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AOMEI Backupper Pro 2.5 Giveaway
$39.00
EXPIRED

Giveaway of the day — AOMEI Backupper Pro 2.5

AOMEI Backupper Pro is an easy-to-use backup program for Windows.
$39.00 EXPIRED
User rating: 585 97 comments

AOMEI Backupper Pro 2.5 was available as a giveaway on April 28, 2015!

Today Giveaway of the Day
$36.00
free today
Download music from 1000+ sites anytime and anywhere!

AOMEI Backupper Pro is an easy-to-use backup program for Windows. You can easily choose what files to backup and how to backup. With this software you can be sure that your data is reliably protected and can be restored any time.

Key features:

  • System, disk, partition, files and folders backup and restore;
  • Restore a system backup image to dissimilar hardware;
  • Support full, incremental, differential, and automatic backups;
  • System and disk clone for OS migration or upgrading HDD;
  • Backup using command line prompt or batch scripts;
  • Merge full backup and its associated incremental backups into a single image;
  • Backup disk space management helps delete old backups automatically;
  • Create WinPE or Linux boot recovery environment in case of system fails;
  • Compress, comment, split, encrypt, explore, and check backup images;
  • Support dynamic disk, MBR/GPT disk, and EFI/UEFI boot mode.

Special Offer: The giveaway version does not include lifetime free upgrades. But GOTD users have the opportunity to get "AOMEI Backupper Pro + Free Lifetime Upgrade" (originally priced at $49.00, now only $19.60). Click here to grab this limited-time 60% OFF Discount.

Technical Support: AOMEI Technology provides free technical support via email during and after the giveaway period. Please email to support@aomeitech.com if you have problems downloading, registering or using the software. We will reply you as soon as possible.

System Requirements:

Windows XP / Vista/ 7/ 8/ 8.1/ 10 (x32/x64); CPU: Intel Pentium or compatible, 500MHz or faster processor; RAM: 256MB or greater; CD-RW/ DVD-RW drive for bootable media creation.

Publisher:

Aomei Technology

Homepage:

http://www.backup-utility.com/professional.html

File Size:

76.3 MB

Price:

$39.00

Comments on AOMEI Backupper Pro 2.5

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#51

Hi, I have Window XP Pro ( SP3 ) ... I want to make a 'Bootable' dvd . I have my 'C' file .... anyway . I ticked Windows PE, then said i need to 'Download' AIK / ADK ... The link wont work ..... and will AIK / ADK if i manage to get it, be okay for my Windows XP .. Its a Dell Optiplex computer, quiet old .......... or how else can i create a 'Bootable' DVD in case the worst ever happens .. Thanks

Reply   |   Comment by paul  –  7 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#50

This is a great piece of software. I've been using the AOMEI brand since 2.0, and it's ran fantastic, has not only imaged my drives, has restored a couple also after accepting some unwanted Windows Updates that may have 'nagged' me about a Windows 10 upgrade. Not to worry, it can't be forced on consumers, I just don't want any of their 'preparation' software on my computers. AOMEI 2.03 saved the day. I suspect that 2.5 (this version) will do the same).

Recently got this latest version, for those who says it images 'slow', then I take it that old timey USB 2.0 (or 1.1) ports are used (these were standard equipment on my MSI in early 2011). Today, I imaged 4 OS's on 3 SSD's under an hour, this included the verification (or checking) of the image. For PC users with USB 2.0 ports, maybe a cheap USB 3.0 card would come in handy? There are also cables for $15 or so to transfer in enhanced USB 3.0 speeds.

One can't blame AOMEI nor any other distributor of backup software for standing on the sidelines & letting technology fly by us. Anyone running a non-mission critical computer on XP should be running Linux anyway. Speaking of which, the AOMEI WinPE CD images these OS's also, though it has to be created on a Windows computer.

AOMEI is an up & coming corporation, will replace brands like Macrium as being the #1 choice of backup software (Macrium 6 doesn't offer a freebie).

Have a Great Day & Thumbs Up to AOMEI!

Cat

Reply   |   Comment by Cat Tilley  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#49

Have received this Event Manager error a few times now when installing (and then re-installing) Aomei today on my Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit machine:

"Activation context generation failed for "C:\Program Files (x86)\AOMEI Backupper\MFC80U.DLL". Dependent Assembly Microsoft.VC80.MFCLOC,processorArchitecture="x86",publicKeyToken="1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b",type="win32",version="8.0.50608.0" could not be found. Please use sxstrace.exe for detailed diagnosis."

These error messages appear six times, twice the first time I installed, and four times re-installing right now.

Aomei seems to work, however, although of course I cannot tell for sure. What's the problem??

Reply   |   Comment by glnz  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#48

The last time I tested Backupper in earnest, whilst it would backup successfully, following restoration, my test system would not boot and no amount of recovery options would allow it to.

I decided to try the same thing with this new, updated offering and again, backup was successful (and quick) but after creating a bootable USB disk, it would not boot correctly on my test system.

It would go through the boot stages but when receiving the logo screen with the please wait, loading prompt, the 3 dots that indicate progress would just keep looping, eventually stopping on the first dot, with no further progress.

I tried on both USB 2 and 3 ports (Intel C200 USB 2 and Renesas USB 3).

So I was unable to complete the test.

I did try booting the USB disk on another machine and it did load correctly.

So there may be incompatibilities that require further development.

The only truly reliable products that I have used to date have been from Paragon and Easeus, although the Easeus product is far slower at backing up.

I would not touch Acronis with a barge pole due to it's invasive integration into Windows and whilst Macrium reflect is one that many recommend, I do find it's features in the free version a little limited.

Reply   |   Comment by PhilS  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#47

I purchased the Pro 2.5 version when it came outa short time ago, I really needed it for the dissimilar hardware restore feature. It's worked well twice. But on an old Win XP machine, I used a Win PE burned CD from Win 7 and get a bios not supporting APCI error. It's a very old Dell desktop and doesn't even support booting from a flash drive. It's not a software issue but sounds like my Dell is a little too old to restore to a newer PC to continue using the other software which I lost the CD's. Nice clean software which is easy to use. Just a note, the Pro version doesn't require the user to unlock the clone feature, another reason to download it today. The standard version users have to unlock the clone feature, however that done on the internet. Thanks

Reply   |   Comment by Joe S  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#46

If I download and install this GOTD version today, would I only have today to take advantage of the discounted purchase price? I am asking because, while I can get it downloaded and installed today, I don't have time to give it any kind of a trial — I am working — and I don't like to buy software that I haven't tried.

Reply   |   Comment by kalmly  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

Hi Kalmly,

The 60% OFF special offer is valid from April 28th, 2015 to May 4th, 2015. http://www.backup-utility.com/specials/GOTD.html.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#45

Also - in above 1. I meant by 'wildcards for them' - that exclusion of any folders and files present on the source partion or disk can be done by using wildcards too. I request for addition of this feature too alongwith feature of exclusion of specified path folders and files.
5. And I think the thing to exclude the hibernation file and paging file would be absolutely there in aomei as it is a very basic feature, please tell me if it's so in aomei present edition. Thanks.

Reply   |   Comment by Dike  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

Hi Dike,

1. The feature is not present in AOMEI Backupper Pro currently. Currently only File Backup supports to exclude folders + files. But thanks for your suggestion, and we may evaluate and implement it.
2. Yes. It is a big hindrance. Our engineers are analyzing and fixing it.
3. Yes.
4. The way of your backup is good. But we suggest you'd better to save your backup images on one or more separate locations, such as an external hard drive, NAS, CD ,etc.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#44

I really want to buy the pro - but have some queries and suggestions, and i would like aoemi to answer all of them (aomei at least please), alongwith other users too -

1. I have like many other users, much data on the partitions and even system partitions that i would not like to be gone into the backup image - so if presently this feature of excuding specified folders + files + wildcards for them, if this feature is not present in aomei backupper pro currently, then aomei please implement it. As this feature is very desirable and is present with many competitive imaging products as well.
2. The slow boot and slow system problem too is a big hindrance, and needs to be corrected as well.
3. I want to know if buying the pro here gives a lifetime upgrade too to the customers ?
4. I want to know which is the best way of backing up at regular intervals consecutively, which is the best recommended way and which saves both backup time and new backup images size - i think its a full system image to start with and then which type of backup i should do - incremental or differential, this is not clear to me. I would like guidance on it by both aomei as well as users. Thanks.

Looking forard to your answers. Thanks.

Reply   |   Comment by Dike  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#43

I have the free Standard Edition 1.6 installed. When I try to install this Pro Version, I am asked that it is ok to uninstall the free edition. I said ok, but was given the answer that the free edition can't be uninstalled because there is missing File "C:\Program Files\AOMEI Backupper Standard Edition 2.0\unins000.dat" does not exist. Cannot unistall. I tried to say not to uninstall, but the Pro Edition installation didn't go further. I tried to upgrade the Free Edition 1.6 to 2.5 but I get the same answer. I think I should try to reinstall the 1.6 version. Any other thoughts ? Many thanks from a beginner !

Reply   |   Comment by sigint  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

This may be too late to help you, but may help others who find that a program's "unins000.dat" file is missing (that's the program's uninstall file that is used when you are uninstalling via Windows). Download and install Revo Uninstaller (free) and you'll then be able to uninstall a program with a missing "unins000.dat" file.

Reply   |   Comment by Suze  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#42

Comparison with Norton Ghost (which, yes, I know isn't a free program)?

Reply   |   Comment by mjd  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#41

I mostly use linux now but can dual boot into WinXP, which I mostly use for special programs, and I don't ordinarily access the internet through XP, although I can do that if I need to. This software sounds great for keeping my XP system clean, but I have a few questions:

Since I'm trying to keep XP light, can I install this, make a linux boot disk, uninstall the program, and then handle backups from the linux boot disk? My objective is to not have unnecessary software installed in Windows, especially one that, according to comments, slows down the system somewhat.

And, because of the licensing, do I need to have access to the internet when I install the software? (I need to know at bootup whether to choose an "internet" option or not.)

Reply   |   Comment by FredW  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#40

I have tested both version 2.0 and 2.5 and purchased a license and installed on 2 PC's.
I found that the win PE disk made accurate images in both versions. However when I made images in windows and then mounted them and compared against the C: drive they were only 60%. The problem has to do with VSS or volume shadow copy. The program will turn it on in settings and turn it off in global settings while in windows.VSS must be on when working in windows or none of the active files will be imaged. I emailed Kamlee but the problem persists. I have 128 GB of used space on the C:\ Drive and the mounted image shows only 46.7 GB.
I am using Win 7 on both PC's and both show the same problem. I hope you fix this very soon.

Aomei backupper 2.5 VSS bug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtayS7g4BOQ

Reply   |   Comment by larhome  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#39

Installed and registered just fine, but I Cannot use this as you are not allowed to modify or copy a backup set once you create it. With as many folders as I backup, to have to redo it each time i make a change is a PITA! I will uninstall it and not use it...

Reply   |   Comment by coolcat7fl  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-3)

It is foremost a partition/drive backupper, but there is a simple file backup option. When you create a job the job will be displayed in the home window, you can edit it by hovering over the job and clicking advanced... edit backup. If you need only a file backup program, not the imaging part, you can try syncback free. Jobs can be copied there.

Reply   |   Comment by Lucky Luke  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

There is no EDIT option, thats why i made this post; the only options under ADVANCED are DELETE and SCHDULE

Reply   |   Comment by coolcat7fl  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#38

I have a question that is of the utmost importance to me. If I include the MY VIDEOS folder for backup, will it indeed back up all the videos inside without my having to specifically name each one? I recently had a terrible experience with a paid online backup service, because even though it said it was backing up the MY VIDEOS folder, it didn't back up anything within the folder. They told me afterwards that I needed to specifically name every video I wanted to back up, which was useless to me, and I wound up losing many valuable family movies. Thanks very much for your help with this question.

Reply   |   Comment by M. Aronson  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)

In your case you have to choose between file backup/partition backup/disk backup. It all depends on how you have organized your videos on your hard disk.

Reply   |   Comment by Urban  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

Hi Aronson,

Yes, by default it will backup all the videos and sub-folders if there are. You also can tell the program what's type of files to backup or not to backup through Filter settings.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

It all depends on how you organized your videos on your hard drive/s. The easiest way would be if the videos are all on a separate drive or partition. All videos will then be backed up when you backup the disk or partition.

Reply   |   Comment by Urban  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#37

Installed on my Windows 7 x64 partition with no problems. Ran a test backup, (including my Outlook Folder), and I was surprised at how fast it was. Process Lasso shows its priority changed to below normal when the system got a bit busy, very impressed. I will be using it mainly a as a folder/file backup for the time being until I have fully tested it, and then see how a full system backup performs.
My only gripe is the non resizable window, a little small for my old eyes, none the less I will be keeping this and have already bought a lifetime license.
For UK buyers I would suggest paying with Paypal in USD as the conversion rate seems a bit high on the web site, though at the reduced price it is still very good buy and I feel a bit mean, just things are pretty tight here in the UK.

Reply   |   Comment by Brian  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)
#36

I just have to point out that the very timely and helpful responses of AOMEI's technicians to every question posted today is something I have never seen before by ANY software company. I am greatly impressed!!!

Reply   |   Comment by M. Aronson  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#35

Thumbs up from me,and Timely responses from the Developer-thats always a good sign....!!!!

Reply   |   Comment by vanierstein  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#34

I looked at and tried a lot of backup programs before buying AOMEI Backupper Pro. I don't have the sophistication of many who post here re: backups-I like to keep it simple. I too noticed that the options could be clarified, and recommendations for usage added. I also noticed almost a 2 minute increase in bootup with v 2.5. I've run into problems with too-long path names on old system backups which I have stored also on my external drive, and tried to move to another drive so I could format the new 4T Seagate external as GPT. I plan to stick with AOMEI BP in future, like very much that their customer support is so proactive, and like that they will be incorporating more efficient scheduler bootup and clearer option choices for backup type/effect. My backups also have ended, failed in situations, with dialog boxes that did not allow correction from that position and had no instructions for repairing the problems to enable the backup to resume and complete. As I said, this is generally on old backups stored on the external drive when attempting to move them to another drive for whatever reason. I guess I would say in a nutshell, I would like to see more options for housekeeping on the backup drive via AOMEI BP. Thank you for this offer, it's a great program and am happy to have it as a permanent addition to my system.

Reply   |   Comment by susiekay1649  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#33

To Amoei.
If I buy license,can I use it to x32 and x64.
I have two PC.
Thanks.

Reply   |   Comment by Leo  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

Hi Leo,

Yes, you can.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#32

I am curious if this will work in my situation.

I have a dual boot machine with Win 7 64bit and Win 7 32bit on a single hard drive with two partitions (plus the windows boot partitions). At start up I can choose which OS to boot.

If I use Aomei, do I have to make a separate back up for each side or if I use the Linux CD to back up, with that suffice and basically "ghost" the drive properly in case of a hard drive failure. Will this maintain the boot config and files from each side?

Thanks.

Reply   |   Comment by Oscar  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#31

Hello, My computer's C disk is a SSD (Solid state) disk. But its D disk is not solid state, it's normal hard disk. Can Aomei Backupper Pro 2.5 backup my computer's C (solid state) disk to its D disk? and can I restore my backup from D to C (SSD) Thanks for answer.

Reply   |   Comment by ilhami  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

Not too sure what you mean. I have just backed up my D drive, which is an SSD to a standard external HD, with no problem, (very fast indeed), I have also selected folders from my C drive which is also an SSD to the same external HD, again with no problem. To be honest, for what I am using it for, it rivals my normal ShadowProtect Desktop from Storagecraft, which is a lot more expensive than the GOTD price of $20 for a lifetime license. Lots of options, pretty amazing in my opinion, and it can only get better, though it does depend on what you want to do.
Many thanks to GOTCD and Aomei for this excellent offer.

Reply   |   Comment by Brian  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)
#30

Thank you for a wonderful work has been well done and May God for the good and wait for your generosity more

Reply   |   Comment by hassn  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-4)
#29

Is it possible with this Aomei backup programme to do a back up that is NOT compressed?

I had a backup programme recently where I thought I would end up with a straight COPY of my files, as I may sometimes want to dip in and get just ONE file. But even though I set it to the lowest position of compression, thinking that would be totally uncompressed -- I found it WAS compressed, even if less than it could have been, at the max. (Although I wonder what is the point of having "less" compression? If you are going to compress, you might as well go for the max, to save space.... But that is NOT what I want. Besides, if compressed, you cannot check to see if your files are REALLY copied okay -- nor is there any way to see that they are even THERE...)

Meantime, I am still looking for a programme that can do back up and incremental backups, where, if and when necessary, I can simply pull out a file from the backup. From the description here, I do not see that this can do that. Moreover, the last one I used gave the impression that it did allow that -- and it didn't.... So now I don't know in which of several backups it is located.

Which raises a question: How can one know, several months later, which backup programme you used for which backup? I imagine they are all proprietory and one can't use Aomie to uncompress a Paragon backup... Presumably one needs to create a subdirectory with the programme name, otherwise one day you are likely to find you are up the creek without a paddle.

Reply   |   Comment by Tranmontane  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)

This might be the answer:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/backup-and-restore-data-with-cobian-backup/

Reply   |   Comment by M. Aronson  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

Every backup program that does proprietary backups has its own format. AOMEI's is .adi.

Reply   |   Comment by Janet Berg  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

# Tranmontane.
I felt exactly the same way after using AOMEI file backup. I like to see that the files are actually there on the backup and if I want to restore just one file, I don't want to browse the whole image to find it.
Additionally, the ever increasing number of incremental/differential image files seemed a messy way pf doing it and I was concerned that if I ever needed a restore, an error on any one of these would maybe cause a loss of all the data.

After trying lots of other backup software........
I can highly recommend Personal Backupby Dr.Jürgen Rathlev
http://personal-backup.rathlev-home.de/index-e.html

Super fast, non-proprietary and FREE!
I now use and recommend highly, AOMEI Backupper for system partition (it has saved me many times) and Personal Backup for everything else.

Thanks so much for a super product AOMEI and of course, as always, GAOTD!!

Reply   |   Comment by Chris  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

Tranmontane: "Is it possible with this Aomei backup programme to do a back up that is NOT compressed?"

Yes. AOMEI gives you 3 options for compression (under 'Settings'): None, Normal, or High.

Reply   |   Comment by Suze  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

To get a single file from a full disk backup, just mount the backup taken with AOMEI, and then it looks just like the disk you backed up. Then just select the file you want, and copy and paste it to wherever. Just done it!
If you want to select a file from just a folder you backed up, then I do not know.
Hope this helps.

Reply   |   Comment by Brian  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#28

Just sharing my personal experience with this software and Aomei.

I had backed up my system regularly with the previous version, AOMEI Backupper Pro 2.0. A few months ago my PC crashed and would not restore from the backups using this software. After going through the online manual and trying everything I could think of, I contacted Aomei customer service.

They initially seemed very willing to help and once I sent the error logs to them they replied it "didn't recognize your USB drive". The software allowed me to navigate to the USB drive and was listing the choices of backup files from there to choose from in its menu so I did not understand how they could say the drive is not recognized. When I questioned that, they just basically dropped the ball and replies stopped.

When one is dealing with a crash and data loss, software like this is only as worthwhile as the company standing behind it. I'd never trust my data to this again!

Thanks GOTD team for all your hard work!

Reply   |   Comment by jboy  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+14)
#27

First - my earlier Aomei backups have been very helpful, and I believe it has better features than EaseUS (especially ability to mount a clone file and see what's inside). I will install tonight and keep.

Second - how do I use this GAOTD Aomei program to schedule automatic nightly backups that DEFEAT any ransomware encryption and don't leave me too far back on the data files?
a) From what I've read, the only connected backup drive that's safe from ransomware infection is a network address like \\OTHER_PC\Backup Here. If the backup drive is labeled (mapped?) M:\ or similar, the ransomware will get it too. So can Aomei be set to backup to \\OTHER_PC\Backup Here?
b) If the answer above is "Yes", then what should that \\OTHER_PC\Backup Here PC actually be? For an inexpensive SOHO with two or three operating PCs. I suppose I could buy a relatively inexpensive PC with Win 7 Pro 64-bit (which will be \\OTHER_PC on the network) that does nothing except receive the backup files and that I never use to web surf, etc. No programs other than Win 7 Pro 64-bit OS and whatever Aomei needs to put the backup files in it.
c) How do I do the scheduled backups so that I have daily (nightly) backup files so that if I'm hit by ransomware, I'll have a choice of backup versions and can find the latest one that's NOT infected? I am guessing this has something to do with full vs. differential vs. incremental - which would I choose for what? What Aomei settings so that I have various-dated backup files?
d) If there's an "Automatic Backup with Aomei for Dummies with Practice Exercises", please point me to it.
Thanks to all.
PS I miss Giovanni. Is he OK?

Reply   |   Comment by glnz  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)
#26

I always use this program now (the free version). However, when I accepted an update before, the new version did not pick up on the backups I had made with the first version, making it necessary to start with full backups again. Since then I have rejected updates, and will not take up this upgrade.

Reply   |   Comment by Brian  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
#25

Have been using AOMEI Backupper for about a year, and moved up to the paid Pro 2.5 version since it arrived a couple months ago. As mentioned by others, the Free edition has many excellent options (others charge for), but the Pro 2.5 version adds even more, a full meal deal.

What I like most about AOMEI Backupper, it doesn't try to overwhelm the user with a lot of useless junk or flim-flam techno talk. Instructions are straight forward and photo descriptions make it an excellent choice for first time users, or the seasoned user who wants to tweek their backups with special options. Has something for everyone.

The AOMEI interface is simple and uncluttered, and navigation to preform any task is easily accomplished, but more importantly (to me) is that AOMEI is accurate, complete and trouble free. No wondering if everything is covered or included, (and with the easy set up auto run), it will do it all automatically and in the background. Couldn't ask for easier or better. The paid Pro version is definitely worth the price, and being offered today for free on GOTD, is a no brainer.

In comparison to other backup programs I've purchased and used; (Acronis Disk Image, Cobian Backup, EaseUS Todo Workstation, FastStone, FBackup, Genie Timeling Pro, GFI Backup Business Edition, Karen's Replicator Backup, Macrium Reflect, Ocster Backup Pro, Rollback Rx, and Titan Backup), my favorite and most trusted, is AOMEI Backupper Pro 2.5.

If ever you wanted an excellent backup program and disk image program, or wish to upgrade your existing, I strongly recommend AOMEI. Get the Pro 2.5 version here today for free, you will love it. (Win7 Pro)

Reply   |   Comment by Maximus  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+11)
#24

AOMEI BAckupper Pro is an excelent software, safe and easy to use by non-techies as I am, but I have a concern. I have a dual boot system (both Win 7 64 bits)and when I put the Backupper to backup the Windows Partition it doesn't let me choose which partition, it backups both of them. I think it would be better if I could decide which System partition to be backed up.

Reply   |   Comment by Edu  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)

Hi Edu,

For dual-boot, System Backup will automatically choose current system to backup. To backup both of them, please use Partition Backup.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#23

I have used this program for more than 2 years. But the free version work as well for me as this version.

Reply   |   Comment by Tore  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#22

I like Paragon software because it has a lower impact on Windows -- I can get most of their apps to run portably as long as I don't need driver support -- in the case of backups, drivers let you image a running copy of Windows, & they let you mount a backup archive you can open or copy files from. AOMEI may in fact be better in that regard -- their software also has very low impact on Windows -- but I just haven't played with it as much, since they're a relative new kid on the block.

As far as other alternatives go, I bought a copy of Acronis, but do not have it installed, nor did I upgrade to the latest, current version -- in terms of impact on Windows that has to be one of the nastiest pieces of work I've ever seen. EaseUS backup software isn't nearly as bad, but it still has more impact than AOMEI or Paragon, & I'm hesitant about EaseUS' giveaway apps, since more than once their partition software lost its registration/activation.

Macrium Reflect is another popular option that's similar to EaseUS in terms of impact. *To me*, the benefit of Reflect is its ability to create bootable discs & USB sticks that work with 32 bit UEFI systems. Such systems used to be a bit rare, so the others mentioned [including AOMEI :( ] do not give a working option. One place you see 32 bit UEFI is Windows tablets.

For backup & recovery any of the software I mentioned [AOMEI, Paragon, EaseUS, Macrium] should work fine. When/where folks have problems with different brands of backup apps I think it mainly comes down to 1) incompatibility or 2) external drive hardware problems.

Regarding compatibility, all use drivers & those can be incompatible with other software [including drivers] that have been installed. There's also the matter of hardware compatibility... PCs & laptops start from the motherboard's on-board Bios, which takes & stores an inventory of components, then interfaces between components so everything works together. It records the device that has been set for 1st boot drive, & looks there 1st for the code that starts the OS [e.g. Windows].

Bios [& hardware] have been changing... Drives are usually connected as regular SATA or AHCI -- AHCI has become Much more common as SSDs have become popular. Disks formatted as GPT rather than the older MBR are becomming more & more common. And like network routers, & all sorts of other network connected devices, bios chips themselves have started running a mini OS. That mini OS, the EUFI bios, has been found to be susceptible to mal-ware, so it's sometimes being updated to be more secure, & often at the same time more incompatible, + Microsoft has added Secure Boot. Icing on the cake, the Bios often has different modes of operation, so it works connected to old hardware or new.

Long story short, getting something to boot on your PC/laptop/Windows tablet [& maybe Windows cell] can be a frustrating PITA. When you restore a backup of a copy of Windows, using software installed to that same copy of Windows, it has to boot to a mini-OS stored on the hard drive &/or a disc or USB stick. If that part isn't compatible with your Bios, it won't work properly. Stuff like the brand & model of USB stick can matter. Stuff like USB 2.0 or 3.0 can matter.

When it comes to external drives to store backup archives I think eSATA is the most bulletproof, but it's not perfect [usually best to shut down, connect the drive, & boot], & as USB 3.0 has become more popular, much fewer systems specifically support it. You can still get it working, but *may* have to watch how the eSATA cable is routed, try 2 or more cables [on one PC only 1 out of 5 I have will work] etc.

One problem with USB drives is the electronics that fool your PC/laptop & Windows into thinking it's a regular hard drive -- mileage varies, especially for sustained data transfer. Another problem with conventional drives [vs. SSDs] is heat -- I have 2 external housings with fans, & a small fan I point at a drive in my drive dock. Heat can cause problems with the electronics or the drive.

Unfortunately pretty much the only way to make very sure you'll be able to restore a backup, is to restore a backup. Short of that you can make sure your PC or laptop or tablet etc. will boot from a USB stick or CD/DVD running the software's restore program [it's best to have more than one USB stick too, 'cause they do fail, testing each]. You can also try the same sort of sustained data transfer from an external drive, to make sure it holds up without introducing errors, & it's probably best to do that outside of Windows -- that's because the Bios' USB support may be different than Windows, plus Windows interrupts the copy process a bit, & you're trying to simulate exactly what happens when you boot to a USB stick & restore that backup.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+22)
#21

I've been using the free version for a while, and for several systems. Generally I like it - clear choices, places for comments, etc.
One suggestion: allow more than one backup to be initiated at the same time, although to be run sequentially. I have 3 logical drives on one machine. If I start a backup of one, I have to wait for it to finish before initiating the next one.
Question: if a differential back up is run, and later an incremental is run - is the incremental relative to the differential or to the original? And the same question in reverse - incremental(s) followed by differential.
One problem, which may be the machine, not the software. On that machine the backups never complete - they hang at various points, usually on a fairly large file. Win 7 Pro. Suggestions?

Reply   |   Comment by JK  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
#20

Installed on Win 8.1 x64, one minor issue, as others have stated, when the installation completes, it does not say its finished, otherwise a smooth installation. Not had a chance to test yet.

Just a few points...

Some homes have more than two computers, ie two parents and two children, each with their own computer, the licence only covers two users.

Some users have tablets, which do not have attached cd drives, do your pre boot environments give options to load onto a usb flash drive?

Can users of tablets upgrade their solid state disk (memory card)using this software?

Reply   |   Comment by Raj  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)

One more question.
My tablet has 128Gb SSD I have a 256Gb usb flash drive, can this software boot of the usb drive and save the image on the same usb drive?

Reply   |   Comment by Raj  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)

*If* your tab is 32 bit EUFI, you likely need Macrium Reflect. If not, AOMEI will probably work, but create a USB stick & try it to make sure.

If you've got a 128GB SSD in your tablet it probably isn't running WimBoot but is a normal install. If/when that's the case, it's just like any PC/laptop running Windows -- you just have additional drivers & such for the touch screen etc. In that case cloning a disk/partition is the same, & AOMEI can do that.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+11)
#19

Hi, If I take you up on the 60% offer and my HD dies, so I lose everything, do I have to repurchase your pro version that's being given away today. My HD seems pretty noisy at times, maybe it's just me, but I have a feeling that it's going? Thanks in advance for your answer.

justkennym

Reply   |   Comment by justkennym  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

Hi justkennym,

No. If you lose the license code and/or installation file, please email to support@aomeitech.com with the email address you entered when purchasing. We will resend your license code and installation file download link to you.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+14)
#18

This software is highly relevant to a task I have just set myself. Hopefully Mike will pop in and comment on it.

10 years ago I did a fair bit of imaging and restoring of my XP system drive. I used a program call XOSL to set up 4 primary partions, one 2GB partition containing Win98SE and Ghost software, two 30GB or so partitions of WinXP system and one large data partition.
XOSL gave me a multiboot menu to allow me to choose which XP system to run, or to choose the Win98 partition and perform a ghost operation. Note: Ghost was not free software.

This very same solution can still be used today but many partions are getting long in the tooth and may not work in future. I would like to use a more modern solution.

Ghosting or system imaging and restoring is quite different from performing backup and restoring data files.
My experience of ghosting/imaging indicates what is important:
* you must have a reliable way of booting into your imaging program that is separate from the OS you are trying to image. Eg I booted to Win98SE to image my XP partitions. The booting could be a floppy disc, CD or USB drive. It is important that it will boot older and newer PC's. * the imaging program must be very plain and simple about what it is taking an image of and where it is placing it. Norton Ghost was good. Some others I have tried are not so clear.
* It must be extremely reliable. I tried the inbuilt Win7 backup and restore. It didn't work.
* It should be smart enough to ignore stuff like the swapfile and hybernate thingy.
* It should be reasonably fast.
* It should store the image in a single file.

I am now looking at using BootIt for my multiboot menu and need to find a good imaging program. It would be nice if the image I took could be restored onto different hardware and also used in some kind of VM.

I will try this Backupper and welcome any comments.

Reply   |   Comment by The Claw  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)

Hi Claw,

AOMEI Backupper Pro enables you to restore backup images to different hardware or VM. Please refer to http://www.backup-utility.com/features/dissimilar-hardware-restore.html.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+13)

"It is important that it will boot older and newer PC’s."

THAT might be the hardest part, in part depending on how old *Old* is. A project I did mainly as playing around involved putting a no longer used copy of XP on a laptop designed for 98SE. It worked, but I had to dig out a boot CD from back when the laptop's hardware was current.

Another issue I had last week was how to boot into a backup app with a cheap Windows tablet -- it uses 32 bit EUFI, & while there were options like using rufus to make a USB stick bootable, Reflect was the only solution right out of the box that could do it.

The easiest way might be to create a boot disc/USB stick for every type, or maybe even each individual machine. The more convenient [but more work] method to try is using the different options with an app like rufus, to see how few USB sticks you could get away with. Often you have the option to create a bootable USB stick that will [hopefully] work with EUFI & non-EUFI bios, but in my experience mileage varies with the PC hardware, & I think you'll still have to create separate 32 & 64 bit sticks if you want/need to boot into 32 & 64 bit UEFI systems/devices. I haven't had a lot of problems with the USB sticks & such AOMEI software creates -- it's just that apps like rufus specialize in creating bootable USB sticks, so it IMHO has a bit more flexibility.

"XOSL gave me a multiboot menu to allow me to choose which XP system to run, or to choose the Win98 partition and perform a ghost operation."

I don't like adding anything to the MBR at the front of the drive -- unless you can backup the MBR beforehand, & restore it later, that stuff can be impossible to get rid of later on. There's also the issue nowadays of MBR or GPT formatted drives -- you *may* be able to convert between the two, but any boot menu in the MBR would be lost going to GPT. And finally there's the issue of Microsoft updating the Windows boot loader with Vista, then 7, 8.1, & 10 -- would an installed boot menu work with the next change?

Instead use EasyBCD [to add to XP] or manage Windows 7-10 own boot menu. FWIW Windows 10's menu setup is nicer than 8/8.1 versions I think -- if you set 10 as the default you'll get the graphics-based menu which works with a mouse, if you set something else as default, e.g. win7, you get the same old menu using the keyboard. I mention it because win8's menu loaded graphics drivers, different drivers for win8 64 than those used in XP Pro 32, which wouldn't work.

"you must have a reliable way of booting into your imaging program that is separate from the OS you are trying to image. Eg I booted to Win98SE to image my XP partitions."

AOMIE's backup software [like other brands] can create a disk or partition image backup of a copy of Windows while it's running [I think for Vista & later most use the same Windows Shadow Copy tech that makes System Restore possible]. You have to boot to a mini-OS, either WinPE or *nix, on your hard drive or on a disc/USB stick, to restore that backup. You can also boot to that disc/USB stick to create a backup.

What I do is have more than one copy of Windows installed, using one to back up the other -- that's one of the reasons I still have Vista on my wife's PC. I 1st get rid of all restore points, temp files, ie cache etc., boot into the other copy of Windows, delete the page & hibernation files, & then backup. The result is a smaller backup archive, even taking the deleted page & hibernation files into account.

"It would be nice if the image I took could be restored onto different hardware and also used in some kind of VM."

IMHO yes & no... It's a great idea that doesn't always work so great. I've created several VMs from a working copy of Windows, and swapped working copies of Windows to another machine -- in all those cases it took a bit of work trying to fully get rid of drivers & associated software, & the end result never did perform quite as well as a fresh install of Windows.

Get rid of what you want & can, shrinking the partition [for a VM] while Windows is still running on the hard drive, make a backup image or convert to VM, then restore a backup to put things back if you want the original copy working normally again. Or for a VM you can put a clone of the Windows disk/partition in a VHD, shrinking the partition, renaming folders as needed to prevent software from starting, creating the VM from that.

When the software, in this case AOMEI converts Windows for new hardware [real or a VM], it deletes registry entries starting critical system drivers. On 1st start or boot Windows will look for and install compatible drivers. Then with a VM you install a set of special drivers for that particular *Guest* OS, depending on which VM Host you've chosen, e.g. with VirtualBox it's called Additions. On different [real] hardware you run needed driver setup files, since Windows probably installed the bare minimum that may be out of date.

Then you [Optionally] try to get rid of all the old driver files, & any software that was starting with Windows that you no longer want or need. A problem I've had, is getting rid of registry entries, .inf files, & drivers stored in the Windows\ System32\ DriverStore\ FileRepository\ folder that I no longer want. I feel a bit ashamed admitting that this install of win7 I'm using while I type this dates to 2009, has been on a few hard drives, has worked with several motherboards, & 4 CPUs, 2 AMD & 2 Intel. There's one hardware component [part of the motherboard] that can still revert to the AMD version Microsoft drivers if I update its driver in Device Mgr. It's been that way for years now, & since the drivers are included in Windows, never have been able to get rid of that -- every so often I get ambitious & try.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+19)
#17

I want to back up all of my C drive to another drive.(I believe the correct term is "clone".) I want the back up to be viewable, accessible, usable without having to decompress anything or use the application (in this case AOMEI Backupper)to get at the files or manipulate them. I have no intention of using the incremental backup feature, so I see no reason for some process(es)to be using up memory or cpu one a backup is complete. Therefore, I would be turning them off.

In the past I used Paragon Drive Copy, and that is exactly that kind of backup I am looking for. Is Aomei Backupper it?

Thanks for any helpful comments.

Reply   |   Comment by kalmly  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#16

Used the Clone feature in the last GOTD to upgrade Hard Drive from 600GB to 1TB
Worked without a hitch

Reply   |   Comment by Franke  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+13)
#15

I have used AB for a few years and I am pleased with the results it gave me. Until recently. I 'upped' my system from a single SSD to a Raid 0. In doing this I can no longer use all the software I got from GOTD.

If there is a solution to this, please let me know. My previous system is cloned to a spare SSD just in case I can find a answer.
Thank you GOTD for a lot of good software.

Reply   |   Comment by Terry S  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
#14

To Amoei.

This is something which needs time to review. I don't have time to do that now. A full backup can take 4 + hours. Is there a way to provide feedback after this giveaway has expired?

A good backup will clone a drive, incremental backup and full backup.

It appears ABP offers these tools. But Ideally, with 1, 2, and 3 TB hard drives under $100 so a couple clones is a good idea and cheap. Also NAS storage is cheap for large files like movies and music. I simply tray a drive and clone once a week.The NAS is full raid.

The major issue for me would be to write the backup native format so an individual file can be 'recovered' without special software to proprietary compress/decompress.

Anyway, thanks - I will look into it this weekend

SS

Reply   |   Comment by Spam Sorenson  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)

Hi Spam,

You're welcome to provide any feedback anytime, and we provide lifetime free technical support. The "explore image" feature enables you to mount a backup for individual file recovery. Besides, the next version will add "file sync" feature which may meet your needs.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+19)
#13

Backupper Pro 2 is excellent, excellent disk cloning software, and very fast in operation. So, this update builds on a very fine product.

Reply   |   Comment by PhilipJax  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+12)
#12

This is one fine program in my opinion not to say everyone has there favorite but it has saved me more than once it has saved me from some nasty malware/ virus attacks . I can't imagine anyone not wanting to create a backup of ones computer in case of the dreaded day when you go to turn your computer on and nothing happens . First rule of thumb if you want files movies pictures back it up and Aomei i find to have the uncomplicated interface plain and simple

Reply   |   Comment by Doc  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+9)
#11

I have used this before and did not like it. It slowed my system down.
I like/use the windows 7 backup feature. Always worked well for me, free and does not slow down my system.

Reply   |   Comment by Mike  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

Hi Mike,

Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your feedback. Comment #3 also mentioned the problem. We will analyze it and try to solve it as soon as possible.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+16)
#10

I can't understand so many thumbs down votes. I've been evaluating this program for a website I work for and I find it to be a very robust backup solution. If I have any criticism, I'd say the menu choices can sometimes be a bit counterintuitive and confusing. Once you get over that learning curve, it's a great tool.

Reply   |   Comment by Marq  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+30)

I can’t understand so many thumbs down votes.

It's because you only get two choices when commenting: thumbs up or down. Some people don't need it or understand it, so they vote thumbs down; some people don't like the interface, etc.

I've always thought a "poll" type system would work better - voters could rank by: how useful it is to the voter, interface, colors used, help system, etc. that would help both potential users and the company.

Reply   |   Comment by alordofchaos  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+27)

Hi Marg,

Thanks for your feedback with regards to menu choices, and we will evaluate and improve them. About thumbs down votes: as alordofchaos said, on the one hand there are only two choices, and on the other everyone has his own choice. What we can do is making AOMEI Backupper better.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+24)

Well said Marg. Aoemei Backupper Standard is a steady worker on my machine and works great.

Reply   |   Comment by Graham  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+7)

@ alordofchaos: Anyone who has been to gotd a few times should realize by now that the rating system here is useless.

Reply   |   Comment by mindkampf  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#9

Hi, For me this AOMEI program is a life saver. It helped me recently to recover a lost partition after a bad virus (a DNS Changer)infection. (as if there are good virus infections!)

Reply   |   Comment by Joseph B  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+24)
#8

Dual-boot here - Hi - I installed on both of my physical partitions & the program feels right at home in Win8.1.2 & Win10 (TP Build 10061), Tried a very small back-up (3 Gb "files only" under high compression & decompressing them onto a different computer (My wife's - it was her pics & music after all) & it seemed to do it in a very reasonable time. Thank you. Now an observation - When installing the program, it did NOT appear after finishing with GOTD's wrapper & I even went so far as to start 're-installing' & that was when I was informed of it's completed install. I am a computer tech & I do not know if this JUST happens in Win10 (Build 10061), but it might be something to look into. As people can attest to on this site - I am NOT a big fan of programs 'without' a banner-style "word" menu system (pics can so easily be misunderstood) but, this tool is pretty straight forward & might prove helpful (I am now over 60 & disabled & retired - so little or NO commercial use in my future) in my life. Again, thank you AOMEI & GOTD for today's offering and everybody HAGD!

Reply   |   Comment by Thomas Roberts  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+17)

Hi Thomas,

Thanks for your feedback. Could you email your problem to support@aomeitech.com with more details so that we can fix it as soon as possible. Thanks again.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+11)
#7

Hello,

Is your offer at 60% off for 2 licenses as the regular offer at $49.00?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Reply   |   Comment by chris  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

Hi Chris,

You will receive only one license code and download link after purchase. But one copy is available to be installed on up to 2 computers with the same license code.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+17)
#6

I got this last time around and upgraded it at the time so don't need this now - however I just wanted to say that AOMEI is my main back up tool and I have used it since the last GOTD. It has been very reliable and I have twice restored my system drive following virus/malware attacks. I find this so much quicker than trying to troubleshoot problems. I also use it for DATA back ups as well.

What I like is the complete control over how I back up - I have used other "free" tools but found them limited as they often required you to back up whole systems everytime. Even with a system image back up I have the flexibility to restore system or to mount the image and retrieve individual files. I do a cumulative back up to an internal system drive every day and once a month do full back up of system and data to a (usually disconnected) external drive in case of ransomware attack. It runs quietly in the background and doesnt seem to affect performance.

My only (minor) criticism is that it doesnt automatically restart a back up interrupted by by power failure or shut down - but with nightly updates this isn't a problem for me

If you dont have a decent back up program or, just use the windows one, I reccomend you get this today!

Reply   |   Comment by Clive Richards  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+36)
#5

A glitch you might want to investigate
In windows XP
Create bootable media results in a link to download Windows AIK/ADK
This link does not work on my PC (I have firefox not Internet Explorer)
Having resorted to interogating the link I find it is a link to http://www.backup-utility.com/help/aik.html?adb\
I will continue for a while and see if I can succeed in creating a widows PE bootable usb stick.

Reply   |   Comment by David Murphy  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+12)

Ok that link requires me to download 1.9 gigabytes and will take it says 5 hours. No way! So this is no good for a windows XP computer will uninstal. Pity cause I quite liked the concept.
NB I can produce a windows PE environment boot media on this PC without "Windows AIK/ADK" by using Macrium Reflect Free so it is possible.

Reply   |   Comment by David Murphy  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+14)

The reason why you have to download AIK/ADK is due to the Microsoft copyright of I believe. In Windows 7 and later the AIK/ADK is included so the problem does not occur. You can use the Linux boot instead which is included.
I have tried several backup programs; in my opinion AOMEI Backupper has the clearest interface of them all and is among the fastest.

Useful link: http://www.freewaregenius.com/the-best-free-disk-imaging-program-a-comparative-analysis/
to compare different Backup programs. AOMEI Backupper is not included however.

Reply   |   Comment by Urban  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+27)

Hi David,

As Urban said, Windows XP doesn't include AIK/ADK. You can create a Linux bootable media or create a WinPE bootale media on a Windows 7 or 8 computer (if you have) and used it on Windows XP computer.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+34)

I was able to produce in XP Pro:
Macrium Reflect Free Edition WinPE Rescue Boot disk (in iso)
EaseUS Todo Backup Home Ver6-1 WinPE Emergency Disk (in iso)

But EaseUS is slow in backup process. And the EaseUS "Customer Support" website is disappointing because the person who answers users' queries does not seem to understand what the issues are and gives unhelpful replies that talk all over the place but does not resolve the problem. Maybe due to a severe language problem. There are so many complaints about this on the internet, it is embarrassing to read.

Still waiting for Macrium Reflect to giveaway their Standard or Professional versions. When you read the Macrium Reflect website and customer support replies, you get a sense that they know what they are doing. So far, I trust Acronis (paid) and Macrium Reflect Standard or Professional.

Reply   |   Comment by ric  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#4

Hi, Nice offer.
Is the license deal for 2 computer as it is on your web ( http://www.backup-utility.com/free-backup-software.html ) or only 1 computer with 2 license activation's?
And is it possible to move one license to another machine, for example an new computer?

Reply   |   Comment by Mats Thell  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+7)

Hi Mats,

One copy is available to be installed on up to 2 computers with the same license code. If only the old computer is no longer used, then the license can be transferred to another computer.

Reply   |   Comment by AOMEI Technology  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+33)
#3

I've worked in IT for over twenty years, and its scary how a simple update or turning off the computer wrongly can break a Windows installation.
Its fine backing up documents and program data, but everyone (especially those using laptops which sometimes require more specific drivers than desktop PCs) should have an image of their operating system handy.
Windows creates 'restore points' but generally these aren't enough to recover your system in the event of considerable 'oh drat' moments.
AOMEI Backupper is excellent to use for advanced users and low-competence users alike. The user interface is intuitive (no weird looking icons you have to hover over to get tooltips that disappear after 3 nano seconds).
A backup can be done with Windows running (which is useful) and performs all the usual types of backup - full, differential and incremental. Backups can be stored locally or on a removable device or network device. This last feature works well, considering the plethora of network cards floating around. (It comes with a Linux and Windows boot disk ... you can't restore a PC without a boot disk).
The Pro version comes with a couple of extra useful tools - clone the system partition, useful for transferring a laptop from normal HDD to SSD.

The Windows operating system appreciates being reinstalled every now and then. After a year or so of use, it can 'clog up' with programs installed everywhere, slowing down boot time, etc. After performing a clean install, simply image the system and use this as your 'base image' in the future. A restore can take approx 20 minutes.

Ideally, people should image their drive weekly or at least monthly. I've seen too many PCs fail to boot after a Windows update or installation of 'new drivers'. It can take hours working out the problem, reinstalling drivers, etc. So much easily to go back to a point in time when everything worked.

Reply   |   Comment by Chris Locke  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+110)

Yes Windows has a built in System Restore, and its total junk. If you do get it to work, your one of the few. Totally unreliable. Add this free AOMEI, and you will be light years ahead, should your system have a problem, especially with all the driver, virus and system updates arriving weekly. And if your testing out new software, this program is a must-have to restore your system to its previous state.

Reply   |   Comment by Maximus  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)

Chris

Thank you for your advise. Question about
" After performing a clean install, simply image the system and use this as your ‘base image’ in the future. "

After a clean install, wouldn't you the have to re-install all apps?! May work fine with work PCs with limited apps but with 100s of GAOTD and other apps there is no way to re-install. Isn't that the reason to do entire OS partition backup using utilities like AOMEI Backupper?

Reply   |   Comment by vin  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+17)
#2

Installed and registered without problems on a Win 8.1.3 Pro 64 bit system. A clean install.
The big file size due to a Linux boot disk and the WinPe.
http://i.imgur.com/COuJUl4.png

A Chinese company with address. Digitally signed ChengDu AoMai Tech. Co. Ltd.
"AOMEI Technology is an up-and-coming provider of innovative hard disk partition management, reliable backup & restore solution, and easy cloud storages management for home and business users all over the world.""

We had a previous version AOMEI Backupper Pro 2.0 on May 16, 2014. Here are the old reviews:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/aomei-backupper-pro-2-0/

A good change log (as it always should be!) can be found here:
http://www.backup-utility.com/changelog.html

The offered "Pro" version has not many advantages to the free "Standard" version:
"
Command line backup
Merge backup images
Backup disk space management "


This is a well known backup tool.
A small non resizable splash window opens. Here you can register the program with a short key.
In the settings you define the compression level, the split of the backup (if you want to burn it to DVD), the "intelligent sector backup" (only backup used sectors) and the VSS.

You should create a bootable media. Either WinPE or Linux type:
http://i.imgur.com/jkSjHSN.png
(I only backup my system partition with a bootable media, never during the running system, even if this possible without problems with the volume shadow.)

After that you can backup folders, disks or partitions. The use is simple, self explaining.
A working and recommended software. Update it if you use it anyhow. I repeat the main point from my former comment - and I correct a statement:
"A difficult market, Nearly everybody has HIS backup solution, which he doesn’t want to change. In my case I use Acronis since ages(*1).

Uninstalled for the reason, that I do not need different backup tools. If you don’t have one: take this … or look for the free backup solutions from the HD manufacturer, e.g. the Acronis True Image WesternDigital(*2) Edition."


(*1)
changed in the meantime. I use the Paragon Hard Disk manager now.

(*2)
The free Acronis backup has a serious "flaw", no not a flaw, but something, which should force you to buy the real thing. It has no "used sectors" backup. If you have a 500 GB system disk and 100 GB system data, you can only backup the full 500 GB. If you want to backup your 100 GB system. Sorry this is not possible in the free version...

Reply   |   Comment by Karl  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+160)

The paid Acronis is alright, there is no need to backup the whole drive capacity if you only have used a small fraction of it. Paid Acronis has a killer feature - it allows the user to specify several specific folders that he wants to EXCLUDE from the backup. This is very important. Seems to be missing feature in other branded alternative software. They can only exclude certain file types. Backup in Acronis is very fast.

Had tried Aomei and Easeus but both are slow in the backup process.

Previously Acronis had a problem of boot disk not recognising SATA drives but that has been sorted out. Not sure if the Aomei boot disks suffer the same problem.

Finally, the true test of any full system (bare metal) recovery software is --- whether in a crash, it can really recover the PC.

Reply   |   Comment by ric  –  8 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+19)
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