How do I backup my computer?

[PowerMacG5]

I am currently running Windows XP Pro, and was wondering if their was any program that would allow me to completely backup my hard drive onto CD. I want to know if the program will take everything, burn it onto disk, and then allow me to restore it to my HDD if neccessary. Thanks for all of you help.

 

[Willoughbyva]

You might want to check into a program called Ghost by symantic (sp?) they had one for 9x and I heard it had problems with xp, (some time ago) but they might have resolved those issues by now.


Also try sites like zdnet and cnet to see if they have any info.

Will

 

[PowerMacG5]

Thanks WIll. I will look into that.

 

[PowerMacG5]

Does anybody know if ghost is easy to use, or hard to use?

 

[MWink]

Ghost is very easy to use.

 

[Wolfram]

Driveimage 2002 is supposed to be good. PC Mag says its easier to use than Ghost. I have not used either yet, but was thinking of getting driveimage. PC mag June 11, 2002 issue has lots of utility reviews.

 

[corkyg]

You will never compress a multigig HDD completely on a CD that holds less than 1 GB.

The best and cheapest way to back up a complete computer is to buy a second HDD of the same size and clone it. Out it away and if you have a catastrophe - even a virus - then you are a drive swap away from being born again. You can systemetize the process by mounting two identical HDDs in mobile racks, and only using one of them. Then you are merely two key switches away from rebirth.

 

[WarCon]

Originally posted by: corky-g
You will never compress a multigig HDD completely on a CD that holds less than 1 GB.

The best and cheapest way to back up a complete computer is to buy a second HDD of the same size and clone it. Out it away and if you have a catastrophe - even a virus - then you are a drive swap away from being born again. You can systemetize the process by mounting two identical HDDs in mobile racks, and only using one of them. Then you are merely two key switches away from rebirth.

I know ghost lets you span to as many CD's as necessary, not sure about DriveImage but it wouldn't be worth a crap if it didn't (so I am assuming it does).

 

[corkyg]

"I know ghost lets you span to as many CD's as necessary, not sure about DriveImage but it wouldn't be worth a crap if it didn't (so I am assuming it does). "

Think about it - spanned CDs! Sheesh! Who needs all that wasted time and aggravation. Switching drives requires no restoration and can be done in less than two minute including power off and reboot.

 

[WarCon]

While I agree with you in principle, my pocketbook currently disagrees.......

I have the burner and a ton of inexpensive CD's already. I personally don't have a problem getting a basic install (updated with basic software) on one CD though to use as a basic restore (can fit 1-1.2 gig with high compression on one CD). It takes less than five minutes to burn with Norton's so its not a big deal for me.