Gizmo's Freeware Forum - View Single Post

Beev · 06. Jun 2009, 07:05 PM

Well, I have been using Macrium Reflect as my main system backup, and it works fine. I run it once a week while Windows Vista is still running, and it has never crashed or thrown up any errors. I just close all main applications, and about 15 minutes later the image is complete, I then verify the image to ensure that nothing has gone wrong.

I just started using Titan Backup as a method of backing up Firefox settings, as it is easier and faster than always browsing to the firefox folder in my user account folder then manually copying the folder over to a flash drive.

I always put spreadsheet files, word documents etc on a memory stick anyway. I have always recommended not to save any data unless necessary on the system partition, or on the same drive as the partition for that matter, it doesnt matter how many partitions you have, if the drive goes, all partitions go with it.

I have my system restore function active but have optimised so the hard disc space allocated is only 500MB, this only allows for about 3 restore points at the most. This all I need as the image I make of the System Partition is never more then a week old. So system restore is not a problem for me. I only really use it to try out stuff, so I can revert the system back to its normal state if need be. For example, if I fancy trying a new application based on reviews here, I simply set up a restore point, install the app, try it out, if it is not to my liking, then get rid simply by running the restore point!

I have noticed that alot of people I know seem to use system restore as some type of safety net, which in a way it is. It is useful for when you suddenly get an error, and need to get your system back in a useable state. It can save you from a few problems, but it is not the most reliable solution.

There are quite a few good alternatives to system restore, but sadly, I am yet to see any freeware alternatives to system restore, so its just best to make sure everything is backed up as often as possible. Use a backup program scheduled to backup all important data on a nightly basis.

Yours,
Beev

06. Jun 2009, 07:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
Beev Full Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 50	Well, I have been using Macrium Reflect as my main system backup, and it works fine. I run it once a week while Windows Vista is still running, and it has never crashed or thrown up any errors. I just close all main applications, and about 15 minutes later the image is complete, I then verify the image to ensure that nothing has gone wrong. I just started using Titan Backup as a method of backing up Firefox settings, as it is easier and faster than always browsing to the firefox folder in my user account folder then manually copying the folder over to a flash drive. I always put spreadsheet files, word documents etc on a memory stick anyway. I have always recommended not to save any data unless necessary on the system partition, or on the same drive as the partition for that matter, it doesnt matter how many partitions you have, if the drive goes, all partitions go with it. I have my system restore function active but have optimised so the hard disc space allocated is only 500MB, this only allows for about 3 restore points at the most. This all I need as the image I make of the System Partition is never more then a week old. So system restore is not a problem for me. I only really use it to try out stuff, so I can revert the system back to its normal state if need be. For example, if I fancy trying a new application based on reviews here, I simply set up a restore point, install the app, try it out, if it is not to my liking, then get rid simply by running the restore point! I have noticed that alot of people I know seem to use system restore as some type of safety net, which in a way it is. It is useful for when you suddenly get an error, and need to get your system back in a useable state. It can save you from a few problems, but it is not the most reliable solution. There are quite a few good alternatives to system restore, but sadly, I am yet to see any freeware alternatives to system restore, so its just best to make sure everything is backed up as often as possible. Use a backup program scheduled to backup all important data on a nightly basis. Yours, Beev