backup software

[Pants]

I've been considering Fab's Auto Backup 4. Are there any free equivalent programs that do the same thing?

 

[nlinecomputers]

FABS, despite the name really isn't backup software. It's more a migration tool. Are you looking for something like that or do you need a full backup program?

 

[16k_zx81]

I've been considering Fab's Auto Backup 4. Are there any free equivalent programs that do the same thing?

You need to provide more information on what you want to achieve

 

[Pants]

What I would like to do is, if I have to reinstall an OS on somebody's computer, I'd like to back up their files and settings without having to sift through the OS manually and back everything up. And I'd like to be able to place them all back in the original directories with a click. So yes, I guess I am looking for a migration tool.

I tried the Windows migration utility in Vista once and used it without making an image of the drive first. The utility mangled all the files and it was impossible to recover them after reinstalling the OS. Good thing it was a family member's computer, but still made me look kind of bad.

 

[SAG]

What I would like to do is, if I have to reinstall an OS on somebody's computer, I'd like to back up their files and settings without having to sift through the OS manually and back everything up. And I'd like to be able to place them all back in the original directories with a click. So yes, I guess I am looking for a migration tool.

I tried the Windows migration utility in Vista once and used it without making an image of the drive first. The utility mangled all the files and it was impossible to recover them after reinstalling the OS. Good thing it was a family member's computer, but still made me look kind of bad.

If that's the case then FABS is pretty much what you are looking for.
I don't know of anything free that does the job nearly as well.

 

[nlinecomputers]

FABS works just fine for that. Great fire and forget tool for gathering almost all data an end user will have without getting junk files like the old Xp migration tool would do.

It can miss items if you have a special program that stores data in a unique location. Very much worth the money you'll spend on it.

 

[Pants]

Alright, I'll go with FAB's!

 

[JustInspired]

We do a FABS backup on top of our usual full disk image if we are doing a nuke and pave. FABS is WELL worth the small outlay. Fabrice is also very good with any support questions on his forums.

 

[16k_zx81]

I've been considering Fab's Auto Backup 4. Are there any free equivalent programs that do the same thing?

Unstoppable copier of user's profile, whole thing, then dump back on new install. Its not as elegant as fabs, but its free, and it works.

 

[acscva]

I agree that FABS is well worth the small price. I use it all the time and wish that I found it earlier in my life as it could have saved me a ton of time over the past years!

 

[stevenamills]

In addition to the backup/restore capabilities of FABS, it makes a well organized folder which is perfect for putting on DVDs when people want the info off of an old drive. I find myself using that more than anything else. It also can grab Office Keys using the Nirsoft utility. Kinda helpful at times.

 

[sys-eng]

Ditto what was said about Fabrice providing direct support on the use forum.

Be sure to read the guides as there are steps that should be taken in a certain order to work properly.

 

[GEGeek]

Datagrab from FoolishIT is free and is still pretty powerfull. Might fill the bill for user backup/migration.
GEGeek

 

[atlanticjim]

If that's the case then FABS is pretty much what you are looking for.
I don't know of anything free that does the job nearly as well.

FABS works just fine for that. Great fire and forget tool for gathering almost all data an end user will have without getting junk files like the old Xp migration tool would do.

It can miss items if you have a special program that stores data in a unique location. Very much worth the money you'll spend on it.

We do a FABS backup on top of our usual full disk image if we are doing a nuke and pave. FABS is WELL worth the small outlay. Fabrice is also very good with any support questions on his forums.

I agree that FABS is well worth the small price. I use it all the time and wish that I found it earlier in my life as it could have saved me a ton of time over the past years!

In addition to the backup/restore capabilities of FABS, it makes a well organized folder which is perfect for putting on DVDs when people want the info off of an old drive. I find myself using that more than anything else. It also can grab Office Keys using the Nirsoft utility. Kinda helpful at times.

Ditto what was said about Fabrice providing direct support on the use forum.

Be sure to read the guides as there are steps that should be taken in a certain order to work properly.

I will pile on and say that Fabs is well worth the price.

My most used tools are:

D7
Offline NT Password and Registry Editor
FABS
Windows Iso's from HeiDoc.net
WSUS Offline Update

 

[bertie40]

Fabs
Great prog.

I've used it for years.

Any machine with a drive, I normally run fabs on it without thinking.

It does supply a simple set of archived folders, easily navigable.

€40 / $53

No brainer