Customer Reviews

Acronis True Image Backup 9.0 [OLD VERSION]

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

Cons: Truly bad support, documentation of error codes is completely non-existent, etc. They won't help you and you won't be able to help yourself.

This product has been absolutely dreadful for us even though we're using the newest build released just yesterday (5/22/2006).

The backups of files we select seems straightforward and the process tells us the backup was successful, but then when we go to restore from it we get one error message after another (both when trying to back up to DVDs, and then to the hard drive itself [just in case the DVDs was the issue]). Either way, we still have all kinds of error messages and unreliable backup of data using this product.

Oh, and if you need technical support what you get is you send an e-mail and in A FEW DAYS OR SO IF YOU'RE LUCKY someone responds with a canned answer that's useless and has little to do with the problem you've had to describe to them since no one will talk to you on the phone. (If you want to talk to a human you have to pay $29.99, and that's right after you just paid them for the product that never worked once.)

This is truly the worst PC product I've ever had the misfortune of ATTEMPTING to use in over 20 years of doing this, and the company has an attitude problem -- they want your money but they don't want to hear from you (or help you) after they've got it.

For some people the product seems to work, but for those for whom it doesn't, you will find as I do that this company will be little to no help to you at all.

UPDATE:

My problem with this software turned out to be the length limitation on file paths, and since all the backup files are in a tree branch structure of files, some folders plus subfolders plus file names plus the stuff the program adds makes the name too long for the program to handle. I had to figure this out for myself over two full days (add that to the price of the product!) because Acronis doesn't tell you that (perhaps by including a box of tips in the backup section) and doesn't provide a list of error codes and what they might indicate as the problem. Tech support is non-existent unless you want to pay $29.99 per call, and all of this that I went through was completely avoidable. In fact, I got a hunch the file name length might be the issue from using someone else's product which just plain SAID SO. If Acronis isn't going to help the user the should provide the means for the user to help himself, but they don't, and even when they add features like the DVD burning feature they don't update the downloadable or web site information about it -- it just shows up as a bullet point on a list of features at the time of this writing. You may have no problems with this, but if you do you are on your own. Personally I would look somewhere else for your backup needs just in case something goes wrong and you need answers. Good luck!

Love the software. Hate the user experience.

Installed the trial version, reboot required. Liked the trial version so bought a copy. No way to enter the serial code in the trial version to upgrade to full version. Uninstalled the trial version, reboot required. Install the full version, reboot again. Found out the full version is out of date. Went to the support site. No downloadable version without registering. So registered, waited for an email to validate registration. Logged into the acronis site. Must register your product's serial code before obtaining an update. But wait, their website has a bug that won't let you register the product. Tried to email support to get my copy registered. Can't email them because you need to register your product before getting support, which is why I'm trying to email them. Shockingly bad user experience.

This is the only consumer software company that demands user and product registration before providing bug fixes. They provide no way to update your software from within the program as many others do.

Acronis, you stink!

I have used Acronis True Image 9 many times and have found that it works flawlessly.

I bought this product because I was looking for an easy way to upgrade the hard drive in my laptop. True Image walked me through the steps of duplicating the contents of my entire hard drive onto the new replacement drive that I had purchased. The entire process took less than 30 minutes and voila! Everything worked perfectly.

I thought about buying the Symantec product which does the same thing (Ghost I believe), but I've never cared for any of Symantec's products so I was happy to give the $35 to Acronis.

Trust me, you won't regret buying this software, even if you're only planning to back up your hard drive.

1. I am a "home" software tech.
I WAS using Norton Ghost, but kept having problems with their system restore bombing!

I needed a "full Image/System" backup, that is dependable, for me and my clients!
Acronis True Image 9.0 is it!
I read MANY reviews on 9.0. The reviews were love/hate?
Users commonly blame problems... on the computer/software/hardware..., but 99.9% of the time it is "user error...!"! The most common error, is that some other running program conflicts (especially AntiSpyware/AntiVirus!), with a PROPER pgm installation (see my PROPER install procedure below).
Things I was able to do while thoroughly testing 9.0 on 2 desktops & one laptop, with NO problems!
1. Backup/Restore from a different partition, on the primary Hard Drive (the best results!).
2. Backup/Restore from a different partition on my slave HD.
3. Backup/Restore from my new Western Digital USB 2.0, 120Gb, 7,200 rpm external HD (WOW!, it does faster backups... than 24x CD, and rivals my 7,200 rpm slave HD's!).
4. Restored system from installed 9.0 program (best), and Acronis emergency boot CD.
ALL functions worked great for me, except Incremental Backup!
a. "Incremental backup", is a pain!/slow & did not backup my changed data files...! I do a full image backup instead (faster!)!

II. This is what I did (should work for 8.0 also).
"Highly Technical", print it out (File/Print...)!
9.0 is supposed to work on ALL/(raid too) HD's.
1. My new WD 120mb USB 2.0 external HD-
a. Reformatted from FAT32 to NTFS using "quick...", (I created "2" 60mb partitions).
b. Forget the WD Software..., XP recognizes this HD, and installs all the drivers.../ Restart.

Now for a PROPER program install! You need to disable ALL running programs (hidden too!). If you are having problems... with 8.0/9.0 (for that matter ANY pgm!)- Uninstall/restart & do this PROPER install procedure)-
1. To Disable "ALL" Startup Group Items, (except if u have an add on firewall/SHOULD!).
Do this procedure for "ALL" your program installs, not just this one!
a. Start, Run, type in "msconfig", Selective Startup (remove check from "Load Startup Group Items", (click on Startup folder & put check in add on firewall only, if needed.), Apply, OK..., Restart Now. SLOW DOWN!

2. Install 9.0./ Restart XP LOVES restarts(All program installs/uninstalls/file deletes..., are NOT complete until AFTER a restart)! After a restart... ALWAYS wait for your tower... HD light to stop blinking, before continuing!!!). For that matter- EVERY time you click ANY pgm selection..., wait 10 seconds... for HD lights to stop blinking! YUP!, "WE" ARE faster than a speeding computer & I gotta super-fast one! (you want your computer/pgm... to play with a "Full Deck...!") SLOW DOWN!

3. Go to the www.Acronis.com web site, and register your "valid" 9.0 software. Open their verification email, and click...

4. Login back onto the Acronis web site ("login" is hidden WAY on the right side) Download/Save.../Run the 37mb, 9.0 product update./ Restart!
note:- This is the complete program, and may/should be installed instead of using the old CD program. It will accept your CD key code.

5. Now do a "Normal Startup"-
Start, Run, msconfig, put dot in "Normal Startup", apply, ok..., Restart Now. SLOW DOwn!

6. Cleanup your system (Fix-it Utilities 6 (ONLY install this pgm. see my review!), free- EasyCleaner 2.0, & CleanUp 4.0, are also GREAT!). Restart.

7. Now check your System files for errors- Open "My Computer", RIGHT click on your system "C" drive/(Disk 1), Properties, Tools, Check Now, put ckeck in Automatically fix file system errors (only!, unless you suspect HD errors). Start Now...
a. Let XP do its restart checkup/auto repair, & restart "TWICE!"!
b. PROPER HD Defragment!- Restart, Log off internet. RIGHT click on ALL icons next to clock & exit/stop/disable... what you can, wait 1 min. for HD lights to stop, and defrag (see #7...). Restart TWICE, & log back onto internet.

8. Acronis can be VERY difficult to figure out (I LOVE this challenge!)! (download/install the free trial, first!?)!
a. To Create a bootable Rescue Media CD-
From "Normal Startup..."- Click on the life ring icon... (don't be TO quick after opening 9.0!!!) SLOW DOWN!

b. Open 9.0, and do a backup to your destination HD(Default settings. Expand +My Computer, to find HD's...).
The backup file MUST be named- SomethingMeaningful.tib (i.e- LaptopE1.tib ("E" being the HD file is stored on!)). (9.0 took about 5 min to backup the 7gb of files on my C drive).
c. Restart, and run a 9.0 "Check Archive", on the .tib file you just created (about 5 min.).

9. Now see if System Restore works (Takes about 15min.!)? Don't open any email..., or any other file/pgm changes... (Overwrites your existing system)! Backup ALL your important data files first(the most important file for most, is your "Email Address Book"!). Restart.
a. Restore fm 9.0 pgm (best), or if "dead in water..." put the emergency 9.0 boot CD in, and restart (may have to change your bios to restart from CD, before your HD?). When the 9.0 "boot" CD opens "Quick!!!", click on the TOP! option...
Note": Once restore is started- DO NOT CANCEL, or you'll lose XP...! (start over if you goof up... Be patient!).
HD letters will "drastically change!", browse for your .tib restore file (you'll be glad you put the "E"..., in the .tib file name!), and click it...

Important LATER Note!: I downloaded & installed their later version, that fully supports DVD writing-
1. The DVD backup, took an hour & 15 minutes (HD backup took 5 minutes)! I wouldn't even try a SLOW restore from this!
a. When you select your DVD writer, and it comes back & says "Invalid CD...", just click retry..., & it will select DVD.

2. The HD recovery with this new version took 45min! The older version took less than 10min.

ENJOY!
Scott :o)

In terms of value, reliability, and ease of use, Acronis True Image 9 stands head and shoulders above most of the other backup software out there (e.g. Ghost, Dantz Retrospect, to name but two). Don't look to the folks at Acronis for great product support, however, because you're not likely to get it ... at least I never have, in the three years or so that I've been using their products. A couple of hints to those new to this software: (1) If you are installing your Acronis secure zone on a dual option Firewire/USB external hard drive, DO NOT use USB; always, always, always use Firewire instead. (No matter what they may tell you, True Image 9 IS NOT properly supported by prevailing USB 2.0 architecture, let alone the older 1.1, and if your external hard drive is USB 2 only, you may be in for a lot of headaches.) (2) If you are reinstalling Windows, haven't updated your applications in some time, AND you happen to own Acronis Privacy Suite as well, DO NOT download antispyware definitions updates directly from the Privacy Suite GUI; instead, go to the Acronis Updates page. Download the largest (oldest) applicable updates file from there, and install OFFLINE. Otherwise you will find that True Image 9 stops working and has to be reinstalled. (3) If you have a printer or other peripheral hooked up to your USB port(s), DISCONNECT it (them) BEFORE starting any backup operations. Good luck. This is a good product.

I ordered this software on December 21 and it arrived on the 23rd by UPS ground. TigerDirect shipped it on the 22nd, sent me an email to that effect about 4 hours before it arrived at my home. That was the first pleasant surprise.

I'm running a system I built myself that uses an AMD Athlon processor and I run fully-updated XP Home. My objective was to swap out a 6-year old 13 Gbyte harddrive for a newer 40 Gbyte model. The newer disk has actually been in use for 3 years as a second drive.

The software installed very quickly and with no unexpected events. All the prompts were clear so there was never any need to reference Help or the website.

Since my true objective was to clone my boot drive and put the clone into service as my boot drive, that's the option I selected when I ran the software. Again, the prompts for this process were very clear. My first attempt at cloning failed - True Image needed to do a reboot, but after the reboot, the software didn't continue running. After thinking about that for a while I decided to disable my Anitvirus software and software firewall. I chose the clone option again and, this time, everything went as expected. After the reboot, a "dos" screen appeared showing progress of the cloning operation. Total elapsed time to clone my drive was 20 minutes - that was pleasant surprise number two.

Since my system is fairly new, my BIOS allows me to select which hard drive is my master boot disk. When the clone operation completed, I rebooted, opened the BIOS and told it to boot from HDD1 instead of HDD0, saved the configuration change and continued into Windows. Everything looked just like before and everything works as it did before. With two exceptions - the system runs faster because it's a faster disk drive, and I'm no longer bumping into a hard drive size limitation. That was pleasant surprise number three.

I have done many, many system upgrades in the 25 years I've been working with computers and this is the easiest one I've ever done. Even if this is the only thing I do with the software, it was worth the price.

I'm a well-educated professional and I've been able to successfully operate every other software product I've ever purchased. This software, however, gives me various error messages each time I try to make a back-up copy of my harddrive. Sometimes the error is "can't copy read-only file" and sometimes the software just runs and runs and never actually does anything (I let it run for 2 days once, and it never got past "0% complete"). Most frustrating, however, is the complete lack of support from Acronis. I've contacted them 3 times, each with a detailed but simple statement of the problem, and as yet have had no response. There could be a simple explanation for my difficulty, but if there is, I'm certainly not going to find out from them, and the skimpy supporting documentation provided with the software certainly doesn't help. If I were looking for software in this genre, I'd steer clear of Acronis.

I used to use Ghost extensively. Heard good things about it and it worked for me for some time. But recent versions are getting s.l.o.w.e.r and s.l.o.w.e.r and more complicated to use (especially on the "restore" side). Checked numerous reviews including CR and decided to try Acronis. Have not been disappointed, even after several months and quite a few backups and restores. My title sums it up.

I have spent the better part of 4 months dealing with these guys. They won't talk to you on the phone, don't let you get support until you register your product with a serial #, which, if you lose and need to re-install, you can't get without a login and a serial #. That makes no sense.

I've had technical problems with True Image Home 9 and 10, and just can't get them to resolve it. Very unhappy with these guys. The product looks good, but if you have a glitch, prepare to wait A WEEK OR MORE for tech support to respond by email. Check out their web site and try some numbers - you'll find there's no way to talk to ANYONE unless you want to buy something.

This is not one experience with them. It's Feb 07 now, and this charade began last August! Buyer beware.

If you are looking to purchase True Image, I would suggest you reconsider. The customer service is terrible, and the technical assistance is non-existent.

I wanted a software package that would clone my hard drive. I like to have a complete backup, and if the drive is cloned, then my Icons, and file views are all the same. Moving from one drive to the other is seamless, and easy. I have two identical computers, so to swap a drive out takes about 30 seconds.

I don't like to just spend money, so I always research my purchases. I went to Comp USA and they recommended Norton Ghost. After reading many reviews from users of both Ghost, and TI, and reading comparisons in PC Mag type publications, I chose Acronis True Image over their rival Norton Ghost. I wish I could go back.

I bought the software and started the cloning process. My first boot attempt and I got the Blue Screen of Death! I have used cheap dos programs to upgrade to larger hard drives, and never got the BS of D. So I went online to find a phone number to call and ask Tech Support what happened. Guess what, there is no person to talk to, Acronis has no phone numbers listed. So I went into the little "ask your question here" box, and typed in my questions. I never got a response. I had a bit of personal business to attend to so I dropped the issue for about two weeks.

When I tried to pick back up again, I searched the web for some answers. I found there are many people out there that are having problems with version 9, and that v10 is better. I wrote a letter to Acronis customer support to request an upgrade to v10 and received a reply from Ivan, who told me I had an illegal copy. I contacted the seller, and they said that they were indeed an authorized reseller. I contacted Ivan again, and he asked me to send a copy of the invoice, which I did. Then Ivan told me I missed the free upgrade time by 3 days. I can however upgrade to version 10 for $29.00. I now think Acronis is in the software business to make money, and not provide solutions.

Two thumbs down on True Image.