Not so much a question but my experience with Macrium Reflect 7.2.4942

I have version - Windows x64 10 Home 22H2 19045.3930 Feature Experience Pack 1000.19053.1000.0 and,

I've been searching for a new version of Macrium Free b/c my v7.2.4942 was installed back in 2020 and I've been using that without problems since then.
Techspot has one but it's x86 only, Major Geeks has x64 but it's a trial version as is Techspot's, and with the new "no updates" rule at Macrium starting 1/1/2024 I hesitated to use them. I do have Karen's Replicator and I even d/l'ed AOMEI backerupper free but I couldn't leave Macrium alone and this is where the surprise came in.

I opened my copy of Macrium and tried to see if it would update thru the updates icon in the program and there was an update to my v7.2.4942 -7.3.6391, when the update finished, up popped that I was eligible to upgrade to v8.0.7783 so I continued on and I now have that version on my 10machine.

I believe it helped that I had licenses and codes thru the whole process from v7.2.4942 to v8.0.7783, and I'm glad that I didn't shy away from trying the updates/upgrade.

But my joy stopped when I tried to update my v8.0.7783 b/c This is what I saw, the dreaded 1/1/2024 rule:


If anyone else tries this all I can say is YMMV.

Build#7783 is the last v8 FREE version available... love it or leave it

Yea that's about the size of it.

I haven't been keeping track of the updates, has the frequency of updates slowed down? I've seen when v8 came out there were multiple updates per week, even daily.

dalchina said:

For you as a free user the update frequency will be 0.

You won't get any more- but MR will keep working of course.

Just as Win 10 will after Oct '25 after which no more routine security updates will be released for free- no more unless you subscribe to a new scheme which MS has stated it will offer.

All valid points and I agree with you but, ya know, no where did I see it explained that a user could do what I did, it was a mantra of the dreaded 1/1/24 rule, no updates after that date and that's why I posted about being able to update at least the v7 MR as I had no version lower than 7.

Who knows? Maybe there are users out there and I'm one of them that would be happy to have a more secure version (v8) until they find a backup and restore that suits them.

dalchina said:

For interest:
Download Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - MajorGeeks

- that's the free edition

You sure?


I stay away from Freemium deals, eventually the vendor hounds you to death until you cave and I never liked the mental manipulation the vendors cause by making you feel small b/c your not throwin' money at them for more of their product.

Your link is for v8.0.7783, there's another link at MGeeks for v8.0.7784 it's shareware/subscription:
This is at the bottom:
Limitations:
30-day trial that requires email registration. The one-time purchase price is $79.99, or you can subscribe for $49.99 per year.

So you gotta watch.

dalchina said:

I also seem to recall Bree posted direct download links from Macrium somewhere.

Thanks for reminding me it's at #2820 of New Macrium Reflect Updates [2] it's offering 8.1.


I could ditch my 8.0.

dalchina said:

(Seems odd you got stuck on v7).

All you need to know is real life got in the way.

Anak said:

You sure?


I stay away from Freemium deals, eventually the vendor hounds you to death until you cave and I never liked the mental manipulation the vendors cause by making you feel small b/c your not throwin' money at them for more of their product.

Your link is for v8.0.7783, there's another link at MGeeks for v8.0.7784 it's shareware/subscription:
This is at the bottom:
Limitations:
30-day trial that requires email registration. The one-time purchase price is $79.99, or you can subscribe for $49.99 per year.

So you gotta watch.



Thanks for reminding me it's at #2820 of New Macrium Reflect Updates [2] it's offering 8.1.


I could ditch my 8.0.


All you need to know is real life got in the way.

IIRC the 8.1. is pay version and the 8.0. version was the free version. If correct, you could download the 8.1. version but you'll have to pay for it.

Struggling10 said:

IIRC the 8.1. is pay version and the 8.0. version was the free version. If correct, you could download the 8.1. version but you'll have to pay for it.

@Bree seems confident enough that it would be free but one would have to install it and wait the 30? days to see if it turns into nagware.

dalchina said:

Freemium fits the definition of a free product with limited features when you get more with a paid version.
No conflict there.

Already knew that dal, and your definition is skewed a bit. The way you put it you're talking about two different types, which is it? freemium or a paid version:

What Is Freemium?

A combination of the words "free" and "premium," freemium is a type of business model that offers basic features of a product or service to users at no cost and charges a premium for supplemental or advanced features. A company using a freemium model provides basic services on a complimentary basis, often in a "free trial" or limited version for the user, while also offering more advanced services or additional features at a premium.

Freemium: Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons for Business

The conflict comes in concerning the d/l turning into nagware. When I d/l a program I want it to be free and clear of any obligations, whether it's free or paid.

Those types of programs are becoming fewer, and fewer b/c other vendors see it an and think, Hay, that's a good idea! For them maybe but not for us.