Do you use universal restore ?

[pcpete]

I know most of the imaging programs offer universal restore to different hardware. I think we have only done this once for a client. It would be super useful to do in many cases, but we do not usually suggest it. For example a client has a computer all configured for there business and the motherboard goes out and it is not practical to replace it or they just want a new better hardware. Just being able to use clone it to a different computer seems like a great idea. Do any of you do this on a regular basis?

 

[nlinecomputers]

Yep. All the time. Mostly to install predone images with. I have several generic images in sysprep audit mode that I can slam on a system and press a button in Macrium Reflect and it will load generic drivers that will boot the system. Run SDI or restore backed up drivers and you are off the races. I can have a base install of Windows running in 10-20 minutes fully patched loaded with the base assortment of software, Firefox, Chrome, CCleaner,etc. on the system. All made from an image made in a VM.

 

[pcpete]

We use dism with a script to apply the images for new installs; it works flawlessly.

Do you often use it for the use case of transferring a client system to a new computer?

 

[altrenda]

I don't do it often, but I use Paragon Adaptive Restore http://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/adaptiverestore/index.html

It used to be a free download, but I don't know if it still is.

 

[nlinecomputers]

We use dism with a script to apply the images for new installs; it works flawlessly.

Do you often use it for the use case of transferring a client system to a new computer?

Not really simply because in those cases I prefer a nuke and pave. Windows is always better with a fresh install and it is best to offer that. I don't even tend to spend much time doing virus clean ups. If the amount of time cleaning the system is more then the time it would take to N&P then it is a better call for both the client and me to do so.

 

[pcpete]

I agree. In many cases a clean load is the best fit for a client.

 

[Knightsman]

Have used it sooo many times. Always best to start clean when you can. But those customers who it would be a huge hassled to reinstall the software, its a must.

 

[rjg.tech]

We do here. Depending on the situation we either use universal restore because the customization or time consuming setup (less down time for the customer) or we reinstall and transfer data. In the end we like having the option of universal restore and knowing how to use it.

 

[HCHTech]

press a button in Macrium Reflect

How do you like MR compared to other solutions you have used? I've been an Acronis boy for quite a while, but I'm thinking of going to Macrum - it seems to be more of an industry favorite than Acronis. The tech license is $450 or so, so it's too high for a casual purchase. Do you recall how much the yearly renewal is?

 

[pcpete]

I've been an Acronis boy for quite a while

Love and still use acronis 2010, but have not been happy with the newer versions. I recently downloaded 2016, it seems pretty good and gets pretty solid reviews. 2016 interface is not pleasant in my opinion, but so far it seems to do everything I need. I am going to give it a good month to see if we want to switch to It. I also still need to figure out what the licensing is for it.

The one feature I really like about acronis is it restores files without security permissions if you choose.