05-24-2008, 06:32 AM
Quote:The final verdict for the freeware versions is this: If you're looking for a handy way to cut reformatting time, its a great tool provided you backup vital files. If you're looking for a way to protect yourself from data loss, its not yet reliable enough to depend on it (though this may change in the future updates).
This is absolutely true. I keep all of my vital files on a second(and third) harddrive and use the imaging software only to speed up the re-format time. As you said the freeware SelfImage software does seem to fail for no reason. I would attribute this to it being in an experimental stage still. As for my use of it, when I first tried it I had a Hal.dll error and had to re-install windows and try again. It has worked everytime after that for me. My brother just tried using it for the first time and it wouldn't boot up for him. He's going to try it again when he needs to format. **crosses fingers**
Quote:If you're concerned with data loss, a good alternative I've found is Acronis True Image 11 Home edition. It's not free, but it only costs $50 and comes with a suite of backup utilities (in addition to drive imaging). They offer a 30 day free trial of their full version, and if you're interested in drive imaging I recommend checking it out.
After trying it, I'm pretty certain I'll put down the money to buy it when the trial runs out. Its really that good!
Oh no! Now I'm going to be glued to my computer for a few days.:o