WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

[silekonn]

XP was just reinstalled and I would like to create an image of the drive that can be used on dvds as a recovery disc / 'factory restore.' I have read Ghost and other programs (Acronis, Clonezilla, DriveImage, Mondo Rescue, PC Angel..?) do this.

The possibility of non-destructive recoveries (backup of user data) and an extreme ease of operation are important. What is your opinion on the easiest to use (in the event of a problem)?

[tizzie01]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

Well a thought, it doesn't necessarily back up the whole drive, but your most important things like documents and stuff, Windows Easy Transfer is really nice. I really like that if you don't mind re-installing Windows, which, I would rather do anyways.

Check out life hacker's review here...

Five Best Free System Restore Tools - Disk image - Lifehacker

Looks like some pretty good stuff there. Enjoy.

[silekonn]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

There are good suggestions there. Ease is a necessity because the people receiving the computer(s) may be without P.C. experience. Paragon and Macrium both have an option and I will test them.

A manufacturer 'F10 to Recover'-style is the goal (e.g. when loading the disc and rebooting the system, "Click here to restore everything" or "Click here to restore C:\Windows" is the entire job for the user).

If anyone has experience with Ghost, Acronis or another PC Angel type of easy 'factory restore' please share your opinions.

[heliosys]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

Try this, map my document, and other user Folders to D drive. Create a partition image of C drive, now just add in the newly created image to your imaging disk. The only limitation with this method is any data saved on new user profile will be gone.

[silekonn]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

heliosys,

Are you joking? I don't understand your response.

I am requesting a program to create one-click system recovery discs with an exact image of the drive.

Your response was to move the user data to an alternate drive. How does that help, and what is the recommendation or opinion of the imaging software?

Silekonn

[heliosys]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

When i first read your post, it seems like you are supporting end users, naturally i assume you have technical background, thus I posted instruction and limitation, i guess it's my bad to make such assumption.

I'm using Microsoft base solution for restore, it's great, however there learning curve involved, I'm sure there better commercial imaging solution, because of cost involved I have not tried them, thus can't give you advise on what to use.

[tizzie01]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

@silekonn,

How did that work out for ya? Wha did you end up choosing?

[silekonn]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

tizzie01,

It has not worked out. I tried Paragon's software and, although it worked well, it was too complex for a novice. Macrium's interface has more polish but a similar difficulty is expected.

If anyone has experience please share.

Silekonn

[tizzie01]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

Like I said b4, although it does not transfer programs, Windows Easy Transfer is really good. It pretty much boxes up all your docs and what not (settings, etc...) and puts it into a single file, after you format, you double click it and then it puts everything back...except programs...lol...maybe try that?

[silekonn]

Re: WinXP drive image to DVDs (recovery discs) software

tizzie01,

The OP was about a complete disk IMAGE. It also wanted an EASY solution, possibly with ONE CLICK, so minimal user experience is required (a NOVICE can complete it).

If anyone has experience with IMAGING software, please do contribute.

Thanks,

silekonn