Image / Backup -> free software?

[zCypher]

Have you used the "Create a system image" in Windows 7? If so -> does it work well?

I know there are many very good imaging programs available today, but most of them seem to cost something. Which is ok, but for now I'm wondering if there is a decent free or open source imaging program that you have experience with?

Any recommendations?

 

[whiteonline]

The built in windows 7 backup works great (both image and file backups). Unless you need file version control or other complex (and usually commercial) backup capabilities, I would stick with it. If you want a full-fledged backup server, look at http://amanda.zmanda.com/. Although you require additional hardware for server/storage.

 

[sivart]

I've created an image in Windows 7 (right after the HTPC was tweaked how I wanted), but haven't needed to restore the image. It is rather quick and compressed takes about 1/2 the space used on the hard drive.

I'm also interested in one that is free and will work in Vista. Would like to make an image of my Vista HTPC before upgrading to '7' in case something doesn't work and I need to go back to Vista.

 

[13Gigatons]

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp

and

Easeus todo: http://www.todo-backup.com/download/