Optiplex 745 & XP Backup Wizard 2 Partitions

Use this software to Image the hard drive, all partitions.

 

http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

 

 

Here is some useful info on the partiton in question

http://www.goodells.net/dellutility/index.htm

 

Thanks for the info.  I will check it out.

 

Norton Ghost does compression of data to make image files as small as possible. Ghost also allows you to restore the image to a larger drive.

 

Quickly reading over the Acronis info I either didn't see or missed if it compresses data or can restore to a larger drive.

 

It mentions installing itself in a partition.  What happens when a machine is up and running?

 

I also see it supports NAS Network devices so I suppose it has the ability to drive the NIC card which in this case is a Broadcom?

 

Strange, Ghost runs on a DOS boot disk so you know the disk is stable.

 

Have you used Acronis 10 Home and if so have you ever had to do a restore of a disk drive?  In my case it's a SATA-II drive.

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

Acronis does just about everything, much more versatile and powerful than Ghost.

 

Yes it uses compression, if you register the software, you can get free updates that include the latest drivers available.

 

 

You can restore to a larger or smaller drive (space permitting) with Acronis.

 

I have been using this software since Version 6, before most people knew it existed, It is the Cadillac of image software.

 

You can create a Bootable Cd to run the Acronis software outside of Windows also.

 

You can even mount the image in Windows and browse folders, copy data, ect. Awesome software IMHO.

 

Makes Ghost look like the stone age.  :smileywink:

 

"It mentions installing itself in a partition."  Not really true

 

I think this is talking about the feature where it creates a safe partition (Linux) to keep backup data safe from the Windows environment. I have never used this feature on Dells, because it can damage other Dell partitions and features. It is an optional feature you must set up yourself. My brother uses this feature, but sets it up on external USB drives for his clients, he configures automatic backups (full disk image's) to these drives, they use 2 or 3 drives and rotate them out every night. Acronis is even smart enough to know when disk space is low and delete the oldest backup file(s) to make room for the new one.

 

Here are the Doc's, I don't see Home 10, but it is based on workstation 9.1

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/download/docs/

Update, there is a downloadable User Guide for home 10, in the first link I provided, right side of the page.

 

Thanks. I will read their docs for sure.

 

I come from a old corporate environment where Windows 95 and Ghost 6.0 was being used. Later, Windows 98, NT, 2000 and XP.  We went from Ghost 6.0 to 6.5 and lastly 7.5.

 

Ghost too has the ability to use browse images using ghostexp and Windows based browser.

 

It's kind of like old shoes. They fit so well and you knew all the sore spots you just can't bring yourself to throw them away and get new ones. Same holds true for local DLT tape backups and IOMega Jaz drives.

 

Since Vista does not support local tape backups I guess they'll be gone. Like the Jaz drives are now too small..

 

I'll look over Acronis carefully until I get the warm and cozy feeling. And if it supports NAS as storage and can backup an entire drive that would resolve almost all my concerns.

 

Thanks.

 

I can empathize with you, letting go is a hard thing to do. I think you will be impressed with Acronis, also take a look at the workstation Version 9, it may have more network features, not sure about this.

1. I have not seen one that did not.

2. Yes, if you have the latest version upgrade.

3. Yes, I have used it on my D5150 with usb mouse and kbrd.

4. Yes.

5. Yes, I have done it on my D5150, it even supported a usb hub I had to use once.

 

Acronis has worked flawlessly for me for years. Remember the key is to register the software on the Acronis site, then you can log in to your account and get the latest upgrade for your Version for Free, they continuously improve the product and add the latest drivers available.

 

If you purchase from the Acronis site (you don't have to) you will get the latest version they have to start with, If you purchase from an authorized reseller, you can register it, then get the latest update for free.

 

You can Verify the Acronis Image before deploying also. They have covered all the bases wih this software.

I just finished reading the Acronis document.

 

A couple of things I have to find out are:

1. If I go FTP does my FTP server support "passive mode"?

2. Will Acronis support my Broadcom NetXtreme 57xx NIC card?

3. Will Acronis support a USB Keyboard/Mouse (Optiplex 745 has no PS/2)?

4. Will Acronis support SATA-II drives?

5. Will Acronis support attached USB drives with USB Keyboard/Mouse?

 

I have to find the safest, easiest choice less prone to cause problems if a disaster does occur.

 

It seems to be the use of one or more external USB drives. That would eliminate #1 and #2 above.

 

I think #4 will be handled by the Optiplex 745 BIOS.

 

That leaves #3 and #5. There is no mention in the manual of #3 which I know has caused issues when trying to boot to a DOS floppy and when trying to run variants of Linux.

 

Any thoughts on these?

 

Thanks.

 

 

Thanks for all your input.

 

After I make up my mind I will let you know how Acronis works out.

 

P.S. You gotta' get a carpet for the floor that guy keeps sliding on!