CNET Editors' review
Macrium Reflect is a program that offers external backup capabilities. It worked very well for us, but novice users might be a little lost with some of the more detailed file settings.
The user interface uses colorful command buttons and tabs for easy navigation. We did find a misspelling, which for a paid program, is a pet peeve of ours. But beyond that, we found it extremely easy to add files using the built-in wizard. From there, we were able to select the file types to include or exclude, as well as select the backup location, including a hard disk, network folder, or CD/DVD. As soon as we gave it our permission to do so, the program successfully backed up our selected files to our USB. Likewise, we were able to create a backup image of a hard disk and save it to a DVD. It took a little longer than our first test, but was successful all the same. The program includes a scheduling feature, which simplifies the process even further for the user. The VBScript File and MS-DOS Batch Files generation features might be a little more involved for novices, but the rest of the program's feature are pretty straightforward.
Macrium Reflect comes with an extensive Help menu, and a sufficient 30-day trial period. Despite a few involved features, this backup program reliable performance will appeal to all user levels.
Publisher's Description
From Macrium Software:
Macrium Reflect is a backup and disk imaging solution for Vista, XP and Server 2003/2008. Reflect can backup files and folders into a compressed mountable archive file or your entire PC into a single image. Using this image you can restore the entire disk, partition or individual files and folders. You can create full, differential and incremental images to optimize backup speed and disk space requirements. Images can be stored on local or network drives, CD or DVD media, and removable drives connected using USB or Fire Wire. In the event of a total loss of the Windows operating system your PC can be started using the Reflect recovery CD.
What's new in this version: Version 5.0 build 4258 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
More Popular Backup Software downloads
- Easeus Todo Backup Free
30,027 downloads
- Macrium Reflect Free
9,035 downloads
- Easeus Disk Copy
6,247 downloads
- Paragon Backup & Recovery Free
5,680 downloads
- DAEMON Tools Pro
5,116 downloads
-
All versions:
3.9 starsout of 64 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
-
"This is an excellent product"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0 build 4118
Pros
Program meets all of my expectations and is fairly easy to use.
Cons
I currently have none.
-
"A very needed package and easy to use"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0 build 4118
Pros
After downloading this program I tried it with great results. The first time my system has been backed up and I am breathing must easier.
Cons
No problems were indicated
-
"A fast working program"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0 build 4118
Pros
The backups are done very fast. When you are accustomed to it, it is simple to use.
Cons
The menu is not self-explaining on the first glance. But you can learn it fast without the need of thinking much.
Summary
I prefer this program before similar ones.
-
"Does the job pretty well, pretty fast !"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0.3887
Pros
Works! Has Everything I needed from a backup software (your needs might differ)
It's also the quickest in backing up and verifying as well restoring backups!
Gives lots of options to set for backups!
Doesn't need the backup drive to have the same drive letter everytime (if its a removable one) to function, unlike Acronis true image home which seems full of bugs and has what seems to be an illogical way to "manage" backups.
It's very stable and the tasks are detailed.
The winPE environment boots and works as expected and with the option to load drivers for hardware after it has booted.Cons
None really!
Well maybe that unimportant spelling mistake, but I personally don't care, i'd rather a piece of software with a spelling mistake but that works than a piece of software polished to the teeth and which is full of bugs and fails to function properly. I'm not much in the bells and whistles. What's the point of having the icing on the cake if the cake is rotten under?Summary
Everything I needed from a backup software is included (your needs might differ). And I even had the chance to restore a whole disk's clone (which is mainly running RAID1), no problem at all with that restoration! The interface brings a nice workflow, which is easy to get used to. The software is not dumbed down to a "software for dummies" software and is detailed with live and mostly accurate status about all the steps. Can't ask for better ! I tried Acronis true image home, which was well and logically developed until version 9, from version 10 all hell broke loose with acronis and they seemed to have tried to fix what was not broken (reminds of Adobe software). I have also tried Easeus Todo backup free, it worked to my expectation but the backups and verification seemed to be slow, almost too slow, yet it worked. Still I wanted to see if Macrium Reflect was better and yup it is best for me so far! It's "professional", stable, well developed with no useless bells and whistles (an example of useless bells and whistles without fixing main bugs first would be acronis. Easus todo free also seems to be going in Acronis's footsteps)!
my 0.2$
-Alvin -
"Very reliable and easy to use"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0.3887
Pros
I find this imaging software simple to use and schedule. It has so far not let me down after several years of daily use.
Cons
None- reliable software.
Summary
I use the paid version of Macrium Reflect to make a daily image.
-
"Very technical"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0.3887
Pros
Clear interface
Cons
Not end user oriented
-
"This is an excellent product."
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0.3887
Pros
Works great.
Cons
I have none.
-
"Excellent Back Up"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0.3782
Pros
A very simple program that is almost intuitive to use.
Cons
Had a couple of "hickups" and had to reinstall.
Summary
All in all this is the best free backup that I have used.
-
"Great program"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0.3782
Pros
Works great
Cons
Upgrade pricing is kinda high compared to the older v4 pricing especially on servers.
-
"App not half bad, but the company stinks!"
Version: Macrium Reflect 5.0.3782
Pros
A fairly decent imaging app. Its not without its faults and limitations, and in some cases gets the job done.
Cons
If you have a problem good luck getting an answer. They ignore user issues if its not in their best interest. Just try to get in touch with them in a pinch and you'll be out of luck.
Summary
Phone numbers listed for them are wrong, including official UK Company records. WHOIS info is WRONG!! They just don't want to EVER speak with their customers. PERIOD!!! Please heed my warnings. Macrium is a flaky bunch.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
