Hello, I hope I'm writing to the right forum. I am looking for a free and reliable imaging software which supports USB 3.0 external drives. I would like to make an image of my whole HDD (two partitions + the hidden 100 MB Windows 7 partiton) every two weeks to an external USB 3.0 HDD. Which program would you recommend?

I've read a lot about Acronis, Paragon etc. I think I will just use the built-in Windows 7 backup imaging software. Any comment from the HDD gurus?

If the drives are in good condition, those will work fine.

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With all these software solutions one easily oversees that restoring (if needed)
is an issue: You need about 1 hour or more to restore 1GB data.

Had it once that after 5h45min got the error message: Your recover file is corrupt
- run the recover file test. After another about 5 hours it told me the file is ok -
and I could start the recovery, which then worked fine.

Since that time I use a raid 1 = a 2nd equal drive as mirror.

There exists neat and affordable hardware:
DawiControll DC-5200 or DC-5220 (1st one for Raid1 only, 2nd one for for more
Raid versions)
or the DC-7210 to have some nice led and buttons - but that needs an 3,5" bay.

To protect my hdd I use a "HDD Guard" from the forum member - PEPE

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Hi Falther
IS HDD Guard freeware or it has to be purchased? I am also interested to have it.
thanks for suggestion