XPS 8940, Windows10, using Acronis True Image 2017, SA backup

Question

I am updating my computer from Windows 7 to the new Dell XPS 8940 with a primary SSD and secondary Hard Drive for both data and backup images. This is my first Dell purchase and I have been using Acronis True Image 2017 as my imaging backup program.

My question is can I continue to use Acronis alongside Dell SA (SupportAssist), which I understand also has a backup program? If they can coexist, do you have any specific advice for making sure both programs coexist comfortably with each other or is it just not a problem?

CTG_8273 · Accepted Answer

@JNic1

I am not 100% certain that Support Assist backup will format the drive before a backup. It was on my 2014 laptop with Windows 7 back then it was called Dell Backup and Recovery DBAR. I remember using it nto backup and without warning it wiped one of my externals.

That is when I started back using true image. At least True Image does give you the option to backup to a custom folder and not wipe the external device.

fireberd · Answer

A disc imaging program will work OK with the Dell programs.

I am an ex Acronis True Image customer (It failed me twice and didn't get a third chance) and I've moved to Macrium Reflect for disc imaging (backup). Consider that rather than the old (2017) Acronis. Macrium Reflect has a free version and from comments on other computer forums its the disc imaging of choice for the majority.

Make full disc image backups - all partitions - to a separate drive. Then if (when) the main drive fails you can completely restore.

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

JNic1 · Answer

Thanks for the quick reply and advice.  I have used various versions of True Image, without a problem.  However, any failure is one too many.  Thanks for the recommendation for Macrium Reflect.  Your point about a aged program is valid and it might be time for a different program for this new computer.  I've messed up too many times to not have a reliable imaging program.

CTG_8273 · Answer

@JNic1 Just remember if you use Support Assist and back up anything to an external hard drive. The Support Assist software will format the external device meaning you will loose anything saved to the external. I suggest leaving Support Assist alone. It has caused me so many problems and the Support Assist OS Recovery does not even load. Support Assist has so many bugs. I am gonna uninstall it as soon as my warranty expires. BTW I connected one of my external drives to my computer. I did not know the drive was bad. Support Assist detected the bad drive. That was a good thing but it alerted Dell and without me doing a thing I was sent another drive. That external was not even purchased from Dell. I was then accused of ordering a new drive. The bad drive was a 4 TB and Dell sent me a 1 TB. I am completely done with Dell. I am thinking about removing my CPU, Memory, Video Card, and buying a compatible motherboard and getting another case and then I will take my shotgun to the XPS case.

JNic1 · Answer

Thanks for the warning.  I would not have expected that.  I've seen that Support Assist gets mixed reviews.  Which is why I will be using imaging software for backing up my system..

CTG_8273 · Answer

When I get a chance I will do a test to see if Support Assist will backup. I tried to explain to tech support once about using Dell Backup and Recovery and it wiping my drive I had important data on. I don't think they really understood my English. Sorry if that sounds raciest, But it is crazy  half the time they do not understand what I am saying. I explain to them something and the response is something different as night and day.

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XPS 8940, Windows10, using Acronis True Image 2017, SA backup

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