Backup Your Computer with the Free Acronis True Image Seagate Edition

i hope this is in the right place. i'm pretty new to the pc world. and i've been sitting here reading some threads which are very interesting. what i'm looking for is a program to back my pc up. i'm still running windows xp. i know i'm still a caveman been looking at windows 7 /8 but i need to understand a bit more about pcs. i have windows xp pro. ver 2002 service pack 3. celeron cpu 2.93ghz and 1.18gb of ram. and 149 gb hard drive. i've been reading this thread Backup Your Computer with the Free Acronis True Image Seagate Edition. i don't have any software for my pc if anything went wrong. can i use this to make a image of windows xp ? and back up all the drivers. in other words i need a program that i can use . and save it to a seagate expansion 1tb external hard drive usb powered. so if anything was to go wrong am i right in saying i could just reformat by using the external hard. ie going into bios and using usb to recover the image and drivers. i know i'll have to put the backup program on my pc to save it to external hard drive. like i say i'm a caveman to this so any help would be appreciated.

 

The Seagate Trueimage is free, if you have a Seagate HDD.
It is a great program - backup to a different HDD and if you need to do a recovery, it is simple.

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.j...toid=d9fd4a3cdde5c010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD

 

kennyboy...once you have your image, you might find it a good idea to look into some strategies to create additional smaller backups for your files (music, vid, pics, whatever else), for documents and settings, drivers, the registry, and perhaps even some of your programs. Documents and Setting will get you most of the important settings for programs though.

Anyway, after you create an image, you can if you like start a new thread down the line somewhere for some good backup strategies for your purposes...

 

thanks for your replies. i've been on seagate website and registered my hard drive as i've only just got it.plus i have downloaded seagate discwizard. but i have noticed that it is saying get full version. the version i have downloaded will it do for my needs. ie back up my pc to the external hard drive or will only some of the function work? i've not tried it yet just been looking at it. i don't want to start doing anything yet just incase it tells me to upgrade. so i'm not sure until i use it.

 

@atlbo will the seagate discwizard backup my music vids and pics ect ect or will i have to use a different program for my files.

 

@atlbo i have been looking on seagate website and for full function you have to pay. i have gone for dicswizard setup.which i think is acronis free edition will that back my harddrive up and give me a image to reinstall if something went wrong? plus you mention about ( strategies to create additional smaller backups for your files (music, vid, pics, whatever else), for documents and settings, drivers, the registry, and perhaps even some of your programs ) does that mean i have to look for another program to back these up? is there a read me for the acronis so i can have a read before doing anything.like i said im a caveman at this so i need to understand what im doing.all i want to do is back my xp to external harddrive and reinstall it if something goes wrong.i have ran malwarebytes,smart defrag so is it ok to use acronis for my needs.plus what other program do i need to back all the other stuff up with thanks.

 

kennyboy...

Recommend saving this to your My Documents folder so you will have it for reference. Take a look at the contents headings and then start by looking over sections 1-8. That should get you going.

http://www.seagate.com/files/www-co...ds/discwizard/_shared/docs/dw_ug.en.14382.pdf

I believe the program does give you the ability to create custom backups (like just My Documents or whatever). On the upgrade thing, I would just ignore it. I haven't used this program, so maybe someone can enlighten you a little bit more. I am particularly confused over whether this program will back up from a Seagate to another type of drive. I'm just not clear on the subject.

There are other backup programs if you get stuck. One of the best known is Macrium Reflect which is free. I use an older standard type back up program called FBackup, so I don't know much about the imaging techniques...

 

Your first priority, absolutely correctly, is to have an image of your hard disk that you can restore if necessary, and DiscWizard will do that for you. It has a bootable CD containing its own version of the backup program and that's what you use when necessary to boot your computer and restore your image. I say get used to using that first and satisfy yourself that it works satisfactorily. Not all backup programs work well on all computers so testing is important.

Later on, when you are comfortable with the backup logic and process, you might want to upgrade to Acronis True Image. With this you can start to refine your backup methods - there are many options available that you won't find in DiscWizard.

Think of DiscWizard as protection for your operating system, but as regards your personal files there are many other capable free programs available that can create a duplicate set of your files on DVDs or on an external hdd. I always use SyncBack Free which enables you to set up a schedule which will automatically back up your selected folders at regular intervals. You don't need DiscWizard for your personal files, just for your OS. Oh, and a DiscWizard backup will cover your entire OS. No need to separately backup drivers or anything else the OS uses.

 

@atlbo thanks for your reply iwill do some reading first.thanks for your advice.

 

@Earthling thank you for your advice aswell. which discwizard should i use? the one from seagate website which is discwizardsetup-14387.en.exe. or discwizardsetup.en.the latter is what i downloaded from here. like i said dont want to run before i can walk. plus i will look at them other programs.as i said i want to do a backup to a external seagate external usb harddrive so can you please advice which discwizard should i use thank you.

 

I don't test every version they release but I would have no problem at all recommending you use the MG version HERE, but post back if you have further questions as we regular Acronis users sometimes don't quite appreciate how intimidating these imaging programs can be to new users.

 

thanks that's the one i downloaded. but was not sure which one to use. ill let you know how i get on.again thanks.

 

I have to second this statement Earthling. I am not an Acronis user, but I really couldn't tell you what an imaging program does. Am I correct that it creates an .iso or something like an .iso, and then the program gives a user some sort of way to make a boot cd to do the restoration when the time comes?

 

Thought we covered that yesterday.

 

It isn't an iso but that's a pretty good analogy AltBo. The image can be either an exact copy, including empty sectors, or more commonly it's a compressed file which the program can uncompress on the fly as it restores to the hdd. The bootable CD in Acronis case is a Linux version of the software and this is where problems can sometimes arise, with the program unable to find either the source disk or the target disk. Fortunately these problems are less prevalent nowadays. The really mind-boggling thing is that the installed program can create an image file even while you continue to use the computer. There is a validation option which can check the newly created image file and confirm that it is 100% error free and I recommend it be used every time.

It's one huge subject and I could go on and on ... but had better not

 

@Earthling i have installed the program you recommended.please can you tell me which option i should use to save backup to my harddrive.is it 1 image backup and image restore or 2 create bootable media. i said i would like to back it up on my external harddrive thank you.

 

i have just got this SyncBackFree V6.3.13.0 is that the one you recommend earthling because thats the only 1 i could find thanks again.

 

You will need to create the bootable media at some stage so I recommend you do that right now and check that you can boot to it and that it can see both your hdd and your external drive. You do that by starting a dummy backup run and aborting it when you are happy it can see both. You could even continue using the CD to create your image file, or reboot to Windows and do it from the installed program using image backup.

I'm shutting up shop now but should be around tomorrow. Good luck with it

EDIT - yep, that's the one.

 

When you run Trueimage, you click "Backup" and select your external HDD - name the file so you will remember where it is. ( I name mine discwizard Win 7 and the date)

Before you start the backup , click options and check "Validate" then "Finish" and "proceed."

I also make 2 copies of the backup- different locations, just in case one hdd should fail.


BTW - you don't need the cd to do a restore, only needed if your comp won't boot, then when you run the cd, it will bring up your recovery locations.

 

Thanks for the breakdown on this PSCO2007 and Earthling. Good information.

So I would only need the boot disk if the hard drive is shot, and I can't boot to Windows, or if the OS is corrupted to the point that it just won't boot?

One of these days I hope I can get down to the bits and bytes of backup. Imaging and syncing are big stumbling blocks for me as things stand. One way sync...two way sync. I just can't believe my PC can keep up with what I'm asking it to do sometimes...

One last question. So would you guys say imaging is a safer technique than the standard compressed one? I like the option of being able to restore the image using a CD.

Oh yeah, this one.

Can it also restore while the PC is in use? That sounds impossible to me.

I'm starting to warm up to this idea.

 

PSCO2007...I still haven't determined what you meant by this. Which post was the "backup" one?

Might have, but I've never use an imaging program before...

 

The backup automatically compresses and decompresses when you do the Restore

NO,it is putting the image back on the original HDD.

 

This thread from yesterday.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=275804

 

I think he means you can still access your or other HDDs - you certainly can't add to the C drive.

 

You can continue using the OS even while the backup of it is still being created. Acronis developed something equivalent to the Windows Volume Shadow Copy service and this ensures that the image file you create is in a consistent state. It's pushing your luck to overdo it imo but you can use the machine if you really have to.

 

@earthling thanks for your help. i have tried doing a backup with discwizard and this is the result that i have on my external harddrive.
1 bootmenu.exe 2,213,801 application.
2 bootwiz.sys 22,528 system file.
3 f11.cfg 252 cfg file.
4 kernel.dat 1,410,288 dat file.
5 mouse.com 4,850 ms-dot app.
6 ramdisk.dat 26,264,462 dat file.
7 splash.run 27,686 run file.
that's the result that i got using discwizard backup is it right or not.it don't seem big anothe to be a image to restore if i need to.

this is what psc02007 suggested but this lost me completely

When you run Trueimage, you click "Backup" and select your external HDD - name the file so you will remember where it is. ( I name mine discwizard Win 7 and the date)

Before you start the backup , click options and check "Validate" then "Finish" and "proceed."

I also make 2 copies of the backup- different locations, just in case one hdd should fail.


BTW - you don't need the cd to do a restore, only needed if your comp won't boot, then when you run the cd, it will bring up your recovery locations. i have looked at the guides but im still lost any advice please sorry for being a caveman.

 

No that's not right. A disk or partition image generates a single file with the name you assign and a file extension of .tib (TrueImageBackup). I use the full version of Acronis, not the Seagate version, with a different user interface but I'll install your version in a virtual machine so I can give you a step-by-step. Just hang on a while.

 

Problem. Although I have two Seagate HDDs in my host system the installed virtual machine doesn't see them so I can't use your version. Hopefully one of the other contributors to this thread does have the Seagate version and can give you a step-by-step. If not, then you need to study the backup options and find the one that backs up either your C partition or your entire hard disk - either will do. What you have done so far is a file backup of C and that isn't what we want.

 

thanks again for your help.ive been reading the guide but its abit mind bodling going to have another read later when football as finished :-o

 

I beg to differ- I've been using this program for years and with the steps I outlined, never had a problem.

I always rename the location as well.
As far as using the comp while the backup is running, when I first started using this program and did that, the Validations alway failed.

After final pic ( couldn't upload last one) click Finish and proceed- that's it.

 

kennyboy - you only need to follow this part of the user guide -

http://knowledge.seagate.com/articles/en_US/FAQ/202211en?popup=true

As you will see the process creates a single file with extension .tib. The backup you have at present is a file backup and file backlups cannot be used to restore your computer, they can only be used to restore individual files. To be able to restore your computer you need to create a disc or partition backup, as per the guide.

EDIT - the pics provided by PSCO2007 should help. I'm not at all clear exactly what it is he is disagreeing about as we are both pointing you in the same direction.

 

@Earthling thanks again for your advice. i have followed the guide you have posted. so ill give the result tomorrow. then im going to follow PSCO2007 pics and sea what result i get from that. at the minute it seems to be taking along time but i can leave it over night running again thanks to both of you.


(looks like manu have won it again rolleyes)

 

I don't know what OS or components you have, but when I had XP and a minimum CPU, the backup took about 1 and 1/2 hrs.


Now that I have Windows 7 Pro and a much faster CPU, it takes 6 minutes to backup full C drive.

After the backup is done, you can open it (using Acronis) and see all your files.:wave

 

How long it takes is affected by many factors, most important of which is how much data is to be backed up. My C drive is about 35GB and takes about 15 minutes to a USB2 external drive. If you have your music, videos etc on C then it will take much longer. I keep all my personal stuff on a separate partition, both for keeping it safe and to simplify and speed up backups.

 

sorry not back before now been busy working. this is the psu that is in the tower atx power supply 400 watt multi-core 20+4 pin ax-400b i know its not 1 of the best but i dont do gaming or anything like. i think ive got my back up.and earthling i have stored all my music on the external hd thanks for that.
im my image backup i have c drive if i open that i have the following 16 folders

1 documents and settings
2 downloads
3 msocache
4 pragram files
5 recycler
6 system volume 1
7 windows
8 autoexec
9 boot.ini
10 config.sys
11 end
12 io.sys
13 msdos.sys
14 ntdetect
15 ntldr
16 pagefile.sys

so from that do i finally have my back if so all i need to do now is use syncbackfree to back up my files. is that right.

 

@PSCO2007 my brother as a emachine but as damaged the screen i am going to try and back that up useing your pics. now i will have to put seagate programe on it. will i still get access to it by putting a vga cable from notebook to my monitar and doing it that way. becaus you can see anything on the screen it as windows 7 on it just need some advice on that please.

my tower as 2 slots on the motherboard if i take the side of tomorrow and post the serail number up would i be able to put another memory stick in i did read somewhere it depends in what internal memory it is running. i do know its the old type of stick i think ddr or somthing like that but i will give you more info tomorrow maybe take some pics if i can up load them.it onlyas 1gb of ram but thinking of putting in another 1gb of ram. will give info tomorrow.

 

I'm not quite clear what you want to do.

For Your backup, open Discwizard and right click and pick"mount image."

You will then see the backup when you open "my computer."

For the other one, to install the Discwizard (free) you will have to connect a Seagate or Maxtor hdd to download it.

Or, if you have a wd hdd, you can also download it.

Did you create a boot cd?
Did you do the Validate process?

 

Certainly looks like it, and yes, you can just back up your files regularly from now on. As this is XP and near its end of life your backup doesn't need updating. With Win 7/8 it's best to update backups monthly to keep up with all the updates.

You might have one or two questions about SyncBack as it gives you several options as to how you want it to operate.

 

@Earthling. well ive tried to backup a emachine notebook but for some reason this time the image as not gone to my exteranal seagate harddrive.for some reason it as made (my image) on the c drive on the notebook i dont know what ive done wrong but i did notice it did not show up the seagat hd when asking me where to put back up so does that mean the notebook does not see the seagate exteranal harddrive.i have followed your way that you posted. i did try PSCO2007 pics but didnt really understand them the image is right window 7. and its on the c drive on the emachine can i copy it to the external hd and remount it.or do i start again and how do i get it on external hd.

 

I thought it was impossible to write an image file to the drive you are backing up so I'm not too sure exactly what you have done here. Did you install the program on the laptop and run it from there or did you boot to your rescue CD and do it that way? Either way are you sure the laptop has a Seagate hard drive? I've never seen one that does and if it doesn't the program won't operate correctly.

Anyway, for the program to operate correctly it must see both the drive you are creating an image of and the drive you want the image file stored on. If it can't see both you can't proceed. As I said, you cannot store the image on the drive you are backing up.

 

thanks earthling yes the image is deffo on the c drive off the notebook but now ive sent it to the seagate and had a look to see if i can remount yes i can.so what ive done now is started agian i can see both drivers c/e so what i done was clicked on the box with the red cross on it and that picked up e drive which is the seagate so ive just looked it is backing it up theres about 1 hour left its a 250g hd and its called myimage (1).tib so it must be right do you think so.

 

Sounds ok to me :cool

 

@Earthling thanks for your help.ive just been going thru the post. is there a read me for sycbackup.because now i will have to back up the files.been looking at it and im not sure where to start and what to do is if you could be so kind as to piont me how to use it please and what i need to back up. or is there a read me for it. and do i back up to external hd or to the notebook thanks.

 

Hi, I'm now in bed and using a pretty naff tablet so can't post much. Try googling the syncback site as it has a support section with manuals, faqs and so forth. The site name is 2brightsparks.com. Sorry can't help more atm.

 

@Earthling thanks for all your help. well i managed to put the image on the emachine plus use syncbackfree and loaded everything back on with that so i finally got there in the end thanks for your help. i know need adcie on ie8 just i start a new thread or go to another section for this.plus i want to run windows 7 from the external harddrive on the same syssetem as xp i came across another site my xxxxxxx life. dont want to put link but is it possible if so should i start a new thread in different section again thanks for your help.

 

It's best to confine each thread to a single topic. It helps those trying to help you and also those looking through posts for answers.

Pleased you are all sorted with your backups