Even the newest mini hacker can get around windows file protection, if you want to keep you backups safe then use an air gap, keep them unplugged from your computers and network until needed.
What I've never understood is why people even play the updating game with disk imaging software. I know a collegue with a laptop that uses WIndows 11 and has True Image 2014 installed on it and a friend uses True Image 2017 on his Windows 10 laptop (and family members computers). The local computer shop even uses old Symantec Ghost software and have done so for many years..........They rarely need updating and if it wasn't for the introduction of uefi / gpt. I bet stinking old imaging software would still work today.
I just bought version 8 for my new system because I try to support companies that sell a product that I use. However, I have had version 7 on my old system for over six years. (Paid $35 for it.) I am no longer entitled to support but the program works just fine.
I used the trial version of macrium reflect to clone a mechanical hard drive onto a solid state hard drive a Windows 11 system. Unfortunately the resulting Drive did not work in fact it made it impossible for the system to boot into the windows recovery mode so I had to pull the drive out of the system and put it in a USB Docking Bay and operate on it externally from another operating system.
The free edition turned me on to Macrium. And in fact I was so grateful for its features and it's server version having a functional 30 day trial that worked - that I not only bought it but have got nearly 100 clients to buy for workstations and servers over the past few years. I still like to use free for mainly friends/family and recommendations. I'm very sorry to see the free edition go away. I do not think that home editions paid or free include redeploy. Which I have needed far more often in small or home scenarios than I have needed in business.
Macrium Reclect 8 Home edition does include ReDeploy, but the 30-Day Trial does not. This is based on what their website says today, if anyone is wondering.
@@aperson1181 They 'turned selfish and greedy'? For selling the product they developed and they support? That's a strange logic. Maybe you'd like to do a day's work each week and give the proceeds to your neighbour. Wake up call. Commercial companies are in business to make a profit. When they decide to offer free versions of their software, that's a marketing gambit. If it isn't - or ceases to be - effective, they withdraw it. Sorry for the bad news, but they're not running a charity for your benefit.
I've been a very happy Macrium Reflect user for years but recently had a the following issue : RESTORING FROM THE BOOT USB RESCUE DISK COULD NOT DETECT THE PRIMARY C: DRIVE MAKING IT USELESS. I turned my laptop upside down trying to resolve this (deleting/recreating partition; reinstall of Windows 11; nothing worked ! The problem was not with Macrium, but with Acer/Intel. There is a driver provided on the Intel site called "RST Raid driver". Issue solved !
@@gedtoon6451Weird... I replied here earlier but my answer has disappeared. Anyway, no matter as I was going to edit it to say that if you choose "Macrium Reflect Home" under Products > Personal, there's a "One-Time Purchase" option that doesn't require you to pay every year.
Great, thank you for the update. I will probably stick with Macrium I have been using it sometime now. Just as long as they don't go to subscription method like Acronis did. I will have to check out your tutorial course. Everyone might as well get used to it because eventually all those free programs will become paid programs. A lot of these things rely on donations that nobody does, well at least most. I'm waiting for the day that even Linux will become a paid OS or any other open source. Zorin has a free version but also has a paid version. Everything comes at a cost.
I was using AOMEI for years but the free version does not seem to be able to write to a NAS anymore (tested on multiple machines). I switched to EaseUS which works similar and the NAS destination works.
i started sing Reflect free about 10 yeats ago. Switched to Aomei Backupper free, as I find it more straightforward to use, then switched to Backupper Professional, for the backaup to different equipment, the "bare metal" backup.
I do not have to worry about macrium. I have never used it. I have been using CLONEZILLA for years, it's free and it does everything I need. Cloning disk to disk, backing up from disk to Image, restoring full system backup from Image, etc. etc. CLONEZILLA is all you need, you just have to learn how to use it.
Thanks for this excellent comparison of the various options, including the nuances and pros and cons. One question - I assume that disk images created by Acronis are in a proprietary format in that I assume they cannot be read by ANY of the alternatives such as EaseUS ToDo, Acronis Cyber Protect (formerly known as True Image) or Clonezilla? I am pretty sure the answer is no, but just asking to be sure...
I might have been tempted to buy Macrium Reflect until reading one of the comments stated that there was an annual charge associated with ongoing use of this program. I don't believe in annual charges - once I buy a program, that's it.
@@askleonotenboom Hi Leo, I think it was in their description somewhere. May have miss remembered. Doubt it is there now. Love your small bite size videos, you get the info across in an easy to understand way.
Interesting I'll look into Reflect paid version. For many years I've been using Casper for disk cloning and immediate recovery from a crash and iDrive for cloud back-up. Thanks!
Leo, i use the paid version and i like it so far....still learning the feature sets. Two quick Question - i have a schedule setup (definition file) to run monthly full system image and daily incremental back ups. Does macrium software automatically know when to start itself to begin the automated backup schedules or do i have to remember to start the software on that day/hour? And if i do daily incremental backups, am i leaving my external HD plugged into the computer 24x7? how do you do it? thank you for all the timely useful content you put out
When you set up automated, then Macrium sets up a scheduled task to make it happen. It's all ... automatic. Yes, I leave my external HD plugged in at all times.
I used it a couple of times and then thought they deserved to get some money from me. And it’s not a subscription either. (Not sure about business options).
Let me help you out here. If you have macrium free, your golden on your legacy device you already installed it on....but once you get a new machine, well here the solution....before you toss out your legacy free installation, go to your windows program file folder, and look for Macrium......then copy it and it’s branch files to your usb stick.....then go to your new windows machine ( I went from win 10 to an 11 machine), and drop that file into the same folder (program files). Then once there, open and drill down into that macrium file, and find the reflect application exe file, open it....voila reflect lives again. Make a desktop shortcut and start menu shortcut....and sit back and savor you beating the man! Your welcome!
Very interesting. Been using MR free for about 4 years for imaging and cloning a few systems and it works great. I'm just using the basics and don't do any scheduling. Looking at their pricing, under their annual subscription 1 PC is about $50 and 4 PC is $100, while the 1 time purchase of MR 8 for 1 PC is about $80 or 4 is $240. Will see how it goes if needed then I would go for the 1PC single purchase.
Macrium Free saved my PC from a costly reinstall or worse clean backup when it fixed the MBR. Another free program failed to do that for reasons too complicated to get into here. Upshot: I reward things that are good to me and I went ahead and bought a premium non-free license and don't regret it.
@@Wize817 Two other ones that are leaders in the field. I was so impressed by Macrium Free I bought the premium version, as I say. Your mileage may vary; but I'm loyal to Macrium after this incident.
I use Macrium Reflect 8 Home for now 1-2 years. BF deal 2021 or 2022. Lost so many data in the past. Never again. I also use free Samsung Smart Switch full device backup App + manual backups of WhatsApp folder, contacts and SD card contents (do not try to copy system owned folders!). For the manual copy I use Samsung My Files (the file manager on Samsung devices) together with Samsung T7 Touch SSDs. Everything is stored in a VeraCrypt container.
Interesting... I got the Free version a few months ago and used it successfully. I had another occasion to clone an SSD so went to download it again on another pc but as you say it is not there on the site anymore. However: Tip.. I found my downloaded version from a few months ago and thought I'd try it anyway.. You run the downloaded .exe program and as usual you get a web link get a link to get the code. I expected a fail here (not available or similar message) but they DID send me the install code! worth trying anyway. worked again for me today.. 18/6/2023
Hey Leo! I have a question, what do you think about data brokers companies? Do believe that absolutely everyone has already their personal information being sold there? Do they sell information anonymized or they write peoples name?
They removed the download of the free version. What is the latest free and where to find it? Used to be a decent company, turned selfish and more so, greedy!
Dear Leo, I have to take issue with the expression "going away". This is what businesses like Google and Meta and the one you mention say when what they are actually doing is taking something away. None of these services just go away of their own accord, someone decides to no longer offer them. It's a euphemism.
@@askleonotenboom Nothing man-made just magically "goes away" esp. on the internet! Thats the pro and con of the web as spicey pics prove 😅Theres always somewhere else you can get older versions of software, so he's right, its nothing more than a EXCUSE for a company to "Force Upgrade" its users into paying $80 one-time or annual fees. Just call a spade a spade 🤦Ironically maybe MR made their free software too good that too few customers paid for the upgrade? If scheduling is the only thing different than paid ver, then why bother? MR is dropping out on us while others arent. Besides MR theres at least 32 FREE Backup software tools that are as good or similar to Reflect as titled article from Lifewire details, bad choices have consequences 🤓
Hi LEO, Is it better to clone a 1 TB SSD hard drive with software or with a standalone duplicator like Startech. The cost is about $92.00. Thanks for all your helpful video. You rock.
Thank you for your video. I just do full image backup of my drive C OS and Drive D data partions. I usually backup C to an image regularly and D occasionally, because my frequently use data is in the Onedrive Cloud. I'm selecting between ease us to do backup vs Amoei Backuper, between these two which would you recommend for a free replacement solution? Appreciate your response Sir.
Absolutely! Besides MR theres at least 32 FREE Backup software tools that are as good or similar to Reflect as titled article from Lifewire details, bad choices have consequences 🤓Theres always somewhere else you can get older versions of software, so its nothing more than a EXCUSE for a company to "Force Upgrade" its users into paying $80 one-time or annual fees. Ironically maybe MR made their free software too good that too few customers paid for the upgrade? If scheduling is the only thing different than paid ver, then why bother? MR is dropping out on us while others arent.
Thanks Leo for your succinct and knowledgeable advice. I have a paid version of Macrium (V.8.1) running on a fully updated (2H22) Windows 10 Enterprise volume license; a license obtained on my retirement from my old company. Despite original activation using a 25-character license key, I note that even though originally setup without an MS account (a local user) I now have a "digital license". However now my old motherboard (installed 2015) has failed and I plan to upgrade it using Macrium Reflect Redeploy. Can you advise the best method to ensure the machine will boot and allow Windows re-activation?
I really can't speak to the reactivation (it's very likely it'll boot ok, especially after redeploy). The issue is that the criteria for that digital license isn't really defined anywhere. I expect it'll depend on exactly what changed, and how different it all is. Even though Windows 10 doesn't require a TPM, I could see that being a factor (the TPM has secure information that would clearly be different on a different motherboard.) If this were home or pro you'd probably have the option to call in for automated activation if it didn't just work out of the box, but with Enterprise ... I'm really not sure. Wish I had more clarity for you.
I see there is no free edition now, it says free trial. Perhaps I waited too long? Question: I don't want to drag around the external drive if have it set to back up once a week or once a month. Does it give any warning if you forget to plug in the external drive? More good stuff Leo. Thanks. Just ordered an external drive. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD. I hope that will work. ? Thanks again. JimE
I've been at this for the last half an hour - some people have Reflect 8 Free option showing up and some people don't! On my PC I don't see it, no matter which browser I use and even using private windows, and even using my phone. It's just not there. My friend in the same country (UK, but on a different ISP) *can* see it, and sent me screenshots, and entered my email so I was able to get the code and download. I was also able to see it for myself on my phone if I turned off wifi, using the mobile data (different ISP). So I guess my advice is to try a VPN or ask a friend if it shows up for them.
Hello, I bought a new laptop and wanted to make a full backup of it while the factory settings are fresh and compatible for full performance. Macrium Reflect 7 is nowhere available and Reflect 8 has a 30 day trial. I only want to use it for making a backup once, and leave it in a USB for years, but if the trial expires will I be able to use the backup on my USB again, or will it be unusuable? Please answer
Thank you Leo. I've been waiting to here your views on Macrium free news. One question if I purchase Macrium would I need to repurchase to get new features and updates when they come out with a new version.
I believe there's typically a discount for existing customers. But they don't come out with major version updates terribly often, and all updates within a version (say, all version 8 updates) are included.
Hi Leo do you know if another solution that integrates with virtual box to allow booting of a backed up image as a virtual machine as viboot currently does?
It depends on the image format. A Macrium image would require Macrium. Not sure if EaseUS has similar. You can try .vhd and .vhdx with Hyper-V. I'd also look to see if VirtualBox can be set up to boot from one. The only other approach I can think of is to set up a new virtual machine, use the backup software to restore an image to a virtual hard disk, and then try booting from that.
Not officially, no. That's kinda the point: it's discontinued. You may find it on various download sites, but BE CAREFUL, as those are often "augmented" with malware.
Could it be that it is just end of live for the version 8 of free reflect? Maybe Version 9 of Macrium Reflect could be on its way and there could be a version of Macrium Reflect 9 free. Maybe it is also on the way. Think if you right now buy version 8 and the will release version 9 you have to pay new for this version. What do you think about it? Could it be? By the way I tested the image program from windows itself, that is within windows. It seems to do an image backup great. Even testet a system rollback with it and it works great too. If this works, why should macrium reflect 8 free won't work later too.
Everyone's use case is different. I use Macrium to clone drives to better/bigger SSDs/NVMEs. It has not failed me yet as long as I'm using the most up to date version (Windows changes as mentioned in the video have caused it to stop cloning correctly) Are you interested in something that will handle Full/Incremental backups for you automatically (typically to an external drive)? Macrium Home (Paid) will do that. Your question about maybe v9. It took years between v7 to v8 so i don't expect v9 in my mind for a long while still, i could be wrong but going by past history. Wait until Black Friday and check if it will be on sale again, it's a great time to pickup a license or a 4 pack even.
I was just experimenting with the ability to mount a .mrimg file as a drive letter so that I can scan the entire disk image with a virus scanner. This seems useful. What alternate backup imaging software can do this?
It's an honest opinion, not a cop-out. It's a good product and worth paying for. If you don't feel that way, then there are plenty of free alternatives. EaseUS Todo is one I recommend (and I believe mentioned in the video).
@@askleonotenboom It may be worth it but I dislike the tactic. I don't believe for a second that this it wasn't their plan all along to offer a free version, get it popular, then pull the plug to coerce paid licenses.
Hi Leo, can I restore C drive only after clean install of Windows 10? I want to create new System Reserved partition and Recovery partition during new installation of Window. Thanks
A google search would answer both. macrium.com to get it. You'll find current pricing there as well. (Not putting it here because pricing changes from time to time.)
@@askleonotenboom Don't forget other search engines like Yahoo, Naver, Baidu, Bing, and Yandex. Just a friendly reminder that not everything has to rely on Google.
@muffin man so yes it worked. Took 17hrs but it worked. Only issue it leaves a unextedable amount of free drive space. In my case around 7tb. Kinda frustrating but it did clone the drive successfully.
@@knightmaremedia7795 replying again, can't see my latest reply. MR has options to shrink/expand partitions when you are performing a clone. Maybe you missed these options. Give MiniTool Partition Wizard Free a try in order to adjust your partitions to fit the new drive.
Man, it's a crying shame. Macrium saved my bacon several times on and off work. I'm thinking of purchasing a license just to give thanks, once I get some spare cash.
11 หลายเดือนก่อน
Get Mac and f* this! CCC rules or others super dupers!
so I could not talk my client into it. I like the file backup feature. The free version did not do file and folder backup. Image guardian and file and folder backup are really nice. I buy Macrium for my Alienware and for my blender station. I think it is worth every cent. They make it so you do not have to worry about your computer investment. I worry the free version wont work on windows 11 - I really wish they would offer a simple backup only for a smaller fee. CLONZILLA
I've used MR (free and paid versions) for over ten years on my MSW machines and it has NEVER let me down.
I kept the free edition. I noticed they were trying to get me to update the version, for a pay version. The old Macrium Reflect still works fine.
Even the newest mini hacker can get around windows file protection, if you want to keep you backups safe then use an air gap, keep them unplugged from your computers and network until needed.
What I've never understood is why people even play the updating game with disk imaging software.
I know a collegue with a laptop that uses WIndows 11 and has True Image 2014 installed on it and a friend uses True Image 2017 on his Windows 10 laptop (and family members computers). The local computer shop even uses old Symantec Ghost software and have done so for many years..........They rarely need updating and if it wasn't for the introduction of uefi / gpt. I bet stinking old imaging software would still work today.
I just bought version 8 for my new system because I try to support companies that sell a product that I use. However, I have had version 7 on my old system for over six years. (Paid $35 for it.) I am no longer entitled to support but the program works just fine.
I used the free version to move files from the spinning HD to a blank NVME SSD. Worked great!
I used the trial version of macrium reflect to clone a mechanical hard drive onto a solid state hard drive a Windows 11 system. Unfortunately the resulting Drive did not work in fact it made it impossible for the system to boot into the windows recovery mode so I had to pull the drive out of the system and put it in a USB Docking Bay and operate on it externally from another operating system.
The free edition turned me on to Macrium.
And in fact I was so grateful for its features and it's server version having a functional 30 day trial that worked - that I not only bought it but have got nearly 100 clients to buy for workstations and servers
over the past few years.
I still like to use free for mainly friends/family and recommendations.
I'm very sorry to see the free edition go away.
I do not think that home editions paid or free include redeploy.
Which I have needed far more often in small or home scenarios than I have needed in business.
They removed the free version from the site, forcing people to buy. Used to be a decent company, turned selfish and more so, greedy!
Macrium Reclect 8 Home edition does include ReDeploy, but the 30-Day Trial does not. This is based on what their website says today, if anyone is wondering.
@@aperson1181 They 'turned selfish and greedy'? For selling the product they developed and they support? That's a strange logic. Maybe you'd like to do a day's work each week and give the proceeds to your neighbour.
Wake up call. Commercial companies are in business to make a profit. When they decide to offer free versions of their software, that's a marketing gambit. If it isn't - or ceases to be - effective, they withdraw it. Sorry for the bad news, but they're not running a charity for your benefit.
@@aperson1181 I know. I went to a local car dealer and asked for a free car and they said "No"! How selfish and greedy.
I've been a very happy Macrium Reflect user for years but recently had a the following issue : RESTORING FROM THE BOOT USB RESCUE DISK COULD NOT DETECT THE PRIMARY C: DRIVE MAKING IT USELESS. I turned my laptop upside down trying to resolve this (deleting/recreating partition; reinstall of Windows 11; nothing worked ! The problem was not with Macrium, but with Acer/Intel. There is a driver provided on the Intel site called "RST Raid driver". Issue solved !
please elaborate as if im a child,,what did u have to do with that driver?
I agree that Macrium is definitely worth paying for. I bought the home 4 pack as well.
But you have to pay for it EVERY YEAR!
@@gedtoon6451Weird... I replied here earlier but my answer has disappeared. Anyway, no matter as I was going to edit it to say that if you choose "Macrium Reflect Home" under Products > Personal, there's a "One-Time Purchase" option that doesn't require you to pay every year.
@@gedtoon6451 no.
I think I gotthe single version,it’s always worked.
Punk move
Great, thank you for the update. I will probably stick with Macrium I have been using it sometime now. Just as long as they don't go to subscription method like Acronis did. I will have to check out your tutorial course.
Everyone might as well get used to it because eventually all those free programs will become paid programs. A lot of these things rely on donations that nobody does, well at least most.
I'm waiting for the day that even Linux will become a paid OS or any other open source. Zorin has a free version but also has a paid version. Everything comes at a cost.
I was using AOMEI for years but the free version does not seem to be able to write to a NAS anymore (tested on multiple machines). I switched to EaseUS which works similar and the NAS destination works.
i started sing Reflect free about 10 yeats ago. Switched to Aomei Backupper free, as I find it more straightforward to use, then switched to Backupper Professional, for the backaup to different equipment, the "bare metal" backup.
Why buy Pro vers? Cant you just backup to external drive, then transfer to "different equipment"? 🤔
I do not have to worry about macrium. I have never used it. I have been using CLONEZILLA for years, it's free and it does everything I need. Cloning disk to disk, backing up from disk to Image, restoring full system backup from Image, etc. etc. CLONEZILLA is all you need, you just have to learn how to use it.
Thanks for this excellent comparison of the various options, including the nuances and pros and cons.
One question - I assume that disk images created by Acronis are in a proprietary format in that I assume they cannot be read by ANY of the alternatives such as EaseUS ToDo, Acronis Cyber Protect (formerly known as True Image) or Clonezilla? I am pretty sure the answer is no, but just asking to be sure...
I would assume Acronis images are accessible only to Acronis software. Same for most other tools -- image formats are generally proprietary.
I might have been tempted to buy Macrium Reflect until reading one of the comments stated that there was an annual charge associated with ongoing use of this program. I don't believe in annual charges - once I buy a program, that's it.
Not required. You can purchase an annual subscription, yes, but there's also a one-time option.
EaseUS TOdo will make a backup image.. but the free version will not make a emergeny boot media.. unless you buy it.
Correct me if I am wrong, they also said in the past that Macrium would ALWAYS be free. Sharp 'UTURN' if so
I don't recall such a statement. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@askleonotenboom Hi Leo, I think it was in their description somewhere. May have miss remembered. Doubt it is there now. Love your small bite size videos, you get the info across in an easy to understand way.
The free edition will continue to exist indefinitely, it just won't be updated or supported past 2024
@@JasonNZ42 It will continue to try to run indefinitely, but Macrium appears to have removed it from their website already.
Interesting I'll look into Reflect paid version. For many years I've been using Casper for disk cloning and immediate recovery from a crash and iDrive for cloud back-up. Thanks!
Leo, i use the paid version and i like it so far....still learning the feature sets. Two quick Question - i have a schedule setup (definition file) to run monthly full system image and daily incremental back ups. Does macrium software automatically know when to start itself to begin the automated backup schedules or do i have to remember to start the software on that day/hour? And if i do daily incremental backups, am i leaving my external HD plugged into the computer 24x7? how do you do it? thank you for all the timely useful content you put out
When you set up automated, then Macrium sets up a scheduled task to make it happen. It's all ... automatic. Yes, I leave my external HD plugged in at all times.
How about Rescuezilla?
I used it a couple of times and then thought they deserved to get some money from me. And it’s not a subscription either. (Not sure about business options).
Let me help you out here. If you have macrium free, your golden on your legacy device you already installed it on....but once you get a new machine, well here the solution....before you toss out your legacy free installation, go to your windows program file folder, and look for Macrium......then copy it and it’s branch files to your usb stick.....then go to your new windows machine ( I went from win 10 to an 11 machine), and drop that file into the same folder (program files). Then once there, open and drill down into that macrium file, and find the reflect application exe file, open it....voila reflect lives again. Make a desktop shortcut and start menu shortcut....and sit back and savor you beating the man! Your welcome!
Leo I use AOMEI as my backup and partition assistance features as I have never had much luck with Macrium Reflect and can thoroughly recommend it.
Image Guardian AND file and folder backup is very nice as well. I buy macrium for my PCs that I depend on and I implore my clients to do the same.
Has Macrium Reflect Free done away with the free download? I can't find it on the website.
Correct. That's what this video is all about.
Very interesting. Been using MR free for about 4 years for imaging and cloning a few systems and it works great. I'm just using the basics and don't do any scheduling.
Looking at their pricing, under their annual subscription 1 PC is about $50 and 4 PC is $100, while the 1 time purchase of MR 8 for 1 PC is about $80 or 4 is $240. Will see how it goes if needed then I would go for the 1PC single purchase.
Macrium Free saved my PC from a costly reinstall or worse clean backup when it fixed the MBR. Another free program failed to do that for reasons too complicated to get into here. Upshot: I reward things that are good to me and I went ahead and bought a premium non-free license and don't regret it.
@@raylopez99 Thats good! Curious which one failed?
@@Wize817 Two other ones that are leaders in the field. I was so impressed by Macrium Free I bought the premium version, as I say. Your mileage may vary; but I'm loyal to Macrium after this incident.
I use Macrium Reflect 8 Home for now 1-2 years. BF deal 2021 or 2022. Lost so many data in the past. Never again.
I also use free Samsung Smart Switch full device backup App + manual backups of WhatsApp folder, contacts and SD card contents (do not try to copy system owned folders!). For the manual copy I use Samsung My Files (the file manager on Samsung devices) together with Samsung T7 Touch SSDs.
Everything is stored in a VeraCrypt container.
Interesting... I got the Free version a few months ago and used it successfully. I had another occasion to clone an SSD so went to download it again on another pc but as you say it is not there on the site anymore. However: Tip.. I found my downloaded version from a few months ago and thought I'd try it anyway.. You run the downloaded .exe program and as usual you get a web link get a link to get the code. I expected a fail here (not available or similar message) but they DID send me the install code! worth trying anyway. worked again for me today.. 18/6/2023
Neat! Thanks for the tip.
Hey Leo! I have a question, what do you think about data brokers companies? Do believe that absolutely everyone has already their personal information being sold there? Do they sell information anonymized or they write peoples name?
They removed the download of the free version. What is the latest free and where to find it? Used to be a decent company, turned selfish and more so, greedy!
I know. I went to a local car dealer and asked for a free car and they said "No"! How selfish and greedy.
Hmm...I expected a direct link to the free version? Their site is confusing.
I've been looking to upgrade my backup software. Never knew Macrium existed. Will definitely look into it.
3:16 noting that Image Guardian doesn’t protect against disk level operations, like full disk encryption or formatting.
Is the old version available anywhere?
What about cloning your drive to another drive for a backup?
Hola, Aks Leo, genial, gracias por el servicio que nos brindas!! Gracias por la ayuda!
Dear Leo, I have to take issue with the expression "going away". This is what businesses like Google and Meta and the one you mention say when what they are actually doing is taking something away. None of these services just go away of their own accord, someone decides to no longer offer them. It's a euphemism.
Seems like the distinction is kinda pointless, though. You can't get Macrium Reflect Free any more, thus it's gone away.
@@askleonotenboom Nothing man-made just magically "goes away" esp. on the internet! Thats the pro and con of the web as spicey pics prove 😅Theres always somewhere else you can get older versions of software, so he's right, its nothing more than a EXCUSE for a company to "Force Upgrade" its users into paying $80 one-time or annual fees. Just call a spade a spade 🤦Ironically maybe MR made their free software too good that too few customers paid for the upgrade? If scheduling is the only thing different than paid ver, then why bother? MR is dropping out on us while others arent. Besides MR theres at least 32 FREE Backup software tools that are as good or similar to Reflect as titled article from Lifewire details, bad choices have consequences 🤓
I've used the free MR ver 8 this month and it worked fine. If you know, how long can i safely use the free version in 2024?
Where can I find a copy of the free version?
On MajorGeeks. Sorry, but I don't think TH-cam permits me to provide you with a link, but it should be quite easy to Google
Hi LEO, Is it better to clone a 1 TB SSD hard drive with software or with a standalone duplicator like Startech. The cost is about $92.00. Thanks for all your helpful video. You rock.
Software is plenty.
As another alternative, what about using windows “create a system image” and saving it to an external drive?
This is sad news, but it is worth paying for though.
Absolutely! It's worth every penny if you ever have to use it only once. The most versatile and reliable backup program I've ever used
I’ll just use one of the other 15 alternatives… Rescuezilla
No other alternative has active Ransomware protection service, or Synthetic type backups like MR has.
@@CesarPeron Hackers can't encrypt your backup if you don't have it plugged in. The best ransomware protection is an air gap.
Thank you for your video. I just do full image backup of my drive C OS and Drive D data partions. I usually backup C to an image regularly and D occasionally, because my frequently use data is in the Onedrive Cloud. I'm selecting between ease us to do backup vs Amoei Backuper, between these two which would you recommend for a free replacement solution? Appreciate your response Sir.
Absolutely! Besides MR theres at least 32 FREE Backup software tools that are as good or similar to Reflect as titled article from Lifewire details, bad choices have consequences 🤓Theres always somewhere else you can get older versions of software, so its nothing more than a EXCUSE for a company to "Force Upgrade" its users into paying $80 one-time or annual fees. Ironically maybe MR made their free software too good that too few customers paid for the upgrade? If scheduling is the only thing different than paid ver, then why bother? MR is dropping out on us while others arent.
Thanks Leo for your succinct and knowledgeable advice. I have a paid version of Macrium (V.8.1) running on a fully updated (2H22) Windows 10 Enterprise volume license; a license obtained on my retirement from my old company. Despite original activation using a 25-character license key, I note that even though originally setup without an MS account (a local user) I now have a "digital license". However now my old motherboard (installed 2015) has failed and I plan to upgrade it using Macrium Reflect Redeploy. Can you advise the best method to ensure the machine will boot and allow Windows re-activation?
I really can't speak to the reactivation (it's very likely it'll boot ok, especially after redeploy). The issue is that the criteria for that digital license isn't really defined anywhere. I expect it'll depend on exactly what changed, and how different it all is. Even though Windows 10 doesn't require a TPM, I could see that being a factor (the TPM has secure information that would clearly be different on a different motherboard.) If this were home or pro you'd probably have the option to call in for automated activation if it didn't just work out of the box, but with Enterprise ... I'm really not sure. Wish I had more clarity for you.
Thanks Leo for answering so promptly. Before I commit I'll keep searching; surely I can't be the first person to ask this question.
@@askleonotenboom
I see there is no free edition now, it says free trial. Perhaps I waited too long?
Question: I don't want to drag around the external drive if have it set to back up once a week or once a month. Does it give any warning if you forget to plug in the external drive?
More good stuff Leo. Thanks.
Just ordered an external drive. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD. I hope that will work. ?
Thanks again. JimE
I recommend what I do: I leave my external drives plugged in specifically so automated backups can happen without fail.
@@askleonotenboom That's what I'll do. Thanks. JimE
I've been at this for the last half an hour - some people have Reflect 8 Free option showing up and some people don't! On my PC I don't see it, no matter which browser I use and even using private windows, and even using my phone. It's just not there. My friend in the same country (UK, but on a different ISP) *can* see it, and sent me screenshots, and entered my email so I was able to get the code and download.
I was also able to see it for myself on my phone if I turned off wifi, using the mobile data (different ISP).
So I guess my advice is to try a VPN or ask a friend if it shows up for them.
@@googleboughtmee Thank you. Doing the 30 day trial right now to see what is offered when it is complete. JimE
Hello, I bought a new laptop and wanted to make a full backup of it while the factory settings are fresh and compatible for full performance.
Macrium Reflect 7 is nowhere available and Reflect 8 has a 30 day trial. I only want to use it for making a backup once, and leave it in a USB for years, but if the trial expires will I be able to use the backup on my USB again, or will it be unusuable? Please answer
I'd be tempted to use EaseUS Todo free for that. Same thing.
Thank you Leo. I've been waiting to here your views on Macrium free news. One question if I purchase Macrium would I need to repurchase to get new features and updates when they come out with a new version.
I believe there's typically a discount for existing customers. But they don't come out with major version updates terribly often, and all updates within a version (say, all version 8 updates) are included.
Did you made a followup on this clip?
Windows backup works well enough for anyone who doesn't need Macrium features.
If you need Macrium features you should probably be paying for it...
i just heard about this software it is amazing .. i would agree upgrade or just use the free version ..
Hasleo backup suite is free and looks similar to Macriun non-free.
Hi Leo do you know if another solution that integrates with virtual box to allow booting of a backed up image as a virtual machine as viboot currently does?
It depends on the image format. A Macrium image would require Macrium. Not sure if EaseUS has similar. You can try .vhd and .vhdx with Hyper-V. I'd also look to see if VirtualBox can be set up to boot from one. The only other approach I can think of is to set up a new virtual machine, use the backup software to restore an image to a virtual hard disk, and then try booting from that.
DO you recommend the AOMEI backup product??
I have no direct experience with it, but I've heard good things.
Is there still a link somewhere to download the free version? Thanks...
Not officially, no. That's kinda the point: it's discontinued. You may find it on various download sites, but BE CAREFUL, as those are often "augmented" with malware.
@@askleonotenboom thanks very much.
Is this a one time cost or annual subscription?
One time.
Could it be that it is just end of live for the version 8 of free reflect? Maybe Version 9 of Macrium Reflect could be on its way and there could be a version of Macrium Reflect 9 free. Maybe it is also on the way.
Think if you right now buy version 8 and the will release version 9 you have to pay new for this version.
What do you think about it? Could it be?
By the way I tested the image program from windows itself, that is within windows. It seems to do an image backup great. Even testet a system rollback with it and it works great too. If this works, why should macrium reflect 8 free won't work later too.
Everyone's use case is different. I use Macrium to clone drives to better/bigger SSDs/NVMEs. It has not failed me yet as long as I'm using the most up to date version (Windows changes as mentioned in the video have caused it to stop cloning correctly)
Are you interested in something that will handle Full/Incremental backups for you automatically (typically to an external drive)? Macrium Home (Paid) will do that.
Your question about maybe v9. It took years between v7 to v8 so i don't expect v9 in my mind for a long while still, i could be wrong but going by past history. Wait until Black Friday and check if it will be on sale again, it's a great time to pickup a license or a 4 pack even.
Just bought a license after watching this video.
I was just experimenting with the ability to mount a .mrimg file as a drive letter so that I can scan the entire disk image with a virus scanner. This seems useful. What alternate backup imaging software can do this?
Hi Leo, do you know another backup tool that has active and efficient Ransomware protection like MR?
So far MR's the only one I've seen it in. I expect others will eventually, since it's a pretty nifty technique.
@@askleonotenboom I totally agree
No, the answer isn't to pay them.
Find something else, this answer us a huge copout.
It's an honest opinion, not a cop-out. It's a good product and worth paying for. If you don't feel that way, then there are plenty of free alternatives. EaseUS Todo is one I recommend (and I believe mentioned in the video).
@@askleonotenboom I do have to wonder if you are being paid for this and not declaring it.
@@mrljgibson HA! No. I wish. And for the record, again, no. (I'm sure they wouldn't let me have mentioned a competitor if I were.) So ... no.
@@voltagedrop6098 Yup. It's been out for a while already: askleo.com/product/saved-backing-up-with-macrium-reflect-8-online-course/
@@askleonotenboom It may be worth it but I dislike the tactic. I don't believe for a second that this it wasn't their plan all along to offer a free version, get it popular, then pull the plug to coerce paid licenses.
A year later and it's still free. This didn't age well.
No. No it's not. It's no longer on the Macrium website.
Hi Leo, can I restore C drive only after clean install of Windows 10? I want to create new System Reserved partition and Recovery partition during new installation of Window. Thanks
I don't quite understand what you're up to. A restore will overwrite what's on the disk.
I want to repair the Recovery partition. Is there a better way? Thanks
@@gtm5650 Depends on why and how it's broken. Restoring only the recovery partition from an image backup taken prior to any damage would be ideal.
What? Does! Macrium? Cost?
Where? Can! I! Get! It!
A google search would answer both. macrium.com to get it. You'll find current pricing there as well. (Not putting it here because pricing changes from time to time.)
@@askleonotenboom Don't forget other search engines like Yahoo, Naver, Baidu, Bing, and Yandex. Just a friendly reminder that not everything has to rely on Google.
Im trying out 30 free trial now. Aomei failed to clone my disk properly. So im trying this out.
Report back how it does. If the origin disk is damage it could still fail but MR is very dependable in my opinion.
@muffin man it's 10tb going to a 20tb drive.. its gonna be awhile but I will
@muffin man so yes it worked. Took 17hrs but it worked.
Only issue it leaves a unextedable amount of free drive space. In my case around 7tb. Kinda frustrating but it did clone the drive successfully.
@@knightmaremedia7795 replying again, can't see my latest reply. MR has options to shrink/expand partitions when you are performing a clone. Maybe you missed these options.
Give MiniTool Partition Wizard Free a try in order to adjust your partitions to fit the new drive.
@muffin man yea I must of missed that option. I have another drive to do. Same size so I'll give that a whirl. Thanks.
I guess i need a payed version for each of my systems?
They have a family plan.
Drink up, me hearties, yo ho !
Great review!
Man, it's a crying shame. Macrium saved my bacon several times on and off work.
I'm thinking of purchasing a license just to give thanks, once I get some spare cash.
Get Mac and f* this! CCC rules or others super dupers!
EaseUS ToDo is Chinese software. Just sayin'... 🤨
Oh no! China bad
So you're a paid TOOL for MR 😂
I may be a tool, but MR isn't paying me. (I wish.)
so I could not talk my client into it. I like the file backup feature. The free version did not do file and folder backup. Image guardian and file and folder backup are really nice. I buy Macrium for my Alienware and for my blender station. I think it is worth every cent. They make it so you do not have to worry about your computer investment. I worry the free version wont work on windows 11 - I really wish they would offer a simple backup only for a smaller fee. CLONZILLA