Windows 10: Alternative to Macrium Reflect Free?

**RolandJS** · 02 Mar 2017

In all fairness, while I have had great success making backups, restoring the images, I have had problems from time to time with making MR boot usb sticks and DVDs. The error reported earlier was indeed very similar to the error I received. Later, I was able to finally make the MR boots. However, the error is probably more common than admitted to by some MR users.

**jimbo45** · 02 Mar 2017

Hi there

I can understand people having problems with specific special software - with really customized mobos for example - but I've heard of almost NOBODY who ever has any problems with Macrium -- with one exception that really isn't Macrium's fault -- if you run it WITHIN Windows and you don't have enough spare HDD space (or SSD space) for VSS to lock and take a "pseudo" image of the OS partition then it (as will other backup programs) will fail.

It will always work though in "Stand alone mode" --I.e create bootable USB / DVD media i.e boot that up and run the stand alone backup / recovery program and then the VSS problem won't exist.

I don't believe anyway in backing up systems while they still have users logged on -- but of course YMMV.

As far as basic Backup / Restore are concerned Macrium is IMO the most reliable around - especially for home users --again though if you are short of primary HDD space for your OS don't run it from the OS otherwise 100% certainty VSS will fail !!!.

Cheers
jimbo

**pparks1** · 03 Mar 2017

Macrium does imaging as well as file backups.

**clam1952** · 03 Mar 2017

Having seen all the good reports on Macrium Reflect, I've just tried it on two PC's. It's a heck of a lot quicker than paragon which is what I was using, Images all done and dusted in 20 minutes. Did a test restore swapping the boot drive for a spare disk, that seems to be OK as it booted into Win10. Got a thumbs up here

Paragon, latest version IMO has adopted a not very intuitive interface, I was actually using the 2012 version in preference to the latest version as you can see what you are doing.

**RolandJS** · 03 Mar 2017

clam, are you now using MR7, and if so, you are indicating that MR7 is a bit faster than MR6? I'm asking because I'm debating whether to update my pay-for 6 to 7, or, to not update my pay-for 6.

**topgundcp** · 03 Mar 2017

RolandJS said:

clam, are you now using MR7, and if so, you are indicating that MR7 is a bit faster than MR6? I'm asking because I'm debating whether to update my pay-for 6 to 7, or, to not update my pay-for 6.

@RolandJS
Version 7 introduces Macrium Reflect Changed Block Tracker (MRCBT) which makes differential & incremental backups a lot faster. However, I always create full backup since it only takes ~2:30 minutes and it takes the same amount of time to restore in version 6. In version 7, it reduces to 59 seconds to restore.

**clam1952** · 03 Mar 2017

RolandJS said:

clam, are you now using MR7, and if so, you are indicating that MR7 is a bit faster than MR6? I'm asking because I'm debating whether to update my pay-for 6 to 7, or, to not update my pay-for 6.

No using 6, can't get 7 free version yet. I was indicating it's faster than Paragon.

**pparks1** · 03 Mar 2017

essenbe said:

Paragon Backup and Recovery is another option.

This is the software that I have been using for a number of years. It's not free, but it's not very expensive either. I've been happy with my purchase.

**cereberus** · 04 Mar 2017

RolandJS said:

clam, are you now using MR7, and if so, you are indicating that MR7 is a bit faster than MR6? I'm asking because I'm debating whether to update my pay-for 6 to 7, or, to not update my pay-for 6.

Upgrades are free to paid v7 if v6 bought recently since Nov 2016 and 50℅ before that.

I would say upgrade to get besrt benefit.

Keep v6 on usb to make backups and restores just in case.

Windows 10: Alternative to Macrium Reflect Free?

Posting Permissions