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#80
Simple answer is YES. How different depends. MR (Free) Image is a complete Image of the entire system, unless you change something when you create the definition file and Image. It's fairly easy to use (I can, anyone can) and by reputation a lot more reliable than the Windows routine.
I've only had two occasions to do a restore and it worked flawlessly. I'm a believer.
I had it installed and removed it because there were things that had to be done like a definition file that I don't need in Windows.
One tool in the Macrium rescue media that would have helped with you clone is the ability to fix Windows boot problems.[/QUOTE]
I have found that a rescue disk works well for the boot issue and Easy BCD is great for taking care of drive issues.
The definition file is optional, there's a box to untick if you don't want to save one.
The purpose of the definition file is that you can repeat making an image with all the same settings you used before just by clicking on it. I make two when I first install Macrium, one to back up to a local partition on the PC, another to back up the whole PC (including the partition with the images) to an external HDD. I have made countless images since then, but never made any more definition files.
But then is the computer otherwise usable in a normal condition while the restore is running? Seems to me the restore time is immaterial if the computer cannot be productive due to problems prompting the restore. I use an Eaxer dual-drive SATA dock that is actually disconnected from the USB port for doing cloning, otherwise it's a normal USB 3 dock and 3-port Hub, about a 4"-5" square footprint on the desk.
After trying many different software this is the software I have been using for more then 3 years now:
AOMEI Backupper
Its free! so you can give it a try and I have never had any problem with any full system backups (normal
or UEFI mode). The rescue usb image is also great as you are in windows environment with tools and you
can add whatever you need to it.