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March 18th, 2025 00:38
XPS 8950, recovery and restore
XPS 8950
I downloaded the Dell Recovery Restore software for my xps 8950 (windows 11) using my service tag number. Followed the instructions on the "How to Create and Use the Dell Recovery and Restore USB drive" article, but the program will not open. I right clicked the DirectKeyCreator.exe file in the program folder (the shortcut on the desktop didn't work either) and selected "run as administrator". Then I got the User Account Dialog box "Do you want to allow this app from an unknown publisher to make changes to your device? (DirectKeyCreator.exe) Then I clicked "Yes" and nothing opened.
There is no mention of Windows 11 in the article, but I'm assuming it applies since when I plugged in my service tag # I got a download.
I'm trying to find a way to get my computer back if my SSD tanks.
ispalten
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March 18th, 2025 13:32
I am pretty sure that 'free' Acronis that comes with some hard drives is outdated.
There is a 'new' Acronis True Image renamed from the old Cyber Protect Home to Acronis True Image 2025.
I've been using ATI 'forever' and now on the latest. Even works fine on an XPS8500 Win 10 PC. Never had an SSD reading problem and all our PC's have bootable SSD's?
Would seem you never created the recovery CD/DVD on the system in question and copied over all the required drivers? Possible the 'free' ATI though had some restrictions?
For what it is worth, I find the present ATI 2025 wonderful, and even on the slow XPS8500 one doesn't know when it is doing a back-up until one tries to access the drive being backed up at the time. Even then, it is just slow loading a program. On the XPS8940, which is significantly faster in terms of RAM and CPU, I never actually can tell when it is working.
We keep 3 iterations of the system, doing a back-up once a week, to a 'slow' USB External drives as well. Realize that worst case we could lose up to 1 weeks changes on the system, but that is the risk we are willing to take. In all the years, I can remember only 3 C: restores, and maybe a handful of drive or folder restores.
JOcean
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March 18th, 2025 03:05
Personally I find that programs such as Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image work better than most manufacturer supplied backup software.
akdanie
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March 18th, 2025 05:38
@JOcean Thanks. What started this was me trying to use the Seagate/Acronis True Image program. It wouldn't recognize my SSD "C" drive. I finally decided to go with the Windows Image backup. It seems to work fine. I think everything after Windows 7 is a step backwards, for my purposes, anyway. Thanks again.
akdanie
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March 18th, 2025 18:30
@ispalten Thanks for your reply. Re:
"Would seem you never created the recovery CD/DVD on the system in question and copied over all the required drivers? Possible the 'free' ATI though had some restrictions?"
I did create the recovery CD/DVD but I don't remember copying any drivers. I checked into ATI 2025 and decided that I already have enough "subscription" programs. I'm retired now and on a fixed income trying to cut costs. I appreciate you taking the time to address my issue. It sounds like ATI 2025 is perfect for your situation. I have to say, I do like the Acronis interface and the option to mount a tib and copy individual files. Being retired means I'm an old guy who is hesitant to change, but welcome to the world of computers, right?
Have a great day.
ispalten
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March 18th, 2025 19:40
@akdanie
I am retired as well, but with a Software PC background.
Acronis True Image has been around for a long time, and did switch to a 'subscription' service a year or two ago. That was the old Cyber Protect Home product. In 2024 they renamed it to Acronis True Image and it no longer is a Subscription model. Well, it can be either.
See what I have:
They do sell Perpetual licenses. I can also purchase the 5PC version for $88... if I needed more PC's having ATI.
It appears this is/was a special offer to owners of older ATI's before they went subscription. One-time charge to go to ATI 2024 (we had ATI 2020).
Still, there are sites selling ATI perpetual licenses:
https://software-reseller.com/en-nl/acronis-true-image-2025-3-devices-perpetual-licence-windows-mac
https://www.newegg.com/acronis-true-image-2025-5-computers/p/N82E16832200260
https://www.staples.com/acronis-true-image-2025-for-1-user-windows-mac-android-ios-download-hovdshzzs/product_24626391
I am NOT connected with any of these, and I can't vouch for any. I'd contact them if unsure and make your own decision.
For me, ATI is the way to go.
I'll also add there is another 'good' choice.
I looked at Macrium Reflect (and many people suggest using it) when they had a FREE versions. Not any more. They too have gone subscription, but Googling it seems you can still find 'free versions'. Yearly cost is $50... The 'old' Free version was retired over a year ago. So you could be exposed as if something 'breaks' or it doesn't work with Windows anymore you'll have no back-ups and need a new solution.
Me, I know what works for me, and I paid the fee to use the program.
Also, this link ---> https://www.techradar.com/best/best-free-backup-software, might be of interest to you.
akdanie
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March 18th, 2025 23:38
@ispalten Thanks for the info. I will definitely check out the newegg link. I have bought hardware from them many times in years past and never had any problems.
ispalten
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March 19th, 2025 21:28
@akdanie
If you go to Acronis web site, for home users ===> https://www.acronis.com/en-us/#home and click on TRY NOW you can get a 30 Day FREE trial to make sure it will work for you.
You can DM me, click on my name or icon and Direct Message me if you need some help or have a question about it.
akdanie
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March 21st, 2025 01:10
@ispalten Thanks, appreciate that.