Manage updates with the Download AppCNET 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 v5.0 Free Edition. An award winning disk cloning and imaging solution for free. 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 5.0 build 4995 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
More Products to Consider
-
Clean up junk files and invalid Registry entries. -
Tune up and maintain your PC, clean registry easily. -
Take full control over RAR and ZIP archives, along with unpacki... -
Take full control over RAR and ZIP archives, along with unpacki... -
Fix, speed up, maintain, and protect your PC. -
Move, resize, copy, explore, and recover hard disk drive partit... -
Get the latest updates for the software installed on your compu... -
Update PC drivers automatically using cloud technology. -
Get the utility and functions of Wise Disk Cleaner and Wise Reg... -
Find and fix incorrect or obsolete information in the Windows r... -
Repair registry errors, remove "junk" files, and ensure your PC... -
Download and update all your Windows drivers, back them up and ... -
Zip and unzip files instantly, protect them by encryption, or b... -
Defragment your disks and improve computer performance and stab... -
Archive files in different formats and manage them. -
Synchronize your files automatically to your computers and the ... -
Publish your files to web space by establishing connection to F... -
Root your Android phone with a simple application. -
Map a local folder of your choice to the SkyDrive root director... -
Keep your documents store in cloud securely. -
Find, preview and restore permanently deleted files. -
Convert Web pages into image documents. -
Deliver cloud drive services to your desktop and OS. -
Download a Web site to local directory for offline browsing.
-
All versions:
3.8 starsout of 496 votes
-
Current version:
4.3 starsout of 6 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
Results 1-6 of 6
-
"Works, and friendlier than Acronis"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 5.0 build 4995
Pros
I've been a user of Acronis backup for years, and have dutifully done the upgrades, etc. It got to a point where a simple task just was getting too complicated. Found myself spending way too much time every time I went back to the Acronis program. So looked around and came across this, and have used the free version for a month now with no problems. It's just easier to use. I see they just offered a two day discount of 20% apparently to those who had downloaded the free version, so may go ahead and purchase in order to get the benefit of the encrypt version.
Cons
so far, none.
-
"I planned one use but kept it for its versatility"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 5.0 build 4995
Pros
I just wanted to drop from a 2 terabyte drive to a single terabyte. It did that well but also showed its superiority as a backup tool. So Im keeping it around.
Cons
My video editor did not like it. It suddenly insisted I reenter the product key and it took two days to remember where it was.
Summary
If you need to clone a hard drive this is the place to go
-
"Absolute Rubbish. Did not work for HDD to bigger SSD."
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 5.0 build 4995
Pros
Free, but you get what you pay for.
Cons
Did not work. Waste of time.
Summary
Save yourself time and aggravation. EaseUs Partition Master Pro is the one that worked for me, I'd highly recommend it, couldn't be happier, wish I had started with that instead of wasting my time with free junk.
-
"I did not use it extensively but so far so good"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 5.0 build 4995
Pros
Easy to use. Lots of options for a bootable recovery too. Other options there, too many of them but I did not use it too many times - used it for a single backup and it was good.
Cons
None as I am aware of. May be frequent users face some negative aspects but the software author would correct these bugs if they are told.
Summary
A nice backup tool.
-
"Excellent Free Backup"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 5.0 build 4995
Pros
Almost twice as fast as EaseUS Todo Backup on my computer in making an image on Windows 8. Restore also is much faster, and I had no problems.
Cons
When I tried to create an Emergency Restore Disk, Macrium Backup initially didn't work with my Samsung drive. I quickly swapped out the drive for an Asus drive, and had no problems after that.
I also created a USB recovery disk, and that worked perfectly.
Like all the other free backup programs that I'm aware of, you need to purchase the full version to support GPT partitions and dynamic disks.Summary
This is a very high quality product. Some features like commenting seemed a little counter-intuitive to me, but it wasn't difficult to figure out.
Update: I installed this on the 64-bit version of Windows 8 Consumer Preview build (8400 I think).
Updated on Sep 3, 2012 -
"Best backup imaging software available"
Version: Macrium Reflect Free 5.0 build 4995
Pros
I've used many different backup/imaging software including Ghost, Acronis,Paragon,Novastore and ShadowProtect. All have come up short in one way or another, some with disastrous results. Macrium Reflect is the best of this type. It is simple to learn yet covers all the bases and - best of all - it has been bulletproof for me so far. I had a bit of trouble downloading the Pro (trial) version, but the company responded quickly to my e-mail help request. I think it may be a server problem on their end. After a few weeks of checking out the free version, I purchased the Pro.
Cons
You'll need to download the Pro Edition (free 30-day trial) if you have a GPT formatted drive or Macrium Reflect won't recognize it.
You also have to download Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK)- which installs the Windows PE environment - in order to create a rescue boot disk. It's a very large download (1.6 GB) and I had to do it twice since it timed out on their server the first time.
At $58 it ain't cheap.Summary
Macrium Reflect (free) is the best free imaging backup software I've tried. If the free version works for you, you're all set. If you need the standard or pro version, it's worth buying.
Results 1-6 of 6
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:
