Re: Backup software

[Kari Eveli lexitec@xxxxxxxx]

Hello Jordan,

I think this is not a good idea. Brain transplants are notoriously
difficult to accomplish. I tried PC Mover when switching from XP to
Win7. To put it short, it did not solve the problem it was supposed to.
Much trouble, poor results. You are better off using free tools from MS.


> Something related that I have looked for at least as much is the ability
> to move all installed programs, shortcuts, desktop, preferences etc.
> from an existing Windows to a new, fresh Windows already in place
> elsewhere. [...]
>
>
>   Jordan


Different situations require different strategies, the following are
some basic guidelines I have found useful:


A) Switching Windows versions. Backup your data, make a fresh full
install, reinstall your programs, bring your data back into the various
programs you use. Reinstalling makes sure that the settings are
compatible with your operating system and optimized.


B) Switching from a hard disk to an SSD. Check that your C: drive's
contents fit into the SSD, eventually pare down the C: drive so that it
fits. Use a backup program to make an image (Acronis does this very
well, Macrium Reflect Free is another candidate
(https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree), and many other similar programs
also qualify)


C) Daily backups with disaster recovery to the same machine. In spite of
what has been said, Acronis does this quite well and reliably. You need
to check that your setup is fully supported first by testing the backup
program and system configuration you use. Most of the time I use my
daily backups to recover a file that was overwritten or deleted
accidentally. It is good to have a program that can recover a file or a
folder from the file system context menu. Current backups are a must as
you do not want to recover a file that is missing your latest edits.


D) Moving systems to different hardware, virtualizing systems. You need
high-end software that is provided by, e.g., StorageCraft. Paragon
(https://www.paragon-software.com/medium-large-business/dm/) has also
some interesting tools for these kinds of uses.


E) Free tools. There are quite a few of those. Strangely enough, if you
look for "free backup tools" on the Internet, you do not easily run into
the obvious and maybe best options. Most of us have hard disks, and
those disks come with a free backup program from Acronis. Newer versions
are much more usable than they used to be, e.g., Western Digital
(http://support.wdc.com/downloads.aspx?p=119&lang=en) or Seagate
(http://www.seagate.com/gb/en/support/downloads/discwizard/). Lastly,
there are lots of other freeware programs to choose from, see:
https://www.lifewire.com/free-backup-software-tools-2617964


There is no reason not to back up regularly. Money is no object, and it
may save your day.


Best regards,

Kari Eveli
LEXITEC Book Publishing (Finland)
lexitec@xxxxxxxx

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