Regular re-formatter???

Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:08 pm Post subject: Regular re-formatter???

The BF2ers have long since been aware of a program i use which i find to be the most useful piece of software i have and a few have used it - it is called Acronis True Image 10 or 11 is latest

Its basically backup software similar to Norton Ghost which i found a nightmare to use, Its had loads of easy to use features but the best thing about it is the ability to reset your pc to exactly how you want it within around 10 mins instead of formatting, installing, updating etc

Just install your XP/Vista, drivers, broadband router settings, updates, outlook express settings if you use it, favourites, programs, anti virus, msn, firewall, games, patches or whatever - everything you would do if you built your pc from scratch

Then install True Image, it has a load of easy to follow options but the best is to Create an exact backup of your pc

It takes maybe 10 mins for me personally but may be longer or shorter depending on your system or how much you have installed - Best thing is to have a partition separate from your main C drive or even better another hard disk in your pc - the thing is to remember you need to put it somewhere separate should you need to restore your C drive obviously putting the backup of your pc in the same drive wont work when you come around to needing it!

So you will have an exact copy of your new freshly installed, updated, fully working copy of windows safely tucked away in a safe place - if you then find in 2 weeks/months/years time you have buggered your system with viruses etc just start up Acronis - restore and in 10 mins or so your fully working windows will be EXACTLY as it was prior to your problems - but without having to spend all those hours again digging out discs for this and that and drivers for that..........................................

If you did all the installs, backed up and then thought i forgot to install eg BHD, pinger, TS, Sigurd. Instead of doing a new backup you can overwrite the old one and it will simply add any new things to it you have installed since

The backup file is not simply some large file icon tucked away somewhere for a rainy day - you can browse within it like explorer and access any video or pics, patches, downloads etc and copy them to your regular drive

Loads of options for backing up, can just do your emails/outlook express settings if you want - If you install a new bigger drive it can clone the settings from your old one to the new one - backups can be scheduled any time - create a boot disk so if you cant load windows you pop in the cd at startup and Acronis will load allowing you to access your backup and restore your pc without needing to get into windows

Well there you go, thats my review. might save some people a lot of hassle when it comes to the dreaded reformat - speak to me if you want to know more Wink

Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:30 pm Post subject: Re: Regular re-formatter???

Very Very Handy tht.... Good find Smile

~Ash

Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 9:07 pm Post subject: Re: Regular re-formatter???

Sounds good, think ill give it a whirl

Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject: Re: Regular re-formatter???

Good 1 Numpty Cool

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:47 am Post subject: Re: Regular re-formatter???

You are a true salesman. Are you on commission?....lol

I used to do the same with Ghost as you mentioned, but like everything, got to complicated for its own good.

One question, does it work with Vista?

Lovely tip and I need a format anyway soon - I might just give him a bash, I mean give it a bash, I mean use the software you mentioned.

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: Regular re-formatter???

No Commission i speak as i find!

And i have it installed on my 64 bit vista - not had to use the back up yet but its there if i need it - Vista/drivers/updates blah blah - 10 mins and itll be as it was new less the 5 hours work

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Regular re-formatter???

Well done Phil , Never knew this was in you Laughing

Nicely worded and easy to follow.

Sounds like me Wink

Morc