Acronis True Image Home 2009

I've been using the previous Acronis True Image for 2 years now to back up over 40Gb of work data on a daily basis. I've always found it a real gem, so I decided to get the newer "better" version and upgrade to 2009. The manual states that you can just install 2009 straight over the top of previous versions, which sounded very useful.

After installation had completed (a hideous experience that I've described below) I was pleased to see that the interface had been overhauled, and presented lots of clear and easy-to-understand options with context-sensitive help at the bottom of each page.
The one-click backup solution is useful if you don't really understand the different types of backups available (full, differential, & incremental).

The pretty interface soon lost its novelty value though, as a rediculous number of issues took hold. I've detailed some of these annoyances:

- The software uses a 64 digit serial code. How much time do Acronis think we've got to waste?!
- Nearly all serial numbers are shipped as being faulty! This is an ACKNOWLEDGED PROBLEM on Acronis' web site and you should register online instead of through the software itself. Also note that the registration URL is case-sensitive! If you don't read the pamphlet in the box I'd hate to guess how long it would take you to figure all this out!
- Following installation the software would not update online. I got two errors each time and updating failed. This is just not acceptable in this day and age where online updates are critical to maintain performance.
- After installation a reboot is required. I forgot to take out the CD and so Acronis booted into rescue mode. It was then I found out my Wireless Microsoft keyboard and mouse DID NOT WORK in rescue mode! Thank goodness I still own my old wired hardware, but not many modern PC's are even shipped with wired devices. Another totally unacceptable problem.
- My main gripe is that 2009 removed ALL my previous backup schedules! I had to go and set each one up again which is absolutely rediculous when the manual claims to "simply update" the software
- The "Search" tool is a blatant advertisement for Google Desktop and Windows Desktop Search, demanding either is installed in order for it to work.
- The backup wizard only has a NEXT button, and no BACK button. Therefore you've got to use the side panel to navigate back a step if you need to change anything. A small issue but a bit weird!

So will I keep version 2009? Well, now I've gone to the trouble of setting up all the schedules again, yes I will. I'm not impressed with it however, and if you have the previous version then I recommend sticking with it, because the new options don't warrant either the money or time to upgrade it.

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UPDATED INFORMATION
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I submitted my first review to Amazon a few weeks ago after finding a few problems with this software that people should be aware of before they buy it. Since then some additional problems have surfaced that have completely prevented me from trusting it with my data:

Annoyingly, the software will not register even with the online code. After I had the same problem as other reviews originally with getting a code from Acronis' web site, the code I have be given by Acronis will not stay registered. The software accepts it, but the next time the software starts, it states that it is no longer registered! Scheduled backups therefore have all failed (on XP Pro) meaning the software sits there being completely useless! I have patched the software online and the problem remains.

Also, the log viewer is incredibly frustrating to use. In the previous version you could quickly see all log events and locate problems quickly. Now you have to manually configure the filter to show a particular timeframe, then the logs appear as entries underneath. You then have to expand each log entry to find the problem. It is a mystery to me why Acronis have replaced their previous design with something that is more frustrating and less functional.

More importantly, if a backup fails you get no notification! Instead it quietly buries the evidence in the log file in the hope that one day you might browse it and see the failed backup. Come on Acronis, this is our data we're talking about! If a backup fails I want alarm bells to ring!

So to go back to my original review question about whether I am keeping 2009? The answer is now "No!". I am going to format my machine and reinstall the previous version (Acronis True Image 10) because it is simpler to use and massively more reliable. If you have version 10, stick with it. If you are thinking of buying this, buy version 10 instead.

Also, True Image is backup software. Why then does it need a File Shredder and Clean-up tool to 'destroy usage history', and another tool to completely erase a disk? Although possibly good tools, they seem gimmicky when bundled in with this title, and should have been offered as free downloads.

I hope Acronis can quickly act to remedy all the problems reviewers are having with this title. Perhaps v11 might even have online backup, too...?

Was really impressed by the 15 day free trial available on the Acronis website so ordered two copies, one for use on a PC running XP and another for use on a machine running Vista. However, during the installation process you have to enter a 64-digit serial number that's printed on the CD slip. Unfortunately the installation program reported the serial numbers on both copies as invalid. No reference to this problem on the Acronis website and no response from the e-mail sent to tech support after more than 48hrs. Eventually got to speak to someone on Acronis Livechat and they informed me that the products had been shipped with defective serial numbers. Simple solution was to go to the link, which they provide, and exchange the defective serial number for a new one. Problem solved!!

As I said if it hadn't been for this incident I would have given it 5 stars as it's a really excellent product and easy to use (once you get it installed). Just left a little concerned that if, by the sounds of it, an entire batch of True Image 2009 has been shipped with defective serial numbers why hasn't Acronis done a recall or at least put a notice on their homepage on how to fix this?

Update: Looks as though Acronis have now ackowledged the issue with invalid serial numbers on their website. Go to the following tech support page if you're having the invalid serial number issue on installation of True Image 2009 - []

I recently had a hard drive problem and although all my data was backed up I still spent hours (days!) reinstalling software and all the updates etc. I therefore did not wish to make the same mistake again and started looking for software that would back up my complete system (including all system files etc). The smart scheduler ensures that all my backs ups are automated and therefore this product simply runs in the background. Now that I have such a reliable product "Murphy's Law" will probably ensure that I have no more hard drive failures etc. However it is very comforting to know that should the unthinkable ever happen again at least I will not have to re-install all my software and the associated updates.

I downloaded trial packages for some of the major names like Norton Ghost. They either failed or were not partularly user friendly. True Image Home 2009 is stable and reliable. It imaged my main drive (500 Gb) in minutes, and I really tested the program thoroughly .. All worked! As this is a new product there are very few reviews - other than from PC mags etc. However I did check the Amazon reviews for the previous versions (Acronis True Image 11 and previous releases). Previous glitches surrounding Vista appear to have been rectified - see some of the less flattering reviews from previous editions of this product). As there are so many types of hardware and software it is recommended that you take advantage of the 15 day day free trial first.

I downloaded a 15 day trial from the Acronis web site and have had EXCELLENT results with it.

Rather than purchase on-line from Acronis I purchased a discounted package from Amazon. Apart from saving some money this also provided me with a bootable CD and a handy quick start guide. (Full guide available from the Acronis website).

If you are looking for backup software, my recommendation would be to try the 15 day trial version and assuming that you like the product as much as I have then purchase the full product from Amazon.

Worth every penny. You will not be disappointed.

The only downside is that the trail version must be uninstalled before the full version can be installed. Why does Acronis not simply allo us to unlock the trial version by inputting the serial number of the full version?

Edit (Added Later): I have since had cause to contact Customer Services at Acronis. My query was dealt with quickly and effectively and resolved the issue. I would also rate their customer service as 5 stars. (Some of the serial numbers issued in boxed versions (such as through Amazon) can cause the software to stop working/not be valid when you try to upgarde to full commercial version. Acronis have put in place a program for you to replace the erroneous codes with valid, commercial codes. The process is quick and simple).