Hello,
Whats the best Free Disk Imaging & Partition Manager Software? I downloaded "Macrium Reflect Free Edition" and "EASEUS Partition Manager Master Home Edition" that was said to be the best? I don't wont to lose all my programs to reinstall or virus.
Hi,
making a disc image, together with a bootable CD, verifying their integrity and keeping the image safe on removable media is a wise and prudent strategy.
Windows, for example, now includes disc imaging in its latest versions as part of the operating system.
As to which is the best free disc imaging software……its a matter of personal preference, but if you have a look here: http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml
you should be able to obtain a good overview of some of the products and links are also provided to disc management utilities (to set up merge resize partitions etc.. )
Other products by Acronis, Paragon, etc are often provided free in CD/DVD's given away free with computer magazines from time to time.
Its always best to take your first full disc image when you know that your machine is running fast and sweet, with all appropriate Windows updates installed, with no virus or malicious elements present, with junk files deleted, all unneccessary or unwanted applications removed, fully defragged and with updated anti virus, firewall and anti spyware protections in place. Remember , if you make a disc image of an "infected or badly running system and then use it to reimage your hard drive you are just making problems for yourself as the problems will just be propogated….
However, subject to the above paragraph if, at the moment, you do not have a disc image kept safe on removable media, then I recommend you make one immediately…….In the event that you hit serious trouble that cannot be resolved in a timely or cost effective way by the usual means, then you will be able to reimage and have your machine up and running in less time than it takes to walk the dog!
Regards
paws
