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Paragon Backup and Recovery 14 Compact (English Version) Giveaway
$29.95
EXPIRED

Giveaway of the day — Paragon Backup and Recovery 14 Compact (English Version)

Paragon Backup & Recovery 14 Compact is a simple and powerful backup and recovery solution.
$29.95 EXPIRED
User rating: 474 94 comments

Paragon Backup and Recovery 14 Compact (English Version) was available as a giveaway on April 29, 2014!

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

Paragon Backup & Recovery 14 Compact is a simple and powerful backup & recovery solution to secure standalone Windows desktops and laptops. It quickly backs up your files and folders, operating system or even your entire hard disk to any storage you choose. The compact edition ensures that your system and valuable data are protected - and can be restored in case of any disaster!

Supports Windows 8, 8.1 and the latest HDD standards!

Key Features:

  • Smart Backup Wizard. Easily secure valuable data without additional configurations.
  • New Backup to Virtual Drive (VD). Back up separate partitions or entire hard disks to the VHD, VMDK and new pVHD formats.
  • New pVHD Backup Format. pVHD (Paragon Virtual Hard Drive) is a special VHD format, optimized for storing backups of virtual and physical machines. It combines the advantages of classic backup archives (e.g. size) with the flexibility of virtual hard drives (access capabilities).
  • New Incremental Backup to VD. Back up changes since the full, or the latest incremental image.
  • New Windows Storage Spaces Support. Copy, back up, restore Windows Storage Spaces directly in our program.
  • Complete UEFI Support. Full 64-bit UEFI support and support for 32-bit EFI with Legacy boot.
  • Support for the latest HDD standards. Enjoy support for AFD (Advanced Format Drive), 2TB+ and non-512B sector size drives.
  • Boot Corrector. Powerful utility that recovers the operating system’s startup ability.
  • Selective Restore. Extract individual files and folders from an archive without restoring an entire image. Use the Restore Wizard and simply check the files that you’d like to restore.
  • New Restore from VD Wizard. Restore entire hard disks, separate partitions, or certain files and folders from pVHD (available under Windows and Linux).
  • Partition alignment for bare metal restore. Partition alignment during restoring to new hard drives ensures that there will be no performance loss due to incorrect partition alignment.
  • Encrypted Backup. To avoid unauthorized access to your backup files, you can easily encrypt them within our backup wizards.

Technical Support: During the Giveaway period Paragon Software provides technical support at www.giveawayoftheday.com. Please, post your questions if you have any troubles while downloading, registering and using the software. Paragon Software’s support team will reply you as soon as possible.

Note: If you have a previous version of Paragon Backup & Recovery you should first uninstall it via Control Panel >> Add or Remove Programs. After that launch the installation wizard, register Paragon Backup & Recovery 14 Compact and enjoy using it!

If you are x64 version user, please follow the link here (file size: 221 MB)

System Requirements:

Windows XP/ Vista/ 7/ 8/ 8.1 (x32/x64); CPU: Intel Pentium or compatible, 300MHz or higher processor; RAM: At least 256 MB (512 MB or greater recommended); Disk space: 250 MB (during the installation additional free space (up to 1GB) will be required)

Publisher:

Paragon Software

Homepage:

http://www.paragon-software.com/home/br-compact/index.html

File Size:

130 MB (for x32)

Price:

$29.95

Comments on Paragon Backup and Recovery 14 Compact (English Version)

Thank you for voting!
Please add a comment explaining the reason behind your vote.
#94

By comparsion B&R 14 compact Linux Recovery CD with B&R 12 compact Linux Recovery CD, hdparm do not exist.

After I backup / restore image from portable USB HDD. I use hdparm -y /dev/sdx to stop HDD motor before unplug from computer. It is more safety than hot unplug w/o stopped HDD motor from computer.

hdparm can also do secure erase SSD (Use hdparm carefully!!! wrong use it to stop you to access your hdd forever and lost all hdd data) by typing 2 line command (--security-set-pass and --security-erase) to allow revive the top speed of SSD.

I suggest to add hdparm back to recovery cd.

Reply   |   Comment by computer1975  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#93

Hello Paragon SW
See my post @72
Because of Error 1316 as suggested by you, I uninstalled my working Paragon BR 12. Then I tried to install this version. I am still getting installation errors.
Now I have lost my working copy of Paragon BR12 and I can not install BR 14. Tried several time after reboot. On top of that the Giveaway is over.

Please Help.

Reply   |   Comment by vin  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#92

It all went well until the very end when a message came up "error 1722. There is a problem with this windows installer package. A program run as part of this installation did not finish as expected...Action blockmounter_Install, location.\paragonblockdev".
Not sure what that means but after pressing ok it uninstalled and prompted gem to install which I did with the same result. Any explanation, ideas etc.?
Much appreciated,
J

Reply   |   Comment by Jo uk  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#91

@Fred No.77 : “Failed to connect. Please try again later.”

You are using Firefox or a non-M$ browser. The wrapper is associated with the part of Internet Explorer that always runs in the background with M$ Windows.

There is where the problem is. Internet Explorer was set to work offline, probably by a popup glitch from a previous install.

To fix it, open Internet options, or Internet explorer and untick (uncheck) "work offline." Once that's done you will connect.

"Failed to Connect" also happens if your Internet connection goes down. Since you did get on with your comment, then 1-your Internet connection and ISP is A-OK, 2-your Firefox is A-OK, 3-your router cache is A-OK, thus your Windows (background IE) is set to work offline.

Reply   |   Comment by Smoozles  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#90

I don't trust any of these programs. Including Giovanni's favorite :)
I've had problems with every one of them.
Paragon is as good as any other, it does offer a file integrity function, I would suggest using it. Backups are so important. I usually make two sets of full backups in case even with the integrity check one still fails. Then for a few months I only backup my Documents, Pictures Music etc by copying them into my 3tb backup drive. Then repeat the process. (I know, you can use incremental backups, if that works for you then great, I just prefer to use file copy using the free version of TeraCopy)
I also use Google Drive and DropBox for important stuff, so that I have backups even if my house burns down

Reply   |   Comment by GarryS  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#89

Spent several hours downloading the x64 file using Opera, failing just short of completion three times. Switched to Firefox, got a successful download. 7-zip was able to open the archive and display the ReadMe file, but was unable to extract the setup files (error message something about trying to set the file pointer before the start); Windows Explorer was just unable to open the archive. Disappointing, because I like Paragon B&R, had uninstalled v12, and really wanted the new version.

Reply   |   Comment by Howard Cherniack  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#88

Tried to install on Win7 system. After entering the product key and serial number, got an error that the wizard could not complete the installation due to an invalid C:\ drive. I guess so since I don't have a C:\ drive. Apparently the MSI file is set up to install to C:| without offering any options to install to a different drive letter.

Reply   |   Comment by h3driver  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#87

My main complain in #18 was that Paragon does not AUTOMATICALLY check the integrity of the archive before it starts writing to (i.e destroying the previous content of) the destination disc.
Another aspect of the complaint was that there was no option to check the archive integrity.

As regards the first complain no proof here that I was wrong.
As regards the latter, it seems that Paragon made such a mess that some versions contained a check, whilst others – did not.

#43 Mike wrote: "I started using Paragon’s backup software at v.8, & as far as I can remember checking archive integrity has always been there on the archive tab of the program".

Sorry to say it is not true as regards Paragon Hard Disk Mangager 2011 Suite, but it may be true in other versions. I have just checked that as I always prefer to rely on facts than my memory. If you do not believe I may make program sceenshots, upload them to a public site and provide links to them to prove the case mentioned above is true.

Paragon is famous for producing so many version that I am afraid God only knows what there is in each of them whilst Paragon does not seem to be interested in keeping its software development in any well and clearly structured concept of their promotion.

#39 Karl: if such button is there in the present version that may be a good news, but still, how about the automatic check? Not every user is an experienced techie.

Last remark: While a piece of software gives rise to so many questions, problems, errors, misunderstandings etc. as those mentioned on this forum (just note the leeeeeength of mike’s explanations...) I wonder who will take a risk to use the software and eventually get into another trouble when this thread dies after GOTD validity period...

In my humble opinion it would suite Paragon much better if they took a deep breath and sort out all those issues that their software produces to its users – whether prospective or actual ones.
Regards

Reply   |   Comment by Marek Czerski  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#86

Giovanni - thanks for your suggestion today, I'll give it a whirl.
For me, the real value of this forum has always been the alternate suggestions posted by people - who am I kidding - your suggestions.

Vote this remark down all you like people, but at least open your eyes, and contribute to this discussion.

If people want to make stupid remarks, Gio at least tried to explain once, that's enough. Gio shouldn't frustrate himself (or laugh too hard) with people such as fireworker (definitely Paragon affiliate or worker).

Cheers

Reply   |   Comment by Robert  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#85

@77 (Fred),
Try reading this:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/10523

Reply   |   Comment by Avid Gamer  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#84

I found the 64 bit link, downloaded the sip file, extracted the software, and was still told that I had the 32 bit version.

Reply   |   Comment by Robert P Holley  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#83

Update:-

I found I had to run IObit uninstaller to remove all traces of version 12 before I could get a clean install of today's giveaway.

Reply   |   Comment by Shane J  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+7)
#82

@ #24 Rodney

I've got the same problem so I'm feeling your pain.

If you haven't already, try downloading the file with 2 or 3 different browsers.

Assuming that doesn't work, after you unzip the download, use Windows Explorer and right click on the extracted Setup.gcd file.

Select "Properties".

Look for "Security" at the bottom of the window.

Click on "Unblock" (I also click on Apply and OK, but I wear a belt and suspenders.)

That's worked for a lot of folks; unfortunately I'm not one of them.

If you use Kapersky AV, member ChrisS suggests this:
"The solution for Kaspersky is to boot in Safe Mode, install the program, and then reboot normally when the installation completes. Kaspersky appears to have developed a problem on some computers where it's no longer sufficient to either grant an exclusion or disable the program, you have to boot in Safe Mode so the problem Kaspersky components don't run."

Wish I could tell you it worked for me;unfortunately my laptop won't boot into SM.

Please let us know if it works for you.

If it doesn't work, click on Forums at the top of this page: Join up, and search the threads.

Reply   |   Comment by Lebaron  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#81

@24,
You might try using a different compression program? For instance,
7-zip? It's free:
http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
Choose 32-bit or 64-bit, and for which CPU depending on your system

@26,
I can't remember which company it was (had notes but can't find them)
but one of the giveaways years ago wiped my second hard drive in my
computer which literally made me lose years of personal pictures, things
I'd downloaded, etc. Needless to say I was steaming mad. And it
wasn't anything *I* did. Simply went through the menu items available
(looking around) after I installed it. I had Windows Explorer open
to that drive to a folder I use frequently- maybe a bug that happened
because of that? Unknown. Due to most negative reviews about this
today, I think I'll pass myself. I only use two programs to back
up my hard drives, making a complete disk image onto a USB HD:
1. Acronis True Image (bootable disc I can use outside of Windows
without Windows running)
2. Clonezilla Live (same-bootable disc I can use outside of Windows
AND it's free!)
http://clonezilla.org/clonezilla-live.php

@27 & 54,
One webpage seems to indicate the zip file was not downloaded
successfully. Try downloading it again. Also you might try downloading
and installing a compression program such as 7-Zip and have it "test"
the zip file ("Test" button within the program itself or in the right-
click context menu if you've associated it with zips)...
https://support.winshuttle.com/hc/en-us/articles/200251675-Installation-Error-Error-reading-Setup-Initialization-File
And no I don't work for the 7-Zip company, just a fan of the program.
LOL

@34,
You might try rebooting your computer and try again.

Reply   |   Comment by Avid Gamer  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#80

How to get the best of both worlds:-

1. Use Aomie backup to create a PE backup file
2. Delete Aomie backup software from the file
3. Add Paragon backup software to the file
4. Burn the resulting ISO file to a disk

Reply   |   Comment by Othello86  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)
#79

#63 Giovanni,
Linux boot disc has several drawbacks. For example, some hardware does not support it, such as, hardware RAID; and some functions of the software can not be used. Therefore, we strongly recommend creating Windows PE bootable CD first
http://www.backup-utility.com/features/create-bootable-disc.html

All listed drawbacks on this page, relate only to Aomei linux-based CD. Unlike that, Paragon linux-based media, is able to do File, Folder, Disk and partition backup; System Backup and Explore image file.
To support hardware (eg RAID-controller), recovery media should have drivers, and it is possible that these drivers are already present in the Paragon linux-based CD.

And unfortunately for you this GAOTD (worth 30 bucks), unlike AOMEI BACKUPPER (FREE) does NOT support Windows PE bootable.
In the paid version of Paragon, media builder makes it easy to add any driver in the creation of WinPE. Moreover, you can load the drivers at boot time with a ready media.
Now tell me, Aomei specialist, how to integrate drivers in Aomei WinPE?
If we assume tomorrow LSI will release a new controller, driver for it is not in the Windovs distribution, but only you can download from the manufacturer.
With today's GOTD is also possible to do it all - and WinPE, and drivers... but not such "experts" like you.

Reply   |   Comment by fireworker  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)
#78

Whats concerns me is if my computer crashes then do I need the program Paragon Backup and Recovery to restore the files that were backed up as I can't install the Give Away of the Day version later on.

Hoping that someone can answer this question.

Reply   |   Comment by Brian  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#77

I'm having a problem trying to install the software. Apparently the software trys to connect with Paragon upon the start of installation & upon doing so i get the following error message.
"Failed to connect. Please try again later."

I have been getting this same message for the last 9 hours. Any help please?
My OS is Vista 64 bit if that matters & I'm trying to install the 64 bit version.

Reply   |   Comment by Fred  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#76

#71 Thanks. I did just that, but, as mentioned above, the checker within the program told me the result wasn't a valid boot file. Except, as it turns out, it is. I tested it up to the point prior to actually starting a recovery, and it worked just fine. Weird.
Also I don't understand why the manual (which I must admit I yet have to find anywhere) says something different from the help function, the latter sending the user on a wild goose chase to the Paragon website for a recovery media building program that's not there.
Anyway, it was a waste of time, but all's well that ends well, ain't it so. :)

Reply   |   Comment by Mark  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#75

ANSWER/REPLY to RIODNEY asking for help because not able to install any GOD softwares....

Check to see if your POPUP BLOCK option is turned on or off. If it is on, it may be preventing the GOD popup that occur or also sometimes a antivirus software may prevent an installation...so you need to adjust or check settings.

To turn off POPUP BLOCK option, go to top page menu TOOLS (tab option). Scroll down to POPUP BLOCKER. Click on it and see its settings is on or off. If on, try temp OFF and try reinstalling GOD item.

Reply   |   Comment by susie  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#74

Can this be installed on a removable disk?

If yes, are there instructions on how to do this?

or does this program allow for a recovery disk to be made?

Reply   |   Comment by Cyclone3211  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#73

#61 Instead of referring to the user manual, just give the instructions!
Find the Paragon folder under Program Files.
Within the Paragon program folder double click the ISO folder
Within the ISO folder are two files: bootcd.iso and bootcd_x64.iso
double click the appropriate file. I prompt to burn will automatically appear.
I was able to get a pc without a functioning hard drive to boot with the dvd I burned.

Reply   |   Comment by Dave  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+10)
#72

Can't people read the directions? There is a link for the 64-bit version. It is not hard to find it on the screen. Some people are worst than elementary students when it comes to following directions!

As for Giovanni, I become more and more frustrated with your attitude. I'm tired of you treating people like they are dumb. You also need to step off the pedestal you put yourself on.

Reply   |   Comment by just me  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+14)
#71

@ #24 Rodney "Can ANYONE help me with this problem? Thanks. When trying to unzip file, I get: “Error 0×80004005: Unspecified error Setup.gcd”"

It's something you are running on your system. I was getting that same error initially when the gcd file was first added and found that it was because I had Threat Fire running. I still get the error if I forget to shut TF down before installation. Once I do, the error is gone.

I hope that helps.

Reply   |   Comment by jboy  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)
#70

Tried to install over Paragon BR 12. It says upgrading, installs some visual c++ and then aborts in the middle of installation

Error 1316: A network error occurred while attempting to read from the file .....setup.msi. The extracted files are on my PC...not somewhere out on the network. What is going on Paragon.

Wonder if I'll get a reply before the giveaway is over.

Reply   |   Comment by vin  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#69

same issue as #25 and #30, trying to install the 64 bit version

Reply   |   Comment by Shane J  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#68

If you are running Windows 7, 8/8.1, or Windows 2012 R2, you may not need to download WAIK (Windows Automated Installation Kit)!





http://www.backup-utility.com/help/aik.html

Also, if you're running Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, AOMEI's Backupper software is only 17.2MB, compared to the 57.6MB version for all other Operating Systems.

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

Reply   |   Comment by Enki-Self-Storage  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#67

#4

Gio, you are right. AOMEI's "Backupper" is a great program for backing up any PC.

Today's giveaway is good too, but it isn't quite as easy to navigate or understand as "Backupper" is and that's something that could hurt Paragon Backup's popularity and potentially decrease the number of future customers. However, the 'Power-Users' who visit GAOTD may like today's software more than any of the other similar programs available.

Either way, this is a good tool to have in your toolbox... a definite keeper if you aren't fond of AOMEI in general.

Thanks GAOTD!!!

Reply   |   Comment by Enki-Self-Storage  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
#66

Thank you for your posts.

Linux/DOS Recovery Media can be created using .iso files from Backup & Recovery 12 Compact\iso folder. Windows 7 and later can burn it by opening with Windows Disk Image Burner on right click.

If error 1316 appears during install, please uninstall any previously installed version of Backup & Recovery (other products like Hard Disk Manager can be kept installed).

For installation issue on 64-bit system please try workaround from the following article: How to install program via command prompt

Reply   |   Comment by Paragon  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#65

Agree 1ith #18.
I make system backups at least a month. Recently I had some unrecoverable error so I tried to Restore from a backup from few days ago using Paragon BR 12 compact. The program stopped in the middle ...something about error in the backup file. I had a previous backup using Paragon BR. That did not work either! I was left hanging with no system!

Fortunately I also had a backup using AOMEI Backupper that resored my system.

Since then I have learned not to trust one program for the critical system backup. I use these two plus Seagate DW on a rotating basis for making my system backups.

Reply   |   Comment by vin  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+11)
#64

Directions to creating a boot CD is found in the User Manual.

Getting Started
Booting from the Linux/DOS Recovery Media

Reply   |   Comment by BillW50  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#63

# Firework ( ==> Paragon’s employee or affiliate)

Just tell me what this tool can do if Windows no longer boots up!!
Linux-based recovery media.

——————————————————————–

Can you read and understand English?

Linux boot disc has several drawbacks. For example, some hardware does not support it, such as, hardware RAID; and some functions of the software can not be used. Therefore, we strongly recommend creating Windows PE bootable CD first

http://www.backup-utility.com/features/create-bootable-disc.html

And unfortunately for you this GAOTD (worth 30 bucks), unlike AOMEI BACKUPPER (FREE) does NOT support Windows PE bootable.

Get the drift?

Anyway, thanks for existing (still cannot stop laughing)!!!

Comment by Giovanni — April 29th, 2014 at 2:33 pm

Reply   |   Comment by Giovanni  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#62

Most Paragon products are pretty good.

I had Paragon Backup Restore from previous offerings and in general it was not so bad. A when 14 came out, I bit the bullet and purchased 3 copies, but I found it harder to use. The "wizzard" was not so smart. It became unclear to me exactly what was differential vs incremental, etc. I tried to get help (not deep stuff --- just some guidance on usage) by phone and it is $99 per incident even with purchase. Too much for me.

Now I have AOMEI which I like better and is more complete and friendlier.

There is a free version or you could pay a few dollars for pro.

http://www.backup-utility.com
http://www.backup-utility.com/features/create-bootable-disc.html

Reply   |   Comment by freecat  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+10)
#61

#41: "I downloaded the program, installing went smoothly until at the end it said Not for Win 7 64bit version. That surprised me."

The big difference between 32 & 64 bit versions is the drivers -- they're exclusive to the OS version, so 32 bit will never install in 64 bit Windows. Paragon's software runs a separate install routine for the drivers [see the uim folder], & that just apparently ran last.

----------
#45: "I had used Paragon software before, but stopped since it was annonying to see the program made a series of files to bakup data, not a single file like many others do."

Preferences -> Split backup Archives.

"I use Macrium Pro since it gives:
1. Fast backup and restore.
2. media backup verify
3. Backup/Restore scripting
4. Custom Boot Disk creation with HD driver inclusion
5. Full HD Restore by Win XP/7/8 Boot Menu Entry
6. ISO and USB boot media"


Pro shows as costing $58.99 USD. If you want to compare to Paragon, at least use their paid version. Then you can check off every one of your listed criteria -- IOW Paragon does that same stuff too.

* * *

#46: "I’ve had MBR issues with Paragon – they rewrite it and don’t restore it on uninstall. Totally irresponsible. No regard for clients systems. Have not tried Paragon products for yeas now, likely never will. Love to vote them down on every chance."

I've never let any software muck about with the 1st disk track, including Paragon's stuff, & Paragon's software hasn't done anything unasked. In fact one of the things I really like about Paragon Backup & Recovery is it will back up just that first track. The archive takes up all of 171 KB.

* * *

#48: "Also, on that page only WinPE is mentioned as the OS for the recovery medium, but not Linux. All very confusing."

Yes it is... You can't do the WinPE discs unless you buy one of the Paragon apps, & then the email you get has all the links & such you'll need. Unfortunately much of the help files & docs refer to the paid version of Backup and Recovery. Adding to the confusion, there are two types of WinPE type discs you can create I think -- one is more heavy duty than the other.

It might be easier to use Imgburn for the ISO on CD/DVD, something like rufus for the USB stick, or, I have used the USB media builder in earlier versions of Paragon software with new ISO files.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+15)
#60

#3: "Several months ago I uninstalled previous version. Paragon Backup changed boot menu at the installation and did not restore it back at the uninstallation. Still have backup item in the boot menu and no idea how to fix."

This is a feature you most likely chose to install if it was a regular backup & restore app -- I think it was also part of the System backup & restore software, which automatically backed up in the background. The idea is to give you a boot option to restore a backup without having to insert a rescue disc/USB stick. As it's installed at a lower level Windows uninstall routines won't usually touch this sort of thing. In fact it can be quite difficult to remove -- why I don't install anything of the sort from Paragon or anyone else.

* * *

#5: "The x64 installer required that the old version 12 be uninstalled before the v14 install would complete. Otherwise the install was failing on a Setup.MSI not found error."

Another reason to hate on .msi files, when you run one they stay running, and files stay in place. Stop any installers still running using Task Mgr. Clean out the user Temp folder. If I remember correctly, the one time this happened to me the error message gave me a location -- went there & deleted the offending .msi that has been run to uninstall the older version.

* * *

#7: "I’m a little unclear about the Windows PE issue. "

There Is No WinPE issue.
If you buy the software you get a better, more capable boot disc/USB stick.

Otherwise Windows runs on PCs, & so does *nix. Windows people will tell you Windows is better, *nix folks will disagree. For years you could boot to a very small *nix setup -- Windows only fairly recently got this capability with WinPE. When it comes to Paragon's rescue discs, Paragon software runs on top of either *nix or WinPE, but it's the software that's most important, not the underlying OS.

Where the whole thing about PE discs started I think is that Paragon [& other companies] only provided the *nix versions free, I think because of Microsoft licensing. You got the WinPE discs with software you bought, & both the WinPE & *nix discs were more capable versions [that's an intentional incentive to buy it]. Somehow the idea took hold that the discs were better just because they were WinPE. There's millions of *nix people 'round the world that will scream Balderdash to that. :)

* * *

#12: "What’s the difference between this and “Paragon Backup & Recovery Free (64-bit)” on another site? What are the limitations? I usually like to install software on an external drive to save space on the PC drive and I’m using 2 computers, 32 and 64 bit. Will be moving mostly to the 64 bit at some point."

I've found Compact is better than Free -- there are more options in the Compact version. You ***might*** get away installing to the same folder from each computer -- most of the 32 vs. 64 bit stuff gets added to Windows as drivers, but safest would be to install to your external drive twice, once from each system.

* * *

#13: "regardless of all the hard drive low level support touted in this version/edition does it still have P2P OS Adjust wizard to enable restoration of a system backup to different physical hardware which would ordinarly cause a BueScreen STOP fault due to radical differences in the Hardware Abstraction Layer needed to complete a boot up? If it does not then I’ll be better off sticking with “Paragon Backup & Recovery 10 Home Special Edition” obtained through a long previous giveaway."

P2P & V2P are improved with v.14, but neither is in the compact version of Backup & Recovery.

" I won’t uninstal a prior version that has P2P OS Adjust or V2P OS Adjust wizard for a Compact edition without it since when I finally discard an old machine and all its data I will need those wizards to move my OS and data over to a new generation of hardware which will be significantly different from the original host hardware."

It may not work nearly as well as you hope. I lost software that was tied to the hardware IDs, only rather than just deactivating it went into revenge mode, taking days [not hours] to get working. And for the hardware end of things, references to the old drivers were so deeply rooted in Windows that years afterward I still haven't got it all out. Every once in a while I'll try again, but to this day if I let win7 choose or update drivers automatically, I'll have AMD stuff pop back up in Device Mgr [I'm now running Intel]. Long story short it saved me from re-installing Windows & most of my software, but comparing total time spent I could have easily gone the fresh install route & might even have saved a day.

* * *

#17: "Here is a kind of a “warning message” of which any prospective user should get aware of before using Paragon software."

This post goes on to describe problems restoring a backup. Rather than quote it all I wanted to put down some of how I do it in case it presents a possible solution for Marek Czerski in the future &/or is helpful for anyone else...

I don't like to assume that a hard drive is going to be usable, so I've got a small collection of generic mini Windows boot discs that can give me a desktop [see reboot.pro], and a fair collection of portable apps I can use with it. For backup & restore related stuff I've got boot discs going back to Paragon Backup version 8 -- some of the newer discs won't work with older hardware. I keep several backups that were performed at different dates, not just in case one has an undetected problem, but in case the source of a problem, e.g. mal-ware or a bad driver, went undetected for weeks or months. Rather than invest in one more external drive I save some $ & add a hard drive to our PCs just as a place to store a few backups -- one advantage is that backups & restoration happen faster, & another is that transferring large amounts of data to/from external drives can sometimes be unreliable. I store redundant copies elsewhere.

The sweet spot in terms of HDD cost has been 1TB or more for quite a few years. That means the 1st hard drive can easily afford the space for a 2nd copy of Windows. All of our systems are at least dual-boot -- having a full copy of Windows beats *Any* rescue type disc hands down. It doesn't help of course if there's a complete HDD failure, but all of the restores I've done in the last several years have been to fix a problem with Windows. On this rig for example I've still got XP Pro installed -- I don't use it except for backups & restores of 7 & 8.1. Additionally many newer motherboards have a bios that includes a mini version of *nix itself.

I keep portable copies of Paragon's apps [see my 1st post today] with my collection of portable software. If I can boot into one of my mini-Windows setups, e.g. LiveXP, it can run those portable copies. It can also run a full copy of Windows as a VBox VM using the portaoble VBox launcher. Knock wood, between the two I haven't come across anything unsolvable.

Marek had a problem where restoring a Windows system disk/partition failed. Whatever your strategy, try to give yourself as many options, fail-safes if you prefer, as possible. Regardless the brand of software you're using, restoring a backup to a system disk/partition will overwrite, destroy the data that's already there. If you've got another PC or laptop, look into ways you can connect the hard drive(s) in one system with the other before you need to, if nothing else using maybe an eSATA or even USB cable & adapter. Be creative. You could create a rescue USB stick using a microSD card in a USB reader, & if that failed to work, a friend could send another version to your tablet or cell, which you could transfer to the microSD. If Marek was using a bootable CD to restore his backup, maybe a good 1st step would have been to backup the system as-is using that same CD 1st... IF there was a problem running the app on the CD it should show up during the backup, & no harm done. If there was a problem with the backup archive, Marcek could restore the just performed backup if not an earlier backup.

I like & use Paragon because it works for me with less hassle & impact on Windows than the alternatives I've tried, like EaseUS & Acronis. That doesn't mean anything bad about non-Paragon software. The point I would make is that whatever you use, please realize that stuff happens, or else you wouldn't even be thinking about a backup. And you can't predict it all. So give yourself as many alternative options as you can. Working with partitions &/or restoring backups is permanent in the sense that to go back you have to do it again -- there is no undo. Do not put all your faith in any one thing, be it hardware or a copy of a software program. Stuff can happen to it just like it can happen to anything else.

* * *

#28: "Between backups made ​​with of linux-based recovery media or WinPE no difference. The main difference is the presence of the driver (especially for HDD controllers) in recovery media image, plus WinPE easily add any driver in the creation process. Also on GPT-disk can’t create a bootable backup capsule using a linux-based image, needed WinPE x64 iso."

An alternative -- not saying it's better/worse -- is to focus on bootable media when/if that'll work. I have a traditional dislike of adding anything to the boot portion of a drive since it's always hard to remove those things 100%. As far as drivers go, you might find some interesting options over at reboot.pro. A lot of folks work with adding capabilities to a generic WinPE setup using the AIK tools. And the latest win8.1 update adds an interesting capability -- you can run 8.1 from a .wim rather than needing proper files/folders [it was developed for devices with very low amounts of storage].

"For All: If you have enough direct hand, you can make yourself WinPE x64 (for operating with GPT) using SIW2′s tool ..."

Thanks. Always interested in any discussion &/or tools.

* * *

#30: "Yes, but unlike free Macrium and O&O cannot actualy mount image as drive, just work within program, which is more limiting."

Paragon Backup and Recovery can mount their backup archives -- they then appear as a separate drive in Windows Explorer. According to their ad copy [including at the top of the GOTD page], you can also backup to VHD & VMDK formats, & that might give you some added options, but to be honest I've never tried anything but mounting inside the Backup app because it's of limited use IMHO. To work with raw data stored in an archive as individual files/folders software has to translate that raw data into files & folders. That overhead tends to make it slow, & I'm not the patient sort. So if I need more than a folder or two I generally just restore the backup to a new VHD I create in win7, then copy from that.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+17)
#59

Any backup software that does not offer to make a bootable cd/dvd as part of the process (for those of us who are not computer geniuses) is useless. I will uninstall it and avoid the company in the future.

Reply   |   Comment by Dave  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#58

In reply to myself and no. 53: I saw mentioned on another site that apparently the Recovery Media Builder add-on is supposed to appear under "My downloads" on one's account page (which is where the help function is indeed sending one to), but so far it hasn't turned up.

I also burnt the iso file mentioned before and then ran the program's Check Recovery Discs function on it - which told me it was not a valid boot disc.

Oh, and I have now found how to get the Windows 8 style interface back - it's under "Express Mode" in the main program interface. Not that it helped any with the recovery medium problem though.

Sigh!

Reply   |   Comment by Mark  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
#57

Same problem as #48.
Answer from Paragon Support:
"Thank you for your request and your interest in our software solutions. Please poste your question directly at the comments section on http://giveawayoftheday.com as support is only offered on the GAOTD site. Yours sincerely, Tobias Siebert, Sales Department, Paragon Software Group.

Reply   |   Comment by John Doe  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+10)
#56

Sorry Paragon, NO go!

Too bad, your other software rocks!

Reply   |   Comment by Tonywall  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-5)
#55

Tried "many" times to install on 64 bit on newer 64 bit Toshiba laptop running Win 8.1 - would not go, same error message “Error reading setup initialization file". Tried different programs to unzip, still no luck.

I did however successfully install on old HP running Win 7.

Somethings wrong!

Reply   |   Comment by Tonywall  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#54

I owned the full version of Paragon Backup and Recovery 12 and had email from them of a FREE upgrade to Paragon Backup and Recovery 14, when installed it was a FREE version alright which when upgraded gave me unlocked features. Come on Paragon, you took my money and you want me to cough up again!
What is odd, is that Paragon Backup and Recovery 12 installed to the 32bit program folder yet when i installed their free upgrade it stated my PC was 64bit so could not upgrade, which i know it is and that i had to install the 64bit version. So have uninstalled and reverted back to Paragon Backup and Recovery 12
The reason to uninstall was i could not see anywhere i could create a recovery boot disk which i can do with Paragon Backup and Recovery 12.
Whats the point in backing up your PC without the boot disk feature?

Reply   |   Comment by Frank  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#53

#45 Jeff Installed 64 successful!

Reply   |   Comment by Jeff  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#52

#44 Jeff used install 32
go to try install 64

Reply   |   Comment by Jeff  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#51

On InstallShield Wizard said
Pending Visual C++ 10.0 Runtime -x64 10.0.30319.1
Pending Visual C++ 10.0 Runtime -x86 10.0.30319.1

They ran then got error said
This is a 32-bit version of the program that cannot be installed under a 64-bit operating system

I have both 32-bit and 64-bit on my window 8.1.
Therefore failed to install.
Please help?

Reply   |   Comment by Jeff  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#50

#40 Giovanni,
Aomei BACKUPPER is FREE and BETTER than this GAOTD edition, simply because it enables you to create a Winpe bootable media.
WinPE is just a tool, one of many possible forms of rescue media. Tool, which is not necessary if there is such agent as Linux-based media or bootable Backup Capsule. (Now write "free" and "better" with multi-colored letters, clown.)

Even a little child with no IT skills can understand this simple concept.
Reasonable person distinguishes tasks (backup and restore), and means for their implementation (WinPE, Linux or dance with a tambourine)

Sorry but it looks like you work in PARAGON company…so why not tell the truth instead of talking nonsense behind a fake nickname?
Sorry, I do not have nothing to do with Paragon. And you, I suspect in corruption, promote any company for a small price. But here we are discussing the program and not personality isn't it?

Just tell me what this tool can do if Windows no longer boots up!!
Linux-based recovery media.

Reply   |   Comment by fireworker  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-9)
#49

I have the same problem as no. 39. I thought I was going blind until I saw that I wasn't the only one who couldn't find a way to create a recovery CD from within the new program. It used to be straightforward in previous versions, but I have no idea if the recovery CD from version 12 is any good for using with version 14.

Perhaps there was a link on the Win 8 styled program opening page to recovery media creation, but I went from there straight to the normal opening page (I think it was called "full-sized" or something like that in the Win 8 style menu) and now I can't bring up the Win 8 style menu any more.

There are actually two iso files inside the program folder - one for 32b and one for 64k systems, judging from the names - but it's not at all clear if and how these should be used. Should I just burn one of them to a CD with an external burning program?

But from what I understand from the help texts, the recommended option for Windows 7 users is to install a Paragon add-on called "Recovery Media Builder", which would then allow me to create a Linux-based recovery USB stick.

It says there: "WinPE- and/or Linux-based [!] recovery environments should be prepared on-site with Paragon’s Recovery Media Builder or Boot Media Builder, which you can download from Paragon’s web site".

However, I cannot find a download link for that add-on anywhere on the Paragon site (and that includes the page dedicated to that add-on, http://www.paragon-software.com/landing-pages/rmb/index.html). Also, on that page only WinPE is mentioned as the OS for the recovery medium, but not Linux. All very confusing.

Any help, please?

Reply   |   Comment by Mark  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+10)
#48

#38: "The advantage of a Win PE is, that you can start other window programs"

There are WinPE setups that function like a mini-OS, with a desktop etc., but in this case, like every other rescue disc I've seen, it's simply a platform to run the Paragon software on top of. Either way you the software starts automatically & you're given a menu of different functions.

* * *

#39: "However I can’t find an option anywhere to create a boot disk of any sort."

It's there in Backup and Recover 14 Compact too. You can also just burn the .iso file in the software's "iso' folder -- ImgBurn works well.

* * *

#40: "Aomei BACKUPPER is FREE and BETTER than this GAOTD edition, simply because it enables you to create a Winpe bootable media... Just tell me what this tool can do if Windows no longer boots up!!"

I don't want to get in the middle of an argument, but to answer the question, the difference between WinPE & *nix boot discs/USB sticks is the underlying OS that the software runs on. The *nix boot discs are actually better if you've not got a lot of hardware resources, e.g. on an older PC or laptop. The software running on top of that OS may be better on one than the other, but that's mainly an issue of the coder or coders being better or worse on one OS than the other. Since Microsoft came out with their WinPE tools, it can be easier for Windows-only coders to use WinPE.

The Paragon software you pay for creates more capable WinPE & *nix boot discs/USB sticks -- the Compact versions only creates a less capable *nix version. The difference in the paid version isn't that the disc is WinPE, but that it's a more capable version of Paragon's software running on top of WinPE or *nix. A quick way to check boot disc images, if you don't want to just burn a CD/DVD & reboot to try them, is with VirtualBox -- just add the ISO to the storage for a VM & set the boot order. Don't want to install V/Box? There's a portable launcher. Don't want to bother setting up a VM? For this use you don't have to -- just create a new VM but don't add any OS. Or just spend the 20 cents or so & burn a disc.

* * *

#41: "I downloaded the program, installing went smoothly until at the end it said Not for Win 7 64bit version. That surprised me."

The big difference between 32 & 64 bit versions is the drivers -- they're exclusive to the OS version, so 32 bit will never install in 64 bit Windows. Paragon's software runs a separate install routine for the drivers [see the uim folder], & that just apparently ran last.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+25)
#47

I've had MBR issues with Paragon - they rewrite it and don't restore it on uninstall. Totally irresponsible. No regard for clients systems. Have not tried Paragon products for yeas now, likely never will. Love to vote them down on every chance.

Reply   |   Comment by Bo Cephas  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)
#46

I had used Paragon software before, but stopped since it was annonying to see the program made a series of files to bakup data, not a single file like many others do.

I use Macrium Pro since it gives:

1. Fast backup and restore.
2. media backup verify
3. Backup/Restore scripting
4. Custom Boot Disk creation with HD driver inclusion
5. Full HD Restore by Win XP/7/8 Boot Menu Entry
6. ISO and USB boot media
See: http://updates.macrium.com/reflect/v5.0/reflectdl.exe for download program. Don

Reply   |   Comment by Donald  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+13)
#45

The description staets to uninstall other versions before installing. Would this include Paragon Hard Drive Manager? I'm very leery here as Paragon Back Up ruined my system back up before!

Reply   |   Comment by batsdude  –  9 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
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