Computer image backup: DriveImage XML

DriveImage XML
http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm

While I cannot seem to locate the end-all be-all high quality and free PC image backup utility, I do come across some notable highlights from time to time.

This time it is in the form of Runtime's DriveImage XML...not to be confused with the now defunct PowerQuest Drive Image product.

As the name implies, the program does take an image of your drive, and yes, it also creates an XML file.

Ok, I'm not going to end the overview there... :)

DriveImage XML's claim to fame is that it can utilize Microsoft's Volume Shadow Services, which allows you to create an image on the fly, even while they are in use (which does work!).

Essentially, if specified, the utility creates a series of .dat files (the first one in the series is .dat, the rest are 001, 002, 003, etc.), and a single XML file that stores pertinent information about the backed up volume.

Backups are slow, but I can live with it (for free!) - I backed up a 16Gb partition in 40 minutes. Restoration performance is similar.

Features:

Backup logical drives and partitions to image files

Browse these images, view and extract files

Restore these images to the same or a different drive

Copy directly from drive to drive

Schedule automatic backups with your Task Scheduler

People running small office IT shops might take notice of this utility, it may save you a few bucks...especially if you couple this tool with SysPrep and Ultimate Boot CD/BartPE!

Things to note:

• You can backup an active system drive, but you cannot restore to an active drive
  
• You cannot restore an image to a smaller hard disk, only the same size or larger
• Supports only Windows-based operating systems
• There is no tech support for this freeware (I wonder if you could donate and convince them otherwise?)
  

Alternates:

• Self Image
• Macrium Reflect 4.2 Free - cfj review (added 06/18/08)
  
• Microsoft ImageX - cfj review (added 06/18/08)
  
• XXClone