System Restore vs Goback -- which is better?

[gallilaw]

I have used Goback for years to recover from problems. It has bailed me out of bad situations many times. When things to wrong, I just roll the system and ALL the files on the machine back to an earlier point in time.

How does System Restore compare?

Now that I have a new Vista Thinkpad, I have to decide if I should install Goback or just rely on System Restore. I am not sure if System Restore would perform the same function as Goback.

[hoplite]

There are limitations on the files that System Restore backups., it doesn't back up all your files when it takes a system restore snapshot.

It sounds like goback takes a snapshot of your hd and then lets you roll back to a previous version? Like version control for your laptop? I could be wrong. If tha tis the case then there are definite differences between GoBack and System Restore.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/usin ... store.mspx

There's a link that will help explain system restore more fully.

[rkawakami]

The version of GoBack that was bundled with my Windows 98 Gateway desktop saved my bacon several times after the kids surfed to sites which dropped malware. You could actually revert the entire system back to any point in time (limited only by the size of your backup data file and the number of file changes that occured). It's even possible to extract a single file from the backup. It does require a couple of GBs and probably slows the system somewhat as it can keep track of EVERY disk change that happens (certain directories/files can be excluded if needed).

During boot, you are given a chance to access the program and perform a "restore". You basically click on a calendar display and "safe points" are listed in chronological order. Click a safe point and your system is modified back to that point in time. If that doesn't solve your problem, run the program again and choose another snapshot. Neat program.

I believe that system restore only covers changes made to the registry and important Windows files. It doesn't backup your personal data files (word docs, spreadsheets, .MP3 files, etc.).

[Rolloclan]

Here are some things for you to consider:
Rejuvenate can be done inside a bootable Windows XP/2000/ Vista OS, but is great for removing spyware

Rejuvenate Only works if the backup is free of the spyware and the spyware is not autostarting from C:\Program Files (FOR EXAMPLE)

This selection optimizes system performance by taking a new incremental backup and then defragmenting your hard drive and backups. It then restores operating system and application files from a backup of your choice. The rejuvenation process maintains your current settings and data while helping to eliminate viruses, adware and spyware.

You might want to try the third open given in rejuvination as well:
Restore only the Windows operating system and applications from a backup
- Is a much faster resolution than a full restore.
- Should be done first if Windows XP/2000/ Vista OS only has a corrupt or missing file. This selection restores only Windows and application files to a backed-up state. Your current data and settings are preserved. All applications installed since the time of the selected backup will need to be reinstalled. This includes any updates that you may have downloaded. Any settings that have changed since the time of the selected backup, such as network and printer settings, might need to be reconfigured.

I have heard that rejuvenation is not a very good idea. So I tried it several times on my new laptop and it seemed to work okay. I can not say how it works in comparison to your other programs because I have not used them. But if you have regular backups scheduled you should not have a problem.

The biggest problem that I see is how often you want to back your system up, if you back it up just once a month then you only have one date to choose from. If you back it up once a week then you have 4 to choose from. However, remember the backup utility by default only allows 5, you can change that if you want but then you use up more drive space. so you are on a catch 22!

Less drive space more backups or more drive space less options. To me if you can roll back your system on a daily basis then it appears to me that the program you are using would be a much better plan.

I know the text is long but I had a lot to say sorry for the length! and good luck!!