DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

free alternative software like norton ghost

17 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/free-alternative-software-like-norton-ghost.155077/

M
Minion Original post #1
Apr 4, 2012 at 4:19 PM
Friends suggest me some free alternative.
T
Tech&ME #2
Apr 4, 2012 at 6:08 PM
There are a few alternative:

1. If you are using windows 7, it has a built-in backup utility which you can find --> Start--> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools.

2. If you are using Western Digital Hard drive, you can download the FREE Acronis from here

3. Fbackup is a FREE utility, can be downloaded here.
M
Minion #3
Apr 4, 2012 at 6:58 PM
Thanks a lot Tech&ME but does this allow to restore even if my pc is unbootable.
Niilesh
Niilesh #4
Apr 4, 2012 at 7:07 PM
Read about these in Digit
Clonezilla - About
DriveImage XML Backup Software - Data Recovery Product
M
Minion #5
Apr 4, 2012 at 7:13 PM
hi niilesh thanks for suggestion Drive image xml backup is not so user friendly I am searching for some user friendly softwares.
I heard about Macrium Reflect does any body knows how to create recovery disk.
R
Apr 4, 2012 at 7:34 PM
^You can use Macrium Reflect free. It is a good disk imaging software.

BTW check this out:----
**www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-backup-program

Great list of free backup utilities.
You can also try Genie Timeline and Comodo Time Machine.:)
M
Minion #7
Apr 4, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Thank you all for your help i found seagate disk wizard is best and user friendly option even non IT user can use it.
topgear
topgear #8
Apr 5, 2012 at 6:19 AM
^^ coz it's based on Acronis True Image which is a experienced software company to make these types of apps ;-)
M
Minion #9
Apr 5, 2012 at 9:18 AM
True topgear it is a downgrade version of Acronis True Image home edition but its enough for a normal user.
T
Tech&ME #10
Apr 5, 2012 at 1:31 PM
He He .... the default backup utility which comes with windows 7 is also Acronis only :wink:

That the reason I mentioned it in my reply above. :grin:
M
Minion #11
Apr 5, 2012 at 8:06 PM
But default backup utility is too slow to create images and a serious resource hog.
Skud
Skud #12
Apr 5, 2012 at 10:04 PM
Image backup is a slow process whatever software you use depending on the size of partition/drive. I have heard DriveImage XML is fast, but have no experience.

Your can try Macrium Reflect Free or search the HDD's manufacturer's site for OEM Acronis software. Most HDD manufacturer have one.
T
Tech&ME #13
Apr 6, 2012 at 12:44 AM
Minion said:
But default backup utility is too slow to create images and a serious resource hog.

you can use the command line utility : wbadmin start backup

But use this utility if you are advance user of windows 7. Details here

Skud said:
search the HDD's manufacturer's site for OEM Acronis software
mentioned it here.
ajai5777
ajai5777 #14
Apr 6, 2012 at 3:04 AM
Nero Back It Up
topgear
topgear #15
Apr 6, 2012 at 4:28 AM
^^ that's not a freeware app.
M
Minion #16
Apr 6, 2012 at 7:17 PM
Image backup is a slow process whatever software you use depending on the size of partition/drive. I have heard DriveImage XML is fast, but have no experience.

OEM Acronis software. Most HDD manufacturer have one.

Mate Inbuilt image backup software of win 7 is too slow and resource hog Arcronis is very easy to use and you can get it for free from both hard drive manufacture WD and Seagate.it is taking less resources actually you can perform other task easily when creating a image.this is my experience after using it.
topgear
topgear #17
Apr 7, 2012 at 3:50 AM
if anyone wants to try a free alternative ( other than tools provided by the HDD manufacturers ) then consider using these ;-)

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

or

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Editions Comparison

or

Free Disk Copy, Drive Clone, Disk Image freeware - EaseUS Disk Copy Home Edition.