System Restore Program

Thank you for the replies. I didn't know how to call it. "Disk Imaging"

If any of you has had good or bad success with a FREEWARE Disk Imaging Program Please list them here.

SPECIALY GOOD ONE WOULD BE USEFULL IF LISTED. This could be helpful for many people.

Thanks.

"Example. After a clean install and installing all drivers, programs, addons, Windows Update, etc, etc."

Disk imaging would wipe out your clean install, etc. But it would put the machine back to that date of the image.

Bob

An image made immediately after that "...clean install and installing all drivers, programs, addons, Windows Update, etc, etc." would NOT "wipe out" the clean install -- it would create an image of it.

As you note it would allow the system to be returned to that point in time at any time (much like system restore disk sets from manufacturer's).

I think you misunderstand each other.

Bob meant to say that restoring an image after all drivers, programs, addons, Windows Update etc. etc. doesn't return the machine to the state it was in after (no more than) a (clean) install of Windows from the CD. It might be more useful, indeed, but not 'clean'.
And certainlu it's not exactly like the manufacturers restore disk, because those surely lack behind Windows updates, and needn't contain useful program like Adobe Reader and antivirus and anti-spyware and whatever utilities you would like to have on an image. And certainly not the customised settings (like email-account and your default printer).

Agree?

Kees

I might need to clarify more... Why I would look for something like disk imaging is because doing a clean install takes a lot of time. That is if you think about all updates, antivirus, preferences, email accounts, Acrobat Reader, Macromedia Flash, etc, etc,. I think everyone with experience understands.

I would like a program to avoid a clean install, so next time I'd just be able to step back to that "system restore point" or whatever we'd like to call it.

Earl

With the change you noted, then you might be happy with a disk image.

Bob

Do the clean install.
Load the drivers.
Load the apps you want.
Load all updates.
Set all prefs.

Make an Image.
If you ever have to restore the image it will bring
you back to THAT point.

As to which Image prog to use...Edward mentioned a bunch
your choice.