Pls recommend backup software - simple home user...

Question

Hi,   I received a new Dell Dimension 8400 with AP and 160GB hard drive.  I would like to make a prestine backup before I start installing/changing the system - so I can always fall back to the 'factory settings' easily.  Can anyone recommend software I can buy that will work best ?  I want to backup to DVD-Rs.  I may also occasionally backup the system.  Probably will do full backups and not partials...   I am a simple home user and dont keep anything really critical on the pc.  Some finances, kid games, and various programs.   How about: NTI Back Up Now 4.0 Deluxe ? Nero Backup ? Stomp Backup My PC ?   THANKS IN ADVANCE, Pete

osprey4 · Answer

Pete:

What you are looking for is a drive backup utility, not just any old backup. I've used NTI and was not fond of it at all. I've used Ghost a lot and it works quite well. You can buy it as a stand-alone product or it is included with Norton Systemworks Pro (must be the Pro version). It's actually cheaper to buy NSWP than Ghost itself, although I have no use for any of the other Norton programs. The current version of Ghost must be installed on the hard drive, while previous versions could be run from a floppy disk.

There are many other products if you google "drive backup" or "drive image". Casper XP is one.

ejn63 · Answer

Look at Acronis TrueImage - it is easier to use than Ghost, and has features Ghost is missing - and from newegg.com you can get it for $35, which is far cheaper than most versions of Ghost.

osprey4 · Answer

Yes, Ghost as a stand-alone is pretty expensive. Can Acronis True Image make a bootable DVD with the drive image and restoration software all on the same disc?

Storage, Drives & Media

Pls recommend backup software - simple home user...

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