Publisher's Description
From Paragon Software Group:
Paragon Backup & Recovery 2012 Free - a disaster recovery tool for stand-alone Windows-based PCs. Combining all the existing backup techniques and exclusive recovery environments, this latest edition satisfies the needs of even the most demanding user and is simply the most powerful free backup tool available today. Paragon Backup & Recovery 2012 Free allows you to take complete control of your PC's safety. Based on solid commercial backup and recovery software from Paragon, it has a rich set of features that you can trust. Simple to install and easy to use.
What's new in this version: Version 2012 updated user interface and program engine.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 191 votes
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Current version:
4.1 starsout of 9 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-9 of 9
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"It may be free download, but now needs purchase to use"
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
Unknown - my 2 download trys would not install w/out purchase
Cons
Current download named 'FREE', however, would not install without serial number and registration code - in other words, my download required a purchase to actually install.
Summary
I suspect they changed their minds about 'FREE', even though the Paragon website still states the download is a free version. Perhaps it is a mistake that will be corrected. I'm giving Todo Backup a try . . . that downloaded/installed OK.
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"Takes a while to figure out but it seems to work ok."
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
Good compression
Many options
Once I figured it out it was pretty simpleCons
Don't know if data is in a usable form untill it will be too late (common to all Backup & recovery software)
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"How could you not give this product five stars?"
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
Handles any backup/restore task that you might want with ease.
Cons
Bad for the competition!
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"Worked without a flaw!"
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
Interface wizards guide you through the process easily. Tried Easeus Todo - did not work. Plus, Paragon lists how many CD's/DVD's will be required for the operation selected.
Cons
User manual downloads in German, unless you specifically search for the manual in English.
Summary
Great piece of software and FREE!
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"Best Disk Imaging Software. Full Stop."
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
I have just gone through taking disk images of 3 PC's, a desktop and 2 laptops. On each of these I was upgrading the HDD's. I hoped I could get away with Windows 7 in built Disk Image package -way too many issues with that. Then I tried Easus, I had some success with that, but restoring an image became a problem. Last, but not least I tried Paragon B&R 2012. This software breezed through all three disk images, and restored them all faultlessly. It is, by some way, way ahead of the others I tried.
Let me add, that in addition to its reliability, Paragon B&R 2012 was much quicker then the others I tried, and its images were smaller too. This is a true 5* deal.
As a final thought - every disk imaging software will backup with ease. Beware: a backup is no good if you cannot restore it. Whatever disk imaging package you get, you MUST try it the whole way through. Backup, then restore on to a new HDD. If it doesn't do that for you (and many don't) then you are stuffed.Cons
I can't list any, mainly because after being frustraed with other packages, I was so relieved to come across something that works so well.
Summary
It is fast, it gives small sized backups, it restores, it is reliable. It works.
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"My number one choice after many 'in use' comparisons."
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
I run Windows XP professional, 32 bit. This application does exactly what I want it to do: I can create an image, restore the image to a new hard drive then boot the new drive with absolutely NO problems. I can relatively quickly create or restore images via the bootable CD created (cold image) or I can create 'PROVEN dependable' images while running XP (hot image). I can shrink or expand the partition during restore (PROVEN to work). I can skip certain files during creation of an image. I can also perform a simple copy. I can restore SPECIFIC files of interest from an image (if needed) without having to restore the entire image.
Cons
I cannot save a specific activity as a 'job' or 'project' but in my case this is a very, very trivial concern and the advantages of this application far outweigh this small drawback.
Summary
Keep in mind I am using Windows XP Professional, 32 bit. I have put a LOT of time (an understatement!) into comparing MANY of the available FREE imaging and backup applications, including many Linux backup tools and have been very open minded in all my 'hands-on' testing. I have PROVEN to myself I could depend on Maxblast 5 for many years to handle imaging requirements for Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Professional and now I have PROVEN to myself I can switch to and depend on Paragon Backup and Recovery 2011 (Advanced) FREE which is the version I am currently using (January 2012) to work with Windows XP Professional, 32 bit. I truly do feel some guilt in having obtained this application for free.
January 21, 2012: I have installed the 2012 FREE version and used the 'Advanced' setting found in the lower left corner. The interface now appears to be the same as the prior version I originally mentioned. The 2012 version also has provided an image (a HOT image) of a bootable partition (XP Pro, 32 bit) and perfect restore of that same partition.
After testing many of the available competing applications I had to admit to myself that this particular imaging application has come to the top of the heap and remained there so I will be using it from this point forward. In my hands-on testing it has PROVEN to me it works and that is a HUGE selling point for me. Other competing applications came close but this one just has the 'edge' over them when I consider various points of interest. It is the one I would grab if I had to make a choice between all the competing imaging applications I have actually tested.
My advice to people would be: obtain an imaging application of interest, learn what it can do for you, learn how to actually use it, test it to make sure it does what it is supposed to do and then make sure you put it to use. Then look into obtaining 'backup' or 'syncing' software to protect files that change between image creations.
The bottom line is that every time I finish making an DEPENDABLE image I feel a relief because I KNOW I can return my system back to EXACTLY that point in time if I lose the hard drive or scramble the hard drive content.
I am NOT associated with ANY imaging, backup or syncing software providers. My interest in these applications is due to my personal curiosity and eventual personal use.
Updated on Jan 23, 2012
Another 'PRO' I forgot to mention was that the application also allows me to delete and create partitions while USING the application. This proved to be a great 'convenience' in the testing I just mentioned. -
"One of the better backup programs"
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
Have used this software for several years and has never failed me even when I lost one of my PC's
Cons
Would like folder/file backup with incremental backups
Summary
One of my favorites. I tend to always try out more then one.
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"definite downgrade for 2012"
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
works
free
very simpleCons
very very very simple
Summary
Paragon 2011 was in my opinion the best free backup program available. With 2012 about half of the options are gone and it no longer does differential backups. If you just want a basic easy backup that works about as well as most of the other simple programs, then Paragon 2012 is an okay option. If you have the 2011 version I recommend you don't downgrade to 2012 or maybe try one of the other programs like TODO or Macrium
This is an update of my previous review and an apology to Paragon. I didn't notice the advanced options button til after I wrote the review. Once you click it, all of the options including the differential backup are still there. so I guess 4, maybe 5 stars are in order. That said I was just looking at the new version of Easus Todo and it looks rather nice as well. Anyway I have been using Paragon for a few years now and have tried most of the other main free programs, and Paragon has worked very well for me, and saved my a... a few times.
Updated on Jan 15, 2012 -
"Feel Embarassed to Use This Powerful Software For Free"
Version: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 2012
Pros
Surprisingly, Paragon B & R Free 2012 have more comprehensive functions and better formance than most other non-freeware. It can complete the whole system backup in nearly only 20 minutes (compressing from about 60G to 21G). It is worthy to pay US$10-20 for this powerful software.
Cons
I've used since the version of 2011 until now. No criticism at all!
Summary
Two of the best system backup software in my mind
Results 1-9 of 9
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