My external drive came with a backup thingie...but I never use it. I just copy the whole thing over periodically. I hate compression. Don't trust it. Never did.
I read your entry in that earlier thread and followed your advice regarding small c: partition with os and programs. I also acquired and am using True Image. I also now use True Image for file backups as well.
Your recommended approach has already saved me grief twice:
1. Had to replace failing HD in laptop - reimaging was a snap. One other thing I do is move My Documents to a network server and use offline files on the laptop synched with the server. So in reimaging, all I had to deal with was the small c: partition.
2. Recently had to do a temporary version upgrade to MS Office using a downloaded time trial. Made an image of the c: drive partion, upgraded, then when finished reapplied my old image back to the c: drive partion.
Just wanted to let you know I appreciate you sharing your insights on this.
Acronis TrueImage is in transition. Google and Froogle usually lead you to version 8.0 (if not older), with prices ranging from $39.99 to $79.99 for 8.0.
You can get it directly from the company (Acronis) as version 9.0 (not 8), for $49.99 download, or $59.99 "box."