I've bought a new computer, the system set up gradually and secured my step. When I wanted to play my assurance in an unexpected fatal problem, the program failed in every aspect. I have dozens of experiments with all possible combinations (such a thing is possible at all!) Tried, but nothing led to success. Backed up the physical drives system, programs and games. Could be restored only the system. Every further step the program terminates with the message "a service or function was passed an invalid parameter." from. The system was not supposed to start despite successful restoration of the system drive. A repair was necessary.
For a backup tool, it is naturally a catastrophe if backups can not be recovered. I've tested a second program "Acronis True Image 2014" and was able to complete three test runs successfully.
For a backup of the system (including separate drives), I recommend the following procedure:
1) backup using the Windows' own image function as the primary method.
2) backup using Acronis True Image 2014 by the boot CD as a secondary method (the software itself does not even need to be installed). Also benefit: The system is inactive and thus can not be changed. Backups are possible without errors.
3) Duplicate the backups on a second HDD - it could break a yes times. ;)
Of course, this means duplication of effort. However, the reliability of a program is just never guaranteed to be 100%, so I prefer to play it safe. The complete set up a computer with all the programs and settings will take days or weeks. Since I'd rather safe than double from me impose this burden.
Conclusion: Let's please stay away from DiskImage unless you have your data dear! The support is indeed competent and takes real-time - but where do I profit, if the program fails his service?
Tested under Windows 8.1 Pro.
