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CNET Editors' review
Backing up your computer shouldn't be a tedious task. Macrium Reflect Free Edition makes file backup incredibly easy thanks to its intuitive user interface and helpful wizards.
Installing the program did confuse us a bit, because although it's a free program, it refers to purchasing the program, and you're given a confirmation number. On top of that, the program recommends that you view the online tutorials before getting started, but you might have some trouble deciphering them unless you speak Italian. Luckily, the built-in Help menu is more than adequate and written in English. The user interface is simple but professional in appearance. Intuitive commands line the top of the window, and tabs reveal options for disk images, partitions, XML definitions, and scheduled backups. A helpful wizard guides you through the process of setting up your backup. We were able to quickly select our backup location (local hard disk, network, CD/DVD). Before proceeding, it provides you with a summary of your backup so that you can see the backup type, destination, compression type, and password protection. Here is also where you can make advanced configurations to the compression levels and file sizes.
The program did slow our computer while it worked its magic, and we were unable to browse or work with other resource-intensive programs at the same time. However, we were able to watch the backup process, and the program successfully backed up our C Drive without a hitch. If you're looking for a simple but reliable backup program, we highly recommend Macrium Reflect Free Edition to all users.
Macrium Reflect Free - Clone disks and create, burn, and back up disk images - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Macrium Software:
Macrium Reflect Free Edition. An award winning disk imaging solution for free. A complete disaster recovery solution for your home and office. Protect your personal documents, photos, music and e-mails. Upgrade your hard disk or try new operating systems in the safe knowledge that everything is securely saved in an easily recovered backup file. Macrium Reflect supports backup to local, network and USB drives as well as burning to all DVD formats. This version is for non-commercial home use.
What's new in this version: Version 4.2 build 2866 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 492 votes
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Current version:
3.3 starsout of 20 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Great backup/restore software"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
Fast image backup program with compression available. Best of all other backup programs for speed and accuracy that I have tried.
Cons
None that I have found
Summary
Restored two different computers perfectly where Windows had crashed, both using BartPE with Macrium plugin. Also good for restoring individual corrupted files or folders using XML image in Windows Explorer
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"Free version garbage!!! Rescue CD crashes Vista laptop."
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
None. Can't copy the image back to internal hard drive.
Cons
Free version crashes my laptop. Won't recognize MyPassport drive which is where the disk image is stored. No support. I haven't been able to retrieve the image which rendered my information unaccessable
Summary
Free version apparently will force you to buy their full product $39.95 TOTALLY dissatisfied with Macrium Reflect Free. I'll have to shell out the CASH to see if I can then get my data off the MyPassport drive. -:)
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"does everything I want competently"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
Simple, no-nonsense UI.
Cons
Doesn't do incremental backups
Summary
It's free, what else can you want?
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"It does create a disk image with no fuss."
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Thought I could extract individual files.
Summary
Would like to be able to extract individual files.
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"Works great for backup/restore"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
Works well as long as destination drive is empty.
Cons
Destination drive has to be empty
Summary
A great program and free too!
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"Can you run it from a Bootable CD ?"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
I don't know until my question is answered
Cons
I don't know until my question is answered (about running it from a Bootable CD)
Summary
You folks should not be creating your images, whilst Windows is running (even if they say you can).
Does the free version create a Bootable CD, that can be run, and this allows you to create your image from the running Bootable CD session ? -
"Absolutely Useless"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
None, if if won't restore.
Cons
When I try to restore, it gives the message "NTLDR is missing". Not worth your time.
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"Excellent product with outstanding support."
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
Straightforward and clear user interface.
Cons
None yet found.
Summary
Free edition is fine for most situations (and you should try it) but for only $40, you get it all with outstanding support - well worth the nominal cost for your piece of mind and the best backup software around.
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"Rescue CD doesn't boot.. Solution: buy the full edition"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
Creating a disk image was pretty easy. Creating the rescue CD was also easy.
Cons
Rescue CD would not boot making this product useless.
Summary
After waiting 5 hours to write a disk image to my usb drive, I made a rescue CD and tried to boot off of it. However, it would not boot. I found others in their forums having the same issue. The solution they provide - buy the full version to use Windows PE. Feels like I've been scammed. Lead me in with the free version, but it won't actually work unless I get the pay-for version.
Note: My system is a Dell XPS 420. I've noticed that others with this system have also had trouble booting. -
"Free version great for complete system recovery only"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 4.2 build 2866
Pros
If all you need is a system image for full recovery, this works great.
Cons
Free version does nothing beyond complete system recovery, not a backup tool for everyday use.
Summary
To recover your system from external USB drive, this product does the job.
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