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Released: 2009-10-08 Rating:  More Details: Acronis True Image Home 2010: Backup and Recovery (PC) Acronis True Image Home 2010: Backup and Recovery (PC) @Amazon Acronis True Image Home 2010: Backup and Recovery (PC) @aStore |
Customer Reviews:
Too many problems
Problems started when 'Favorites' in Internet Explorer disappeared when 'non-stop-backup' in Acronis was turned on. After recovering these 'Favorites' using Vista 'restore', the computer crashed when next using Acronis. During the crash loops, two features of Acronis - a 'bootable' disk made using Acronis and use of the 'F11' key - were simply ignored and I had to re-install Vista. Subsequent attempts to install an update - claimed to solve the 'Favorites' problem - resulted in neither old nor new version of Acronis working. Another Vista restore did allow me to re-install the orignal version of Acronis, which I am using successfully with the 'non-stop backup' turned off. Entering the 72-character product key every time I have had to install this program has not improved my opinion. Some problems are due to my incorrect use of the product: every now and again I print a few more pages of the 180-page manual. When it works, this is an impressive backup program: complete recovery in hours rather than the weeks necessary to get all your personal preferences restored; the ability to copy and paste between two versions of the same data file.
First impression -impossible to register it, invalid reg codes 
I've used 2 versions before, so I was glad to get the new 2010 version before my next weeks upgrade to Win7
Unfortunately Acronis have seen fit to institute a silly registration scheme.
The reg code is 64 characters long. (Really loooooooooooooooooooong to input)
BUT -they have a cunning plan, you only register the first 16 characters and they send an email with the rest for cut & paste into the full registration..
Despite 7 attempts at the short code - the process insists this is an INVALID REGISTRATION CODE.
So- I went unto the home site and did the full 64 bit reg code; it's INVALID.
The product is un-installable - I've e-mailed tech support, but on previous occasions, this was hopeless and slow, some 2-3 weeks plus to respond and an idiot answer that meant I could no longer use the 2009 version.
I'll update this if I ever get a response and the thing working.
Don't hold your breath - and BEWARE !
A very comprehensive package that's simple to use 
Before I start this review, I should note that I'm using Windows 7 with this backup software and am pleased to note that it is fully compatible.
From opening the box to starting the first backup, this program ran without a hiccup, which I was surprised about, given that many items of software haven't been fully tested on Windows 7, so can cause a few problems. (In my experience anyway!) Perhaps the most difficult thing was copying the 64 digit serial number into the box during activation. However, even this is made simple as you can send the first 2 blocks of the activation code to Acronis, and they will e-mail back the full code, which can then be copied across.
With regards to the features, this is definitely one of the better backup suites as it gives the end user more control over how the backup process operates. On first opening up, the home screen informs you that a disk backup has not been started, and if this is clicked, then the backup setup process begins. This is very user friendly, as it prompts what to back up and where to back it up to. Other options which can be chosen include the type of backup i.e. full, incremental or differential, and also scheduling options.
In addition to the drive backup (which is probably the most useful as the entire contents of your computer are backed up) this software also gives the option for a file backup, continuous backup and online backup. With continuous backup, your computer is backed up every five minutes, although I imagine this wouldn't be a critical feature unless you were dealing with very important documents or running a small business.
Thankfully I have not had to do a restore (and hopefully never will!) however it is just a matter of selecting your backup and pressing restore.
One feature I really like about this software is the try and decide mode, which is very useful, if like me, you are installing software which might not be fully compatible. When turned on and you find the software is acting strangely on your computer, or it contains a virus, you can simply turn off the try and decide mode and it will reverse all the changes that were made during that period. It is important to note however that everything done in that period will be wiped including documents, pictures etc.
The final part to this package is the tools section which allows you to clone your hard disk, or securely delete files. While there are more utilities in this section than I would ever use, such as the entire destruction of all the data on your hard drive, there may be others who find this appealing. Therefore, it's no bad thing to have some of these extras included.
With regards to the bad points of this software, well I haven't found any! Therefore, it gets five stars!
Well, I'm impressed!
Have to say haven't had any problems with this at all. Installation is no problem - didn't bother using the simplified process - and it worked spot on for me. I downloaded the latest build from the internet (113Mb) which took about 5 mins (faster if you've higher speed connection). Installed and now running a backup within 10 mins of download completion. Looks very nice and seem to be loads of options (even convert Acronis backups to Window's backups and vice versa). Something called "Try & Decide" seems to create temporary partitions that you can install software etc. into and then remove easily if you don't like them/trust them - must mean not writing to registry with admin. rights or something. Personally, I don't load risky software but I suppose this would be useful if you're that way inclined. Have only given it four stars because haven't had to test out the recovery function yet - having said that, I've used Acronis for the last few years as Norton Ghost was crap (don't know if it's improved because I've not gone near it again!) and when I've had to turn to it, it did exactly what it says on the box! If you're sensible enough to realise that you need a backup strategy - and want more than the Windows 7 functionality - then I reckon this is pretty good for the price!
Acronis True Image Home 2010
Does what it says on the tin and much more. Excellent front end and very easy to use. A totally comprehensive backup solution. It has already saved my bacon, (three days after getting it), when I managed to stuff my XP setup Hard Drive in my dual boot/dual Hard Drive XP/Vista system. Just re-formated the XP drive and re-installed XP to it with all my settings etc. from the Acronis Backup and then re-booted into XP without any problems.
If you want a comprehensive backup solution that is totally flexible and easy to use then "This Is It". In my opinion, especially for home PC use, this is probably the best Backup Software available.
P.S. It gets PC Pro's approval as their 'A' list software for backup -- that says it all !!.
Mike Kleist
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