TweakHound

Computer stuff...

Backup

My Home Server – Windows 7

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Here is my current setup. I will be attempting to switch over to a Linux server setup in the near future (just because).
This machine was my secondary workstation and has been repurposed for my home server.
This is a quickie article. No hand holding. If you do not know your way around Windows this article is not for you.
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My New PC – Backup

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I do not do online backups for my OS. I use boot disks. Actually a flash drive ( My Rescue Flash Drive ).
Tried:
Acronis True Image PE Boot Disk
Macrium Reflect Windows 10 PE Boot Disk
Clonezilla Live CD

All three were successful at backup and recovery.
Acronis and Macrium both require you to install the program to create a boot disk. Macrium I don’t mind having installed. Acronis is another story. This program now installs a ton of crap on your computer not the least of which is the Bonjour Service. Yes, the same POS that Apple uses for iTunes (among other things). Many of you will remember me linking to Ed Bott’s, The unofficial guide to installing iTunes 10 without bloatware many times over the years. He says in part, “I strongly recommend not installing Bonjour unless you need it. Bonjour has required patches for security issues in the past and has been known to cause a complete loss of network connectivity on Windows networks. (Yes, I’ve seen Bonjour disable local and Internet connections on Windows networks. It was not a fun troubleshooting exercise.)”
Using Macrium Reflect I restored my PC from backup after creating the Acronis boot disk.
I’m glad I have left that nonsense behind and switched to Macrium and Clonezilla.

Goodbye Acronis True Image

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I’m switching to Macrium Reflect Free and Clonezilla (free too).
Ditching Acronis has been coming for a while. Over the last couple of years I have increasingly heard from users where Acronis True Image has failed them. Over the last year I’ve encountered issues on numerous occasions. The only thing saving me is I have dozens of full backups. Problems have included freezing during restore and multiple USB device issues.
*note – I only backup and restore offline using bootable media, old habits…
Although I will be using both Macrium Reflect Free and Clonezilla I will be recommending Macrium Reflect Free to the masses. Macrium Reflect Free is fast and easy to use. It provides a way to easily make a Windows PE based bootable CD or USB drive customized to your machine. It contains everything the majority of users could want.
Clonezilla is slower than Macrium but will image any and everything. Having no GUI, non-Geeks my be intimidated. Having said that, if you just follow the on screen instructions you should be fine.
Macrium Reflect 7 Free Edition is available. As of this writing I know the linked page says “coming soon” but you end up downloading v7.0.2199.

Acronis True Image And Win10

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A few people asked me about using Acronis True Image and Win10.
First as I have stated repeatedly, I DO NOT install it. I only use the boot disk.
So, I have been using Acronis True Image 2015 since it came out. It has worked fine with Win10 UEFI and not, dual boot and not.
I just purchased TI 2017 and ditto there.
I don’t what else to say but if you have questions just ask.
And please, if you are gonna buy it use the link here so I get a commission.

Backup Locations

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thpinpostlogoY’all know I’ve no sympathy for folks who don’t backup their computers and info.
This morning I heard “I don’t have anywhere to backup my stuff”.
I have backups of backups. Backups in safes. Backups off site…
Feel free to pass this image on.
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