This document discusses and compares various options for creating disk image backups of a computer. It performed trials of Windows' built-in system image backup, Acronis True Image, and Macrium Reflect. Macrium Reflect was found to be adequate for basic backups and was free, though Acronis True Image was preferable for backing up systems with multiple partitions or operating systems due to its ability to restore the entire disk at once. However, Acronis encountered boot issues on one computer. For most users, the free Macrium Reflect was sufficient unless incremental or differential backups were needed.

1. Reflections on Image Backup
Bowie Seniors Computer Club – http://bscclub.home.comcast.net

2. IMAGE BACKUP
Master boot record
 Operating system
 Windows Registry
 Applications
 Configurations & settings
 Data

CONVENTIONAL BACKUP

Data files only
 Word processing
 Spreadsheets
 Text files

3. 





Macrium Reflect
Acronis True Image
Norton Ghost
Paragon Backup & Recovery
BounceBack Essential
Windows System Image
Free & $39.95
$49.95
$69.95
Free
$29.95
Free
Download Macrium Reflect from www.macrium.com

27. Then click next, follow the prompts, and it’s finished.

31. Right-click and select “Copy”

32. Paste the Files into the desired location.

33. Image Backup Software
Windows System Image
Acronis True Image Home 2010
Macrium Reflect (Commercial Version)
Macrium Reflect Free Version)
Performance
Free
$49.99
$39.99
Free
MS Windows Only
All Types
All Types
All Types
Time
Required
Size of
Image File(s)
40 min (approx)
37min, 36 sec
30 min, 5 sec
51.7 GB
37.0 GB
37.3 GB
ivi
In
d
e
Re
st
or
On
ce
Re
st
o
M re
ul En
ti p ti
l e re
Pa Dis
rit k /
io
ns
at
du
a
lP
ar
ti
es
an
d
Fil
cr
e
Di me
ffe nt
re al/
nt
ial
Re
st
o
fro re
m Ind
Im ivi
ag du
e al
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
?
Yes
No
No
Conclusions and Additional Considerations:
2) The image creation software included in Windows 7 is buried in the Control
Panel and will therefore be inaccessible to some users. Its file size and speed of
operation are unfavorable for those without very large external drives and no
time constraints.
3) ) For users who multiboot with two or more operating systems or who
otherwise use more than one paritition, I recommend Macrium Reflect even
though it is a bit less convenient in requiring that each parition be restored
individually when attempting to restore the entire drive.
Trial 2, Desktop Computer
Original File: 79.6 GB
Windows System Image
Acronis True Image Home 2010
Macrium Reflect, 64-bit
No
Yes
Yes
No
1) For users with a single partition, the Macrium Reflect free version is
adequate if the user can forego performing incremental or differential backups.
Trial 1, Laptop Computer
Original File: 56.7 GB
Windows System Image
Acronis True Image Home 2010
Macrium Reflect, 64-bit
In
t
Co
s
Product
Pa
rti
t
Im ion
ag s
ed
Fo
ti o
ns
ld
er
s
Cost & Features
Not tested
44 min, 35 sec
62.6 GB
41 min, 13 sec
58.4 GB
4) Acronis True Image would have been the ideal choice for multi-boot
systems by virtue of its ability to restore the entire disk at once, including all
partitions. However, its rescue disk refused to boot on the laptop and a
response from tech support is pending at this time. Substantial effort was
invested in attempting to resolve the rescue disk problem. Problems with the
image restore process have plagued my use of earlier versions of Acronis True
Image on an earlier computer.