What (free) software do you recommend for disk imaging

[jcarmody]

I used to have an Acronis True Image CD that I used to make occasional images of all the computers in the house.  I can't find it, so I need something else.  What do you use and/or recommend?

I made a live-CD of Redo Backup but it hasn't been updated in a while and took five hours to make an image.  (I haven't tested it the other direction yet.)  I've read a bunch of the "Best Free Drive Coloning..." articles, but would rather hear from this group.

Thank you,

[altenbach]

You can typically go to the website of the drive manufacturer and download a free tool (often a branded and limited acronis version) that does this if the target drive is made by them.

[nyc_(is_out_of_here)]

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@jcarmody wrote:

I used to have an Acronis True Image CD that I used to make occasional images of all the computers in the house.  I can't find it, so I need something else.  What do you use and/or recommend?

I made a live-CD of Redo Backup but it hasn't been updated in a while and took five hours to make an image.  (I haven't tested it the other direction yet.)  I've read a bunch of the "Best Free Drive Coloning..." articles, but would rather hear from this group.

Thank you,

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I currently use Clonezilla. I use a Live USB version of it.

[GuenterMueller]

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@nyc_(is_out_of_here) wrote:

I currently use Clonezilla. [...]

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I also prefer Clonezilla.  The project is actively maintained.  If you prefer a free software this should be your choice.

[SnowMule]

DamnSmallLinux is one of my favorite tools for recovering PC's.  Has all sorts of disk utilities in it.

[jcarmody]

I started an image with Clonezilla two days ago, but it froze before 20%.  I started it again in the evening and woke in the morning to another frozen attempt.  This time, however, my cooling fan didn't start and I've put everything on hold until I can replace that.

I've used DamnSmallLinux before, but not to image a hard drive.  I'll dig a little deeper.

Thanks,