-to-day working HDD. As such it will create a
clone of your "source" HDD, in effect a precise copy of your operating
system, all your programs & applications, configurations, and of course your
personal data. It's hard to imagine a better backup system.

You've indicated you (apparently) use an external hard disk to store your
backup(s). I assume you're referring to a USB external HDD. Using the Casper
disk-cloning program the USBEHD would serve as the "destination" HDD, i.e.,
the recipient of the clone.

The Casper program is extremely simple to use even for an inexperienced
user, reasonably quick in operation, and quite effective. There's virtually
no "learning curve" in undertaking the disk cloning process as one navigates
through the few easy-to-understand screens with a final mouse-click on the
button on the screen which will trigger the disk-cloning process. After
undertaking one or two disk-cloning operations it should take the user no
more than 15 - 20 seconds or so to get to that point.

But the truly significant advantage of the Casper 5.0 disk cloning program
compared with other disk cloning programs that we're familiar with, e.g.,
Acronis True Image, is its ability to create *incremental* disk clones
following the creation of the original (first) disk clone. Employing what
Casper calls its "SmartClone" technology the program can create subsequent
disk clones of the source HDD usually at a fraction of the time it takes to
create a "full" disk clone. This results in a decided incentive for the user
to undertake frequent complete backups of his or her system knowing that
they can create "incremental" disk clones in a relatively short period of
time. Understand that this "incremental disk clone" is a *complete* clone
(copy) of the "source" HDD.

So if you use the program to back up your system every few days or on a
weekly basis it will probably take not much more than 4 or 5 minutes to
complete the disk-cloning operation. Obviously the amount of time it will
take will depend upon the amount of data being cloned.

Bear in mind that the recipient of the clone - the "destination" HDD
(internal or external) - would contain the *complete* contents of one's
internal HDD (presumably the boot drive). Since that destination drive would
be a precise copy of the source HDD, its contents would be immediately
accessible to the user and potentially bootable. Naturally its contents
could be cloned back to a internal HDD should a restoration of the system be
necessary. Again, what better backup system can one have? And again -
because the Casper disk-cloning operation takes a relatively short period of
time to complete its disk-cloning operations there's a strong incentive for
the user to more frequently keep their backups up-to-date than they might
otherwise do.

The Casper 5.0 program is also capable of scheduling the disk-cloning
process on a daily, weekly, or other time period selected by the user so
that should the user prefer he or she could arrange for automatic backups at
pre-determined times.

Here's a more-or-less typical example of using the program to clone the
entire contents of one HDD to another HDD (internal or external)...
1. First of all, it always a wise idea to close all open programs, including
your anti-malware programs, before undertaking the disk-cloning operation.
If it's practical to do so it's also a good idea that except for the two
HDDs that will be involved in the disk-cloning operation, i.e., the "source"
and "destination" disks, all other storage devices, e.g., flash drives,
External USB HDDs that are not involved in the disk-cloning operation, etc.,
should be disconnected from the system.
2. Access the Casper 5.0 program.
3. Click on the opening screen's "Copy Drive" icon.
4. The next screen will have two options...
a. "Perform this copy again"
b. "Perform a different copy"
In most cases the user will select the "Perform this copy again" option
presuming he or she routinely uses the same hard drives as the source &
destination disks. Should the user be working with a different source and/or
destination HDD (as it involves the current disk-cloning operation) then
he/she would choose the "Perform a different copy" option.
5. On the next screen click the "Copy an entire hard disk" option. (There's
another option on that screen that allows the user to copy individual
partitions should he or she desire that capability).
6. The next screen will reflect the HDD to be copied, i.e., the "source"
HDD, presumably the user's boot drive in most cases. Click Next.
7. The next screen will list the "destination" HDD, i.e., the drive that
will be the recipient of the cloned contents of the drive you're copying.
Click Next. listing and Click Next.
8. A warning screen will appear indicating the destination HDD contains data
and that "all data on that disk may be lost" should you continue with the
disk cloning operation. It's just a cautionary note so click Next.
9. Since you're cloning the entire contents of your source HDD to the
destination HDD, just click Next on the next screen to accomplish that.
10. On the final screen requiring user input, click on the "Perform the copy
now" option.

The disk-cloning operation will proceed with the last screen indicating its
successful conclusion.

Again, note that if the recipient of the clone is another *internal* HDD,
the latter will be immediately bootable - no restoration/recovery process is
needed. Should the recipient of the clone be an external HDD, e.g., a
USBEHD, the contents of that drive would simply be cloned back to an
internal HDD for restoration purposes should that need arise.

The downside to the Casper 5 program as compared with the Acronis and most
other disk-cloning programs is the cost of the program which comes to $49.95
for the program + $9.95 for the "Casper Startup Disk" (the program to create
the bootable CD containing the Casper program - needed to access the program
in the event of a failed HDD when the user is unable to access the installed
Casper program). This "Startup Disk" is really an essential piece of the
program; I can't imagine a Casper user not having this media. It's a pity
that this "Startup Disk" is an added-cost option; in our view it should be
provided as part of the overall program and included in the program's $49.95
cost. We have complained to the developer about this but alas that
additional cost for the "Startup Disk" is still present.

So the cost of the program is more expensive than the others. Be that as it
may, in our view it's still well worth the additional cost considering its
overall effectiveness and the fact that one will be using the program many,
many times over the weeks, months, and years ahead. We've introduced the
program to many users (including former ATI users) and I can't recall a
single person who regretted his/her purchase. AFAIK, the program is
available only through download from the developer.

So I would recommend that you or any user who is interested in a
comprehensive backup program should try the Casper 5 program to determine if
that program meets their needs.

So work with the trial version (slightly crippled) of the Casper 5 program
for a while and see how you like it. It's available at
http://www.fssdev.com. At the same time try out other programs such as the
Acronis one which also has a trial version at http://www.acronis.com.
Anna

 

[Frank Slootweg]

For years now I've been using Retrospect by Dantz Software to complete a
backup of my XP computer. The software allows users to backup the full
system, including open files, to an external disk. Then you create a special
boot CD (essentially an ISO File) from the backup set produced by your
Retrospect job. Then, when your system catches fire, and you buy a brand new
one, you simply boot from the ISO File (after installing the latest version
of Retrospect). Once the system is booted, Retrospect starts reading the
backup files on the external hard disk, which restores your previous system.
Once the restore is done, you just reboot and, voila, you have recreated
your original system on your spiffy new pc.

The above procedure used to work very well on XP or XP Professional, until
SP1, SP2, and SP3 were issued. These all added lots more drivers to your
original install disk, which is an integral part of building the basics of
your ISO File. The size of the ISO file is now so large for most users that
it has become impossible to burn it onto a CD (since it won't fit).
Retrospect's heavy handed response to this problem is to advise users to
obtain an original Microsoft XP SP3 (or SP1, or SP2) from Microsoft and
use this, instead of your original installation CD in building your ISO
File.

This part I don't understand, because Retrospect doesn't use "your
original installation CD" to build the disaster recover ISO image file,
but uses (the contents of) your *hard-disk*. At least that's the case
for the Retrospect *Express* version which I have (and came with my
(Maxtor) external hard-disk).

In any case, if you still have an earlier Restrospect Disaster
Recovery CD and an associated (Restrospect or other) file backup,
couldn't you use

a two-step process, i.e. first do a disaster recovery from the earlier
backup and then from the latest backup? I.e. as long as your Disaster
Recovery CD has all that is needed to (boot and) do the *recovery*, who
cares what SP - if any - it is?

 

[Anthony Buckland]

Norton Ghost version 14 - has a 30 day trial available
(Trial does not allow you to create a Bootable Restore CD AFAK)
http://www.symantec.com/norton/products/overview.jsp?pcid=br&pvid=ghost14
Product Review "Symantec's 14th Ghost":
http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/Norton-Ghost--Review-78775.shtml

True Image 2009 - has a 15 day trial version available,
(Trial version can create a Restore/Rescue Media CD, but I have not
verified this yet)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
User's Guide: http://us1.download.acronis.com/pdf/TrueImage12_ug.en.pdf
...

I've had considerable problems with TI 2009, and have instead gone on
using TI version 9. If you're going to rely on TI 2009, make sure that,
on your system, you can create an image, verify it, create a rescue
CD, verify that it works, and successfully restore your system. My
problems may relate to my specific hardware and software
configuration; I haven't followed up on that yet. While testing TI 2009,
make sure of course that you have at least one rescue CD for an
earlier TI version, plus an external image made just before beginning
your tests. This preparation saved me from disaster. Note that
installing TI 2009 will overwrite your previous version of the disk-
resident rescue program that you access by pressing F11 at boot
time -- that's why you must have a rescue CD if you need to back
out.

Note, I'm not complaining about TI, just about the newest version
of it.

 

[DDW]

The program we strongly recommend as a comprehensive backup program is the
Casper 5 program. This program is a disk-cloning program and not a
disk-imaging program. It is designed to create what amounts to a
byte-for-byte copy of your day-to-day working HDD. As such it will create a
clone of your "source" HDD, in effect a precise copy of your operating
system, all your programs & applications, configurations, and of course your
personal data. It's hard to imagine a better backup system.

No it's not.

Casper can only - ONLY - clone.

Acronis True Image can clone AND image... and it can image any combo
of directories/files one chooses - and can restore any combo of
directories/files one chooses as well.

And Acronis doesn't require the full use of the destination disk (or a
partitioning program if one wants to clone to a partition), nor does
its bootable CD - which in all probability WILL be needed at some
point - cost an extra $10.

YOU are the only person in the Vista groups that recommends Casper.

There are literally HUNDREDS of other people in these groups who
recommend Acronis True Image.

There must be a reason for that.

DDW

 

[olfart]

No it's not.

Casper can only - ONLY - clone.

Acronis True Image can clone AND image... and it can image any combo
of directories/files one chooses - and can restore any combo of
directories/files one chooses as well.

And Acronis doesn't require the full use of the destination disk (or a
partitioning program if one wants to clone to a partition), nor does
its bootable CD - which in all probability WILL be needed at some
point - cost an extra $10.

YOU are the only person in the Vista groups that recommends Casper.

There are literally HUNDREDS of other people in these groups who
recommend Acronis True Image.

There must be a reason for that.

DDW
--

I have used Casper for years on my main WinXP Pro machine with excellent
results and I will continue using it there.
However......
I can not get a reliable (bootable) clone with Casper in my Vista machine
which also dual boots with XP Home.
I also cannot geta reliable clone on another machine which runs Win 2000
dual boot with Ubuntu. It will also not produce a bootable clone on Windows
7 which is on a seperate HD on the Vista/XP machine.
I have the same problem using different flavors of Acronis...I cannot get a
bootable image or clone on a dual boot system or on Win7 by itself.
I have tried several other programs and all have given poor results with the
exception of Paragon.
Paragon, although rather slow in imaging and restoring, always gives me a
reliable image and a restore which boots and runs everytime.
So if you are going to spend money on a clone/image program I might suggest
that you consider Paragon which seems to handle anything you throw at it
Casper somehow does not like to clone a dual boot system.

 

[Anthony Buckland]

...
I have used Casper for years on my main WinXP Pro machine with excellent
results and I will continue using it there.
However......
I can not get a reliable (bootable) clone with Casper in my Vista machine
which also dual boots with XP Home.
I also cannot geta reliable clone on another machine which runs Win 2000
dual boot with Ubuntu. It will also not produce a bootable clone on
Windows 7 which is on a seperate HD on the Vista/XP machine.
I have the same problem using different flavors of Acronis...I cannot get
a bootable image or clone on a dual boot system or on Win7 by itself.
...

I just took a look at Acronis' site to make sure. They do not list Windows
7
in the TI 2009 system requirements. Mind you, Microsoft has as a
Windows 7 goal compatability with everything that runs under Vista,
which TI 2009 does. Your experience indicates that goal may not have
been achieved yet

 

[olfart]

I just took a look at Acronis' site to make sure. They do not list
Windows 7
in the TI 2009 system requirements. Mind you, Microsoft has as a
Windows 7 goal compatability with everything that runs under Vista,
which TI 2009 does. Your experience indicates that goal may not have
been achieved yet

But Acronis will not work for me on a Vista/XP or a Win200/Linux dual boot
system so I guess my point was....if you are going to invest $$$ in a
clone/backup program you might want to try Paragon. Although it's a little
slow it give an accurate result every time (Win7 included)

 

[Frank Slootweg]

For the above reasons, I'm requesting anyone who knows of a simple backup,
restore, and disaster recovery software that is suitable for a single user
with two computers, and without a PHD in computer software for your
suggestions.

Is this for one system or multiple ones? Do you have (or can create)
(a) recovery disc(s)? (With "recovery disc(s)", I mean media which can
be used to bring the system back to its original "factory installed"
condition.)

If you have such media, then a file plus System State backup should be
sufficient. I.e. when you need to do a disaster recovery (i.e. disk can
not be made to boot for whatever reason), you use the recovery disc(s)
to bring the system back to "factory installed" condition and then do a
System State and file restore.

For the file plus System State backup, you could even use the bundled
XP NTBackup program. The only thing you need is the "how-to" procedure
for restoring the System State, especially the registry-restore part of
it. IIRC, pointers to those documents are regularly posted here, but you
need them *before* disaster strikes.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

For years now I've been using Retrospect by Dantz Software to complete a
backup of my XP computer. The software allows users to backup the full
system, including open files, to an external disk. Then you create a
special
boot CD (essentially an ISO File) from the backup set produced by your
Retrospect job. Then, when your system catches fire, and you buy a brand
new
one, you simply boot from the ISO File (after installing the latest
version
of Retrospect). Once the system is booted, Retrospect starts reading the
backup files on the external hard disk, which restores your previous
system.
Once the restore is done, you just reboot and, voila, you have recreated
your original system on your spiffy new pc.

The above procedure used to work very well on XP or XP Professional, until
SP1, SP2, and SP3 were issued. These all added lots more drivers to your
original install disk, which is an integral part of building the basics of
your ISO File. The size of the ISO file is now so large for most users
that
it has become impossible to burn it onto a CD (since it won't fit).
Retrospect's heavy handed response to this problem is to advise users to
obtain an original Microsoft XP SP3 (or SP1, or SP2) from Microsoft and
use this, instead of your original installation CD in building your ISO
File. This advice is almost impossible to follow, since Microsoft is
loathe
to issue original XP SP3 disks (I already tried) because of licensing
restrictions. If they do agree, you have to pay $10 to $15 for the
procurement process.

This is what slipstreaming is for.

For the above reasons, I'm requesting anyone who knows of a simple backup,
restore, and disaster recovery software that is suitable for a single user
with two computers, and without a PHD in computer software for your
suggestions.

I thank everyone who makes a positive suggestion in advance, and hope that
those of you who are considering purchasing retrospect for a similar
backup
solution be forewarned.

Thank you
Abradaxis

Lots of people here use version of Acronis TrueImage for this. Some
versions will allow you to restore to different hardware.

If you're imaging OS install drives, no, these won't fit on CDs anymore,
they are well into multiple DVDs. And when Blu-Ray disks get cheap, we'll
probably quickly exceed those, too. This is a good use for an external
hard disk; where I am, 500-gig drives are under $100.

HTH
-pk

 

[Abradaxis]

My question resulted in a plethora of responses, including some arguments
among responders. To be honest, I'm really touched by how generous with
their time and experience so many people are, and I want to thank you all
for your efforts. I have to review the answers in detail (some are quite
elaborate), but a quick read of the responses leads me to believe that
slipstreaming may be my easiest solution, so I'm going to look into that
(I'm no novice, but I never heard of slipstreaming). I thank you again as a
group, but if anyone has a particular question for me, please email to the
group or directly. Thanks again.

 

[Bill in Co.]

For a complete backup of your system, I think using something like Acronis
True Image to create a complete image backup is a LOT simpler than
slipstreaming. You simply need a second hard drive to use it (external or
internal). You simply create an image of your system drive, and then if you
need to restore it, you simply restore it.

 

[Olórin]

For a complete backup of your system, I think using something like Acronis
True Image to create a complete image backup is a LOT simpler than
slipstreaming. You simply need a second hard drive to use it (external or
internal). You simply create an image of your system drive, and then if you
need to restore it, you simply restore it.

For a complete backup solution, yes; but if OP slipstreams in SP3 he can
continue to use his current solution with next to nil cost.

 

[Abradaxis]

Many thanks to all who answered. As I expected, there is no concensus! I
considered some of the suggestions, and here are my thoughts:
1. No matter how easy is may appear, I have 4 pcs (three desktops and one
laptop), and although I am fairly meticulous, when I consider that one pc
has been upgraded from Windows 98, one is Windows XP Media, one is OEM, and
one is a retail copy of XP (with SP1) I don't have four original and
discrete XP disks (all my systems are legal and licensed, I just got there
different ways), the idea of slipstreaming doesn't seem appealing or doable
for my system.
2. Since Retrospect uses open file backups, you get a restore of everything
that you backed up, so if your ISO file is made with a CD other than one
from your machine with SP upgrades, your system will back up fine, but won't
run, since there will be incompatibilities. Believe me, I tried it once and
the results weren't pretty.
3. To the gentleman who claimed that Retrospect used what was on your hard
disk, not the original disk, I'm sorry to say that it is not true. The
contents of your disk are backed up, but your bootable ISO file that loads
the recovery software that loads your data from your backup IS made with a
compatible Windows System CD.
4. Some of my responders issued instructions (well meaning, I'm sure), of
multi-stage backup and restore processes which may very well work, but don't
meet my initial request that the solution be "simple." It seems some of you
guys and gals out there may have your PhDs in Operating Systems.
Not me; I'm just a simple user.
5. I apologize for the two responders who got into an argument about Casper
versus Agronis. You two can fight it out between yourselves, with my thanks
for your efforts.
6. Since I need a multi-CPU backup solution, and intending no slur on Casper
or Ghost
(although I'm certainly no fan of Symantec), I think I'm going to go with
Acronus. I have a few questions which I hope someone might answer, however.
Here they are:
a. Being from the old school of one copy of any program for one personal
user (even if he has ten machines), can I use my one copy of Acronus on all
five of my PCs?
b. I take it that I can back up to an External USB HD, of which I have
plenty. I don't need incremental backups. I will be fine if I can back up
everything on each pc once a week, file by file or disk image.
c. The product seems to sell for around $40. Great! What is this I read
about my needing to buy a "rescue something" for $10 extra. Is that $10 per
machine, and why doesn't the Acronus web site mention this.
d. They keep talking about a hidden partition on the hard disk which is used
for recovery. The only time I ever had to recover was when my hard disks
blew up and I couldn't boot the machine. What do I need a hidden partition
for if I can't boot my pc?
4. Is it easy to use? I don't mean simple minded; retrospect has a learning
curve and I'm no virgin. But is it straightforward, with easy instructions,
etc.
5. I understand there is a trial period, and I might use it. But I found out
long ago that putting in the effort to learn to use a program during the
trial period was almost as hard as learning to use it once you bought it.
Some I'm asking the users if they truly believe it's a reliable and easy to
implement solution.
6. Anything else I should know before I get involved with it?

I want to truly thank everyone who took such time and effort to answer my
questions, and to do the same for my latest set.

 

[Mike Torello]

a. Being from the old school of one copy of any program for one personal
user (even if he has ten machines), can I use my one copy of Acronus on all
five of my PCs?

Yes. And it's "Acronis" (not "Acronus") True Image.

b. I take it that I can back up to an External USB HD, of which I have
plenty. I don't need incremental backups. I will be fine if I can back up
everything on each pc once a week, file by file or disk image.

You can

c. The product seems to sell for around $40. Great! What is this I read
about my needing to buy a "rescue something" for $10 extra. Is that $10 per
machine, and why doesn't the Acronus web site mention this.

The extra $10 is for Casper's bootable CD. The Acronis CD that comes
with the retail box purchase of the product is bootable. If you
download the product, it can create bootable media for you.

d. They keep talking about a hidden partition on the hard disk which is used
for recovery. The only time I ever had to recover was when my hard disks
blew up and I couldn't boot the machine. What do I need a hidden partition
for if I can't boot my pc?

Acronis can create a hidden partition for you much like the one
provided by a lot of OEMs. That creation isn't required, it's an
option.

4. Is it easy to use? I don't mean simple minded; retrospect has a learning
curve and I'm no virgin. But is it straightforward, with easy instructions,
etc.

If you had no problem posting the above (and what I snipped), you will
find Acronis True Image easy to use.

Buy it from newegg.com to get the best price (that I'm aware of).

 

[Bill in Co.]

Many thanks to all who answered. As I expected, there is no consensus! I
considered some of the suggestions, and here are my thoughts:

Snipped some excessive length stuff below...

I have a few questions which I hope someone might answer, however.
Here they are:

b. I take it that I can back up to an External USB HD, of which I have
plenty. I don't need incremental backups. I will be fine if I can back up
everything on each pc once a week, file by file or disk image.

Yes on the disk image backup. Haven't used any file by file backups in
Acronis - that's too limited.

d. They keep talking about a hidden partition on the hard disk which is
used
for recovery. The only time I ever had to recover was when my hard disks
blew up and I couldn't boot the machine. What do I need a hidden partition
for if I can't boot my pc?

IF you choose to store a backup image on the same HD (which is generally a
bad idea), you need to create this hidden Acronis Secure Zone. If you're
storing the backup image on another drive, you don't need an Acronis Secure
Zone. At least I assume you're talking about that (check the Acronis
website out, and read more about it, for further info).