A while back a variety of posts covered the deprecation of the free
version of Macrium Reflect with version 8.0.7279 as the last released
version.

A few days ago(Oct 12, iirc) a security update for the free version was
released 8.0.7690

To obtain this update for the last free version, the update options are:

1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7690 program
2. Download the free installer stub(small 5526 KB file)
<https://updates.macrium.com/reflect/v8/ReflectDLHF.exe>
3. Download 8.0.7690 from a third party hosting site.

Note:
- Item (2) is the link to download the free version installer
- The terminology in the file name is(D-irect L-ink, H-ome, F-ree)
- The free installer when run will download V.8.0.7690
- The free stub installer version is 8.1.7675
- The free stub installer version only applies to exe file of the stub
installer, not the free version(8.0.7690) that will download when the
stub installer is run
- ****Do not change the name**** of the stub installer. The name is
necessary to have the option to download the free version(8.0.7690)
- Do remember when updating the free version to a later version number
to recreate new boot Macrium Reflect media

--
....w¡ñ§±¤ñ

....winston wrote:
> A while back a variety of posts covered the deprecation of the free
> version of Macrium Reflect  with version 8.0.7279 as the last released
> version.
>
> A few days ago(Oct 12, iirc) a security update for the free version was
> released 8.0.7690
>
> To obtain this update for the last free version, the update options are:
>
> 1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7690 program
> 2. Download the free installer stub(small 5526 KB file)
>  <https://updates.macrium.com/reflect/v8/ReflectDLHF.exe>
> 3. Download 8.0.7690 from a third party hosting site.
>
>
> Note:
> - Item (2) is the link to download the free version installer
> - The terminology in the file name is(D-irect L-ink, H-ome, F-ree)
> - The free installer when run will download V.8.0.7690
> - The free stub installer version is 8.1.7675
> - The free stub installer version only applies to exe file of the stub
> installer, not the free version(8.0.7690) that will download when the
> stub installer is run
> - ****Do not change the name**** of the stub installer. The name is
> necessary to have the option to download the free version(8.0.7690)
> - Do remember when updating the free version to a later version number
> to recreate new boot Macrium Reflect media
>
Correction:
Item (1) should read.
1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7279 program

--
....w¡ñ§±¤ñ

...winston wrote:
> ...winston wrote:
>> A while back a variety of posts covered the deprecation of the free
>> version of Macrium Reflect  with version 8.0.7279 as the last released
>> version.
>>
>> A few days ago(Oct 12, iirc) a security update for the free version
>> was released 8.0.7690
>>
>> To obtain this update for the last free version, the update options are:
>>
>> 1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7690 program
>> 2. Download the free installer stub(small 5526 KB file)
>>   <https://updates.macrium.com/reflect/v8/ReflectDLHF.exe>
>> 3. Download 8.0.7690 from a third party hosting site.
>>
>>
>> Note:
>> - Item (2) is the link to download the free version installer
>> - The terminology in the file name is(D-irect L-ink, H-ome, F-ree)
>> - The free installer when run will download V.8.0.7690
>> - The free stub installer version is 8.1.7675
>> - The free stub installer version only applies to exe file of the stub
>> installer, not the free version(8.0.7690) that will download when the
>> stub installer is run
>> - ****Do not change the name**** of the stub installer. The name is
>> necessary to have the option to download the free version(8.0.7690)
>> - Do remember when updating the free version to a later version number
>> to recreate new boot Macrium Reflect media
>>
> Correction:
> Item (1) should read.
> 1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7279 program
>
And try to ignore the rather threatening smiley icon they've put on the
top row.
It looks to me like a member of the old Klu Klux Klan, all aflame and
raring for action.
Ed

"...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote:

> A while back a variety of posts covered the deprecation of the free
> version of Macrium Reflect with version 8.0.7279 as the last released
> version.
>
> A few days ago(Oct 12, iirc) a security update for the free version was
> released 8.0.7690

What I've read is that security updates will continue for Reflect 8 Free
until January 1, 2024 which is also when the free edition gets retired.
Close, but not there yet.

Macrium Reflect Free – Service Announcement

This is to notify that Macrium Reflect Free Edition is being retired.
Security patches will be provided until 1st January 2024, but there
are no planned feature changes or non security related updates
following this update.

Note: This notice only applies to Macrium Reflect Free.

Please see the section ‘Macrium Reflect Free Product – End Of Life
(EOL)’ in our support policy for more information.

Macriums EOL page at:

https://www.macrium.com/product-support-policy

says:

Will future security vulnerabilities be fixed?
Yes, security patches will still be provided until 1st January 2024.
After that date we will no longer provide any changes to the v8 Free
code base.

So, just over 2 months left for the free edition to get updates.
Macrium's announcement don't specify what is the last version of the
Free edition, because there could still be some updates before the
1-Jan-2024 kill date.

"...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote

> A while back a variety of posts covered the deprecation of the free
> version of Macrium Reflect with version 8.0.7279 as the last released
> version.
>
> A few days ago(Oct 12, iirc) a security update for the free version was
> released 8.0.7690
>
> To obtain this update for the last free version, the update options are:
>
> 1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7690 program
> 2. Download the free installer stub(small 5526 KB file)
> <https://updates.macrium.com/reflect/v8/ReflectDLHF.exe>
> 3. Download 8.0.7690 from a third party hosting site.
>
> Note:
> - Item (2) is the link to download the free version installer
> - The terminology in the file name is(D-irect L-ink, H-ome, F-ree)
> - The free installer when run will download V.8.0.7690
> - The free stub installer version is 8.1.7675
> - The free stub installer version only applies to exe file of the stub
> installer, not the free version(8.0.7690) that will download when the
> stub installer is run
> - ****Do not change the name**** of the stub installer. The name is
> necessary to have the option to download the free version(8.0.7690)
> - Do remember when updating the free version to a later version number
> to recreate new boot Macrium Reflect media

This is a purposefully helpful post, and yet, a tiny bit confusing to me.
I'm not sure what version to get and I'm not sure how the stub works.
Does the stub install or does it just download? Dunno. Doesn't say.
But I can check empirically so that _others_ don't have to wonder.

Also, what is this software anyway? (See below... ignorance can be cured.)

I'm sure most people will better understand Winston's purposefully helpful
post for two reasons, one of which is others may actually use macrium, &
the other reason is they likely also use web stubs (which I avoid).

However... in an attempt to add value and to learn from others...

I try to test all the free software suggested on this newsgroup.
Especially when the "last known good version" is being discussed!

The first step is downloading whose first step is creating a directory.
I only have a dozen directories for all software ever used on Windows.

OK. Step 1.
Where does Macrium Reflect belong in my organized software file system?

My software file system is organized by functionality.
My entire computer is organized by what things do.
What does Macrium Reflect do?

Dunno. Luckily ignorance can be cured (it's stupidity that can't).

Let's look it up. <https://www.macrium.com/>
"It's our business to protect your data."
"Find out more about Reflect8" <https://www.macrium.com/reflect-8>
It separates us next into "Home" and "Business", where I choose Home.
<https://www.macrium.com/products/home>
"Macrium Reflect Home
"The complete backup solution for personal use.
Protect documents, data and operating systems using advanced disk imaging
technology. Includes Macrium viBoot for instant Hyper-V virtualization
and Macrium Image Guardian."

Oh. OK. No wonder I don't use it. I have absolutely zero problem backing up
any of my data because I keep everything well organized where it belongs.

Nonetheless, since it's the last known good version, I'll put it into my
software archives under c:\software\database\backup\macrium
(note all names are lower case, none are more than 8 characters, & no
plurals are allowed unless they're part of the word, e.g., "news").

C:\> mkdir c:\software\database\backup\macrium
Name: ReflectDLHF.exe
Size: 5657976 bytes (5525 KiB)
SHA256: 655BEAAC6297189A2BD3EB7F51DABFAA38273DE9A5B4654FDAC4D62E18F3B1A5

Hmmmm.... I don't want to _install_ it; I want to download the installer.
What happens when I click on that stub? Does it download the installer?
Or does it install the program? Let's find out... so others don't have to.
When I doubleclick on ReflectDLHF.exe with the killswitch set to no
network, up pops "Macrium Reflect Download Agent" with three sections.

Select Installation Program
"Select Macrium Reflect software to download"
(o) Free <== set to "Free" by default (no other options available)
Download Location and Options
"Save to folder = C:\tmp\Macrium\" <== interesting default
[_] Run installer directly after downloading <== on by default, uncheck it
[Options]
Select Download Architecture
(_) 32 bit
(o) 64 bit
Select Download Options
(_) Reflect Installer and PE Components <== what's this?
(o) Reflect Installer Only <== this is the default
(_) PE 3 (WAIK) Rescue Components Only
(_) PE 4 (WADK) Rescue Components Only
(_) PE 5 (WADK) Rescue Components Only
(_) PE 10 (WADK) Rescue Components Only (Release 1607)
(_) PE 10 (WADK) Rescue Components Only (Release 1709)
(_) PE 10 (WADK) Rescue Components Only (Release 2004)
(_) PE 11 (WADK) Rescue Components Only
(_) PE 11 (WADK) Rescue Components Only (May 2023)
Registration Information
Name = N/A
Company Name = N/A
Download Information
Select Download: Reflect Installer Only
[Help][Download][Close] <== select "Download"

ReflectDLHF Error.
Failed to retrieve download information. Please try relaxing
firewall restrictions, disabling Anti Virus software, or
attempting the download in Safe Mode.

Macrium Reflect Download Agent
The download agent could not connect to the Macrium Reflect servers for
download options. The server name or address could not be resolved.

OK. So that's as far as we can go with the killswitch turned on.
Turned off the killswitch and connected to VPN.
Macrium Reflect download agent v8.1.7675
OS: v6.2.9200
Architecture: x64
Loglevel: 0
Acquire features file
Http fetch features file
Download Type: Free
Download option: Reflect Installer Only
Component count: 1
Downloading component: Macrium Reflect installer
Download file: v8.0.7690_reflect_setup_free_x64.exe from set: installer
To: C:\software\database\backup\macrium\v8.0.7690_reflect_setup_free_x64.exe
INFO: Http Status : 206
File system supports sparse files
Download successful
Component download complete
End of component download list

Name: v8.0.7690_reflect_setup_free_x64.exe
Size: 186007464 bytes (177 MiB)
SHA256: B2D1E4ED483D063C6474DFCF26E7F1A54FABFB577EABF8EFF85089277863FF6B

Normally, if I were to test the software, I'd set it up as the following
Archive => C:\software\database\backup\macrium\.
Install => C:\program\database\backup\macrium\.
MenuDir => C:\menu\database\backup\macrium\macrium.lnk
DataDir => C:\data\database\backup\macrium\.

Where I'd install from a temporary _copy_ of the installer
(since you never know if the installation counts installs).

Dropped the VPN & turned the killswitch back on (to no network).
Do you want to install = Yes
Version 8.0.7690 (64-Bit) Free
Welcome to the Macrium Reflect Free Setup Wizard.
It puts in a license key of 75-7CJR-RQRX-3DWH-AE22-NZU2-CD4KTNS
How do you intend to use this Free edition?
(o) Personal Use
(_) Commercial Use
I agree to the following
[x] This software is being installed for personal, non commercial use
only. Commercial use is strictly forbidden.
Use the following options to customize the Reflect install
[_] Install CBT (Not available in this edition)
[_] Install Image Guardian (Not available in this edition)
[x] Install ViBoot (Instant VM booting of Macrium backups)
[x] Install Desktop Shortcut
Install location = C:\Program Files\Macrium\Reflect\ (trailing backslash)
Change that to C:\program\database\backup\macrium\ (trailing backslash)

Completing the Macrium Reflect Free Setup
[x] Launch now
[Finish]

It's refreshing that a browser didn't pop up phoning home.
(The network is off anyway - but still - it didn't even try.)

The desktop shortcut gets copied, of course, to the menu folder.
C:\> copy "Macrium Reflect.lnk" c:\menu\database\backup\.
Target=C:\app\database\backup\macrium\Reflect\ReflectBin.exe
Startin=C:\app\database\backup\macrium\Reflect\

Always check for sneaky settings, e.g.,
MacriumReflect:Other Tasks > Edit Defaults and Settings > Update Settings
Update Settings > Software Update > Automatic Software Update Check
[x] Show a daily Windows notification when an update is available
[_]Send an email for the first notification
[x] Daily check for updates when Macrium Reflect loads
[x] Restart Macrium Reflect after patching
I turned all those off, of course (while I'm still off the grid).

Delete the copy of the installer (in case it got chewed up).
Windows+I > Apps > Apps & features > Macrium Reflect Free v8.0.7690 Macrium
Reflect Free v8.0.7690 [Modify][Uninstall]
Press "Uninstall" Macrium Reflect Free v8.0.7690
[x] Uninstall Macrium Reflect
[_] Remove definitions, settings and scheduled tasks
[_] Remove logs
[_] Remove Windows PE component files
[_] log

"...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote

> Correction:
> Item (1) should read.
> 1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7279 program

I'm confused to all hell because I didn't see _any_ option to download any
version _other_ than v8.0.7690 so can you help me (and others following me)
understand what I should have done differently to get version 8.0.7279?

Please see my extensively documented log file located in the archives at
<https://groups.google.com/g/alt.comp.freeware/c/yNCcMPcWi7M/m/wMqxNN52AAAJ>
--
Note that a.c.f was added because none of these Windows groups are archived
which means everything we do is wasted and not useful to others ever again.
<https://groups.google.com/g/alt.comp.freeware/c/yNCcMPcWi7M>

Wally J wrote:
> "...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote
>
>> Correction:
>> Item (1) should read.
>> 1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7279 program
>
> I'm confused to all hell because I didn't see _any_ option to download any
> version _other_ than v8.0.7690 so can you help me (and others following me)
> understand what I should have done differently to get version 8.0.7279?
>
> Please see my extensively documented log file located in the archives at
> <https://groups.google.com/g/alt.comp.freeware/c/yNCcMPcWi7M/m/wMqxNN52AAAJ>
> Hi, Wally J.

If you don't have Macrium Reflect 8.0.xxxx installed, then there is no
real purposed of using the downloader to download 8.0.7690, use(run) it
to update the Macrium Reflect free software from 8.0.7279 to 8.0.7690

On the other hand, if you'd like to install Macrium Reflect Free vs
8.0.7690, then the downloader(ReflectDHLF.exe) can be used to download
8.0.7690..
...but to use it, the normal process in the past for the free version
was to initiate a download request from Paramount Software's web site
which then sends an email with a registration code and a valid link to
download the software. Upon use, the registration code is entered to
activate the license(assigned to that email address).
- If not having installed and registered in the past, installing the
product first time may require a similar registration sequence.
=> Unfortunately, I can't answer that because my installations in the
past have followed the normal process(request download, get registration
key and download link, download, install, register, use)...rather than
any other route.

--
....w¡ñ§±¤ñ

"...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote
> => Unfortunately, I can't answer that because my installations in the
> past have followed the normal process(request download, get registration
> key and download link, download, install, register, use)...rather than
> any other route.

Thanks for trying to explain the delta between expectations and reality.
<https://groups.google.com/g/alt.comp.freeware/c/yNCcMPcWi7M/m/wMqxNN52AAAJ>

My empirical results were that the stub link you provided downloaded and
installed what appeared to be a free-for-non-commercial use installer
(which was named "v8.0.7690_reflect_setup_free_x64.exe" for 64-bit).

I installed it without it asking for my email address but I didn't _use_ it
(as I deleted it after running it and checking a few settings check boxes).

So it seems to me, in my experiment anyway, that is _is_ a free version.
But I only installed it and clicked a few buttons & then uninstalled it.

Is it trialware?
Does it die in a week?

Or are you suggesting in your reply above had I actually tried to _use_ it
to make a backup, that it would have asked me to register with email?

VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> wrote:
> Will future security vulnerabilities be fixed?

It's just your basic backup copying software.
It doesn't even connect to the Internet. It just copies to a hard drive.
What kind of "vulnerability" is a fancy copy command expected to have?

On 10/19/2023 1:06 AM, Peter wrote:
> VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> wrote:
>> Will future security vulnerabilities be fixed?
>
> It's just your basic backup copying software.
> It doesn't even connect to the Internet. It just copies to a hard drive.
> What kind of "vulnerability" is a fancy copy command expected to have?
>

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/297909-macrium-reflect-8/

Security Update - CVE-2023-43896
This update applies a security patch to psmounterex.sys

From another web page...

"When I try to browse an image backup with Macrium Reflect,
psmounterex.sys bugchecks."

So it is the mounter, with a buffer overrun. This sounds like
something you exploit, while standing in front of the machine.
While you could get into a machine with a Back Orifice application,
then ask the Macrium Mounter to mount (an unsanitized path),
that also requires a UAC prompt be clicked, for the process to
move forward.

It's unclear how you would do that remotely. And if you put a
fake .mrimg as an email attachment, I would think there would still
be a UAC prompt and a suspicious activity to consider.

A previous bug in Macrium, involves an OpenSSL folder it uses.

Paul

On 18/10/2023 18:25, ...winston wrote:
> A while back a variety of posts covered the deprecation of the free
> version of Macrium Reflect  with version 8.0.7279 as the last released
> version.
>
> A few days ago(Oct 12, iirc) a security update for the free version was
> released 8.0.7690
>
> To obtain this update for the last free version, the update options are:
>
> 1. Update via the Macrium Reflect 'free' 8.0.7690 program
> 2. Download the free installer stub(small 5526 KB file)
>  <https://updates.macrium.com/reflect/v8/ReflectDLHF.exe>
> 3. Download 8.0.7690 from a third party hosting site.
>
>
> Note:
> - Item (2) is the link to download the free version installer
> - The terminology in the file name is(D-irect L-ink, H-ome, F-ree)
> - The free installer when run will download V.8.0.7690
> - The free stub installer version is 8.1.7675
> - The free stub installer version only applies to exe file of the stub
> installer, not the free version(8.0.7690) that will download when the
> stub installer is run
> - ****Do not change the name**** of the stub installer. The name is
> necessary to have the option to download the free version(8.0.7690)
> - Do remember when updating the free version to a later version number
> to recreate new boot Macrium Reflect media
>

Thanks.
Update successful.

--
Regards
wasbit

Wally J wrote:
> "...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote
>> => Unfortunately, I can't answer that because my installations in the
>> past have followed the normal process(request download, get registration
>> key and download link, download, install, register, use)...rather than
>> any other route.
>
> Thanks for trying to explain the delta between expectations and reality.
> <https://groups.google.com/g/alt.comp.freeware/c/yNCcMPcWi7M/m/wMqxNN52AAAJ>
>
> My empirical results were that the stub link you provided downloaded and
> installed what appeared to be a free-for-non-commercial use installer
> (which was named "v8.0.7690_reflect_setup_free_x64.exe" for 64-bit).
>
> I installed it without it asking for my email address but I didn't _use_ it
> (as I deleted it after running it and checking a few settings check boxes).
>
> So it seems to me, in my experiment anyway, that is _is_ a free version.
> But I only installed it and clicked a few buttons & then uninstalled it.
>
> Is it trialware?
> Does it die in a week?
>
> Or are you suggesting in your reply above had I actually tried to _use_ it
> to make a backup, that it would have asked me to register with email?
>

Not suggesting anyone use it or try it.
Decision to download, use, etc. is up to each person to make that choice
for themselves.

The original post was information and primarily for those using Macrium
Reflect Free.

<the freeware group removed from this reply)

--
....w¡ñ§±¤ñ

"...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote

>> Is it trialware?
>> Does it die in a week?
>>
>> Or are you suggesting in your reply above had I actually tried to _use_ it
>> to make a backup, that it would have asked me to register with email?
>>
>
> Not suggesting anyone use it or try it.
> Decision to download, use, etc. is up to each person to make that choice
> for themselves.
>
> The original post was information and primarily for those using Macrium
> Reflect Free.
>
> <the freeware group removed from this reply)

Thanks.

I tried to get the answer twice so I'll simply give up on asking why you
suggested the older version as being the last known good free version when
the current (newer) version "appears to me to be" also a good free version.

I've tested almost all the software ever suggested on this newsgroup, so I
understand fully that what makes something the "last known good version"
isn't usually the fact that it's free - but something else - like ads - or
the licensing terms - or the addition of unwanted pop ups - and the like.

In this case, I very much appreciate your advice on which version is the
last known good version, but when I empirically test it - it doesn't match.

For example, there is a last known good version of Super or the last known
good version of Paint Shop Pro because of the unwanted stuff added after.

I can't for the life of me figure out why the current version isn't the
last known good version as it seems to fit the criteria better.

No big deal. I'll just assume version 8.0.7690 is the last known good
version and I will document it in my extensive archives accordingly.

Thanks for your purposefully helpful advice, intended to help others.
--
The freeware group was added for strategic reasons, the first being it's
apropos to them (which is a requirement) but the second is it's archived.

"...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote

>> Is it trialware?
>> Does it die in a week?
>>
>> Or are you suggesting in your reply above had I actually tried to _use_ it
>> to make a backup, that it would have asked me to register with email?
>>
>
> Not suggesting anyone use it or try it.
> Decision to download, use, etc. is up to each person to make that choice
> for themselves.
>
> The original post was information and primarily for those using Macrium
> Reflect Free.
>
> <the freeware group removed from this reply)

Thanks.

I tried to get the answer twice so I'll simply give up on asking why you
suggested the older version as being the last known good free version when
the current (newer) version "appears to me to be" also a good free version.

I've tested almost all the software ever suggested on this newsgroup, so I
understand fully that what makes something the "last known good version"
isn't usually the fact that it's free - but something else - like ads - or
the licensing terms - or the addition of unwanted pop ups - and the like.

In this case, I very much appreciate your advice on which version is the
last known good version, but when I empirically test it - it doesn't match.

For example, there is a last known good version of Super or the last known
good version of Paint Shop Pro because of the unwanted stuff added after.

I can't for the life of me figure out why the current version isn't the
last known good version as it seems to fit the criteria better.

No big deal. I'll just assume version 8.0.7690 is the last known good
version and I will document it in my extensive archives accordingly.

Thanks for your purposefully helpful advice, intended to help others.
--
The freeware group was added for strategic reasons, the first being it's
apropos to them (which is a requirement) but the second is it's archived.

"...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote

>> Is it trialware?
>> Does it die in a week?
>>
>> Or are you suggesting in your reply above had I actually tried to _use_ it
>> to make a backup, that it would have asked me to register with email?
>>
>
> Not suggesting anyone use it or try it.
> Decision to download, use, etc. is up to each person to make that choice
> for themselves.
>
> The original post was information and primarily for those using Macrium
> Reflect Free.
>
> <the freeware group removed from this reply)

Thanks.

I tried to get the answer twice so I'll simply give up on asking why you
suggested the older version as being the last known good free version when
the current (newer) version "appears to me to be" also a good free version.

I've tested almost all the software ever suggested on this newsgroup, so I
understand fully that what makes something the "last known good version"
isn't usually the fact that it's free - but something else - like ads - or
the licensing terms - or the addition of unwanted pop ups - and the like.

In this case, I very much appreciate your advice on which version is the
last known good version, but when I empirically test it - it doesn't match.

For example, there is a last known good version of Super or the last known
good version of Paint Shop Pro because of the unwanted stuff added after.

I can't for the life of me figure out why the current version isn't the
last known good version as it seems to fit the criteria better.

No big deal. I'll just assume version 8.0.7690 is the last known good
version and I will document it in my extensive archives accordingly.

Thanks for your purposefully helpful advice, intended to help others.
--
The freeware group was added for strategic reasons, the first being it's
apropos to them (which is a requirement) but the second is it's archived.

Wally J wrote:
> "...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote
>
>>> Is it trialware?
>>> Does it die in a week?
>>>
>>> Or are you suggesting in your reply above had I actually tried to _use_ it
>>> to make a backup, that it would have asked me to register with email?
>>>
>>
>> Not suggesting anyone use it or try it.
>> Decision to download, use, etc. is up to each person to make that choice
>> for themselves.
>>
>> The original post was information and primarily for those using Macrium
>> Reflect Free.
>>
>> <the freeware group removed from this reply)
>
> Thanks.
>
> I tried to get the answer twice so I'll simply give up on asking why you
> suggested the older version as being the last known good free version when
> the current (newer) version "appears to me to be" also a good free version.
>
> I've tested almost all the software ever suggested on this newsgroup, so I
> understand fully that what makes something the "last known good version"
> isn't usually the fact that it's free - but something else - like ads - or
> the licensing terms - or the addition of unwanted pop ups - and the like.
>
> In this case, I very much appreciate your advice on which version is the
> last known good version, but when I empirically test it - it doesn't match.
>
> For example, there is a last known good version of Super or the last known
> good version of Paint Shop Pro because of the unwanted stuff added after.
>
> I can't for the life of me figure out why the current version isn't the
> last known good version as it seems to fit the criteria better.
>
> No big deal. I'll just assume version 8.0.7690 is the last known good
> version and I will document it in my extensive archives accordingly.
>
> Thanks for your purposefully helpful advice, intended to help others.
>

It's quite simple
7279 was the last released version
7690 was a security update for 7279

While the version number changed b/c of the security update, the
program's free features did not. Also unlike 8.0.7279 and earlier were
any fixes released
- It's the same old, same old but a tweak to protect against a
vulnerability.

Would this be easier for you to understand?
8.0 is the last released free version
Update 7690 doesn't update the version, only the build number.
i.e. those last four digits are the build number of the version

I'm quite confident that those who are using Macrium Reflect Free
understood that 8.0 is the last free released version, and 7690 update's
that prior version's build number.

You can document whatever you wish in a personal archive.

Finally, fyi...only one post is sufficient for a reply rather than three
identical replies.

--
....w¡ñ§±¤ñ

On 10/19/23 05:17 PM, this is what ...winston wrote:
> Wally J wrote:
>> "...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote
>>
>>>> Is it trialware?
>>>> Does it die in a week?
>>>>
>>>> Or are you suggesting in your reply above had I actually tried to _use_ it
>>>> to make a backup, that it would have asked me to register with email?
>>>>
>>>
>>> Not suggesting anyone use it or try it.
>>> Decision to download, use, etc. is up to each person to make that choice
>>> for themselves.
>>>
>>> The original post was information and primarily for those using Macrium
>>> Reflect Free.
>>>
>>> <the freeware group removed from this reply)
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> I tried to get the answer twice so I'll simply give up on asking why you
>> suggested the older version as being the last known good free version when
>> the current (newer) version "appears to me to be" also a good free version.
>>
>> I've tested almost all the software ever suggested on this newsgroup, so I
>> understand fully that what makes something the "last known good version"
>> isn't usually the fact that it's free - but something else - like ads - or
>> the licensing terms - or the addition of unwanted pop ups - and the like.
>>
>> In this case, I very much appreciate your advice on which version is the
>> last known good version, but when I empirically test it - it doesn't match.
>>
>> For example, there is a last known good version of Super or the last known
>> good version of Paint Shop Pro because of the unwanted stuff added after.
>>
>> I can't for the life of me figure out why the current version isn't the
>> last known good version as it seems to fit the criteria better.
>>
>> No big deal. I'll just assume version 8.0.7690 is the last known good
>> version and I will document it in my extensive archives accordingly.
>>
>> Thanks for your purposefully helpful advice, intended to help others.
>>
>
> It's quite simple
> 7279 was the last released version
> 7690 was a security update for 7279
>
> While the version number changed b/c of the security update, the program's free features did not. Also unlike 8.0.7279
> and earlier were any fixes released
>  - It's the same old, same old but a tweak to protect against a vulnerability.
>
> Would this be easier for you to understand?
> 8.0 is the last released free version
> Update 7690 doesn't update the version, only the build number.
> i.e. those last four digits are the build number of the version
>
> I'm quite confident that those who are using Macrium Reflect Free understood that 8.0 is the last free released version,
> and 7690 update's that prior version's build number.
>
> You can document whatever you wish in a personal archive.
>
> Finally, fyi...only one post is sufficient for a reply rather than three identical replies.
>
>
I've had the dupe replies myself once. It's probably 115 doing it, Eternal-Sept never did it for me.
--
Linux Mint 21.2 Cinnamon
Al

Big Al <Bears@invalid.com> wrote

>> Finally, fyi...only one post is sufficient for a reply rather than three identical replies.
>>
> I've had the dupe replies myself once. It's probably 115 doing it, Eternal-Sept never did it for me.

The dups were a mistake (clearly).

First it said it failed. Then it said it failed again. Then once more.
Since this happens a lot, I decided to wait a while before resending.
Normally, after a while, I try again - but three were already there.

So, unbeknownst to me, the first one was received by the nntp server.
As was the second. And the third.

When I realized that, I considered apologizing.
But that would create a fourth post.
So I'm only apologizing (and explaining) now that it came up twice.

I figured people would understand (since it's something that just happens).
Especially with encrypted newsservers while on VPN across timezones.

Encryption has a problem with timezones apparently.
And the NNTP news servers have a problem with VPNs apparently.

For example, try using the Tor browser on VPN with manual connections first
using your local timezone and then try it again on a different timzone.

Watch what happens.

"...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote

> It's quite simple
> 7279 was the last released version
> 7690 was a security update for 7279
> While the version number changed b/c of the security update, the
> program's free features did not. Also unlike 8.0.7279 and earlier were
> any fixes released
> - It's the same old, same old but a tweak to protect against a
> vulnerability.
>
> Would this be easier for you to understand?
> 8.0 is the last released free version
> Update 7690 doesn't update the version, only the build number.
> i.e. those last four digits are the build number of the version
>
> I'm quite confident that those who are using Macrium Reflect Free
> understood that 8.0 is the last free released version, and 7690 update's
> that prior version's build number.

Thanks for clarifying that the latest major release is version 8 which is
what you get when you use the stub installer - and the latest subversion of
that release is which is what you get when you use the stub installer.

*Mentioning any other sub version is meaningless*. (AFAICT)

In fact, mentioning any other sub version is worse than meaningless as it
becomes confusing to those who are installing the app as per your links.

The only thing we need to know is 8.0.7690 is currently the last known good
version (but other versions may happen between now & the EOL in 3 months).

Thanks. It's clear(er) now, finally.
Much appreciated the clarifications.

> You can document whatever you wish in a personal archive.

I've saved the Macrium Reflect v8.0.7690 last known good version in my
archives (along with this thread so that it's useful now & in the future).

Wally J wrote:
> "...winston" <winstonmvp@gmail.com> wrote
>
>> It's quite simple
>> 7279 was the last released version
>> 7690 was a security update for 7279
>> While the version number changed b/c of the security update, the
>> program's free features did not. Also unlike 8.0.7279 and earlier were
>> any fixes released
>> - It's the same old, same old but a tweak to protect against a
>> vulnerability.
>>
>> Would this be easier for you to understand?
>> 8.0 is the last released free version
>> Update 7690 doesn't update the version, only the build number.
>> i.e. those last four digits are the build number of the version
>>
>> I'm quite confident that those who are using Macrium Reflect Free
>> understood that 8.0 is the last free released version, and 7690 update's
>> that prior version's build number.
>
>
> Thanks for clarifying that the latest major release is version 8 which is
> what you get when you use the stub installer - and the latest subversion of
> that release is which is what you get when you use the stub installer.
>
> *Mentioning any other sub version is meaningless*. (AFAICT)
>
> In fact, mentioning any other sub version is worse than meaningless as it
> becomes confusing to those who are installing the app as per your links.
>
> The only thing we need to know is 8.0.7690 is currently the last known good
> version (but other versions may happen between now & the EOL in 3 months).
>
> Thanks. It's clear(er) now, finally.
> Much appreciated the clarifications.

8.0 is the last released free version, 7690 is the last released build
number.
It's been version 8.0 for the last ~29 months.

It's the same as Windows 10 or 11.
22H2 for Win10 is the last released version, 3570 is the last/current
released build. It's been 22H2 version for ~12 months
22H2 for Win11 is the last released version, 2428 is the
last/current/released build. It's been 22H2 version for ~13 months.

--
....w¡ñ§±¤ñ

On Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:25:17 -0400, ...winston wrote:

> - ****Do not change the name**** of the stub installer. The name is
> necessary to have the option to download the free version(8.0.7690)

Yeah, no. I've got 8.0.6560. I changed the name /and/ I downloaded
v8.0.7690_reflect_setup_free_x64.exe with it. Unless they changed
something, you can definitely change the name.

(BTW this should be in alt.comp.freeware.)

--
s|b

s|b <me@privacy.invalid> wrote

>> - ****Do not change the name**** of the stub installer. The name is
>> necessary to have the option to download the free version(8.0.7690)
>
> Yeah, no. I've got 8.0.6560. I changed the name /and/ I downloaded
> v8.0.7690_reflect_setup_free_x64.exe with it. Unless they changed
> something, you can definitely change the name.
>
> (BTW this should be in alt.comp.freeware.)

As a matter of habit, all of us who have installed every app ever suggested
on these ngs would know to do a few things habitually when installing.

a. Always use a _copy_ of the installer (then blow away that copy).
(The reason is some... very very few... but some... chew it up.)
b. Always hit your killswitch icon in your taskbar when installing.
(If nothing else, this lets you know when installers phone home.)
c. Always keep a log of the installation and store that log with the
installer where your directories are unchanged over the decades...
C:\archive\database\backup\macrium <== this archives the installer
C:\apps\database\backup\macrium <== this is where it is installed
C:\menu\database\backup\macrium <== this is the shortcut to run it
C:\data\database\backup\macrium <== this is where backups go
Note: I never use more than 8 lower-case characters for folder names
& I don't use plurals (but added them here for readability).
c. As for a.c.f, neither of these newsgroups is archived by Google
alt.comp.os.windows-10 or alt.comp.os.windows-11
So the best bet, to ensure others benefit in the future, is to add
alt.comp.freeware or alt.comp.microsoft.windows

That way all your intensive helpful effort is leveraged to many others
who need it because they'll find this in a keyword search years from now.
<http://groups.google.com/g/alt.comp.freeware>
<http://groups.google.com/g/alt.comp.microsoft.windows>
--
The whole point of Usenet is to find people who know more than you do.
And to contribute to the overall tribal knowledge value of the newsgroup.

>  - If not having installed and registered in the past, installing the
> product first time may require a similar registration sequence.

Just updated free v8.0.7279 to free v8.0.7690. The $80 premium Macrium
Reflect version is quite pricey. Do I need to take any special steps to
convert the free version to premium? I want to maintain the ability to
boot into the recovery mode.

Is there any free alternative to Macrium Reflect?

On 10/22/2023 6:25 AM, kelown wrote:
>
>>   - If not having installed and registered in the past, installing the product first time may require a similar registration sequence.
>
> Just updated free v8.0.7279 to free v8.0.7690. The $80 premium Macrium Reflect version is quite pricey. Do I need to take any special steps to convert the free version to premium? I want to maintain the ability to boot into the recovery mode.
>
> Is there any free alternative to Macrium Reflect?
>

Raymond.cc site appears to have been sold off.

http://www.raymond.cc/blog/10-commercial-disk-imaging-software-features-and-backuprestore-speed-comparison/

The archived version of the web page, doesn't have the choking collection of adverts.

I struck a couple items off because they're not practical or they are
actually Linux based (can't be run while you work in Windows). Because
of the Windows VSS capability, modern backup software can make backups
while you work from the C: drive. VSS is not needed during a bare metal
restore (because there is no C: and you're booted up on a RAMdisk)
and the WinPE lacks VSS subsystem.

https://web.archive.org/web/20220525005416/http://www.raymond.cc/blog/10-commercial-disk-imaging-software-features-and-backuprestore-speed-comparison/

Acronis True Image WD Edition / Seagate DiscWizard Price : Free <=== needed branded hardware, Seagate disk for Seagate version

Active@ Disk Image 6 Price: Free (Lite version)

AOMEI Backupper 1.6 Price: Free for personal and commercial use

EaseUS Todo Backup 6.5 Price: Free

Macrium Reflect 5.2 Price: Free

Paragon Backup and Recovery 14 Price: Free

Windows System Image / Win7 backup (Included)

AOMEI and EaseUS are two candidates. I use the free Paragon Partition Manager thing
(which only does Resize/Move for free), and haven't used their backup as far as I can
remember.

These require extensive testing, and I've only tested Macrium,
and apparently I haven't even kept up with the feature set there.

I've never used the Macrium PE on C: thing, and only use Rescue Media
controlled by the BIOS boot menu, for doing bare metal restores. I have
one Macrium rescue usb key, and four or five versioned Macrium CDs.
A Macrium 7 CD, should restore a 7 or 6 or 5 backup. If I made a backup
with 8, *maybe* a 7 CD would not support all the features. That's why
I have so many CDs.

The reason WinPE is so flexible, is when you boot it, it loads into
RAM Drive X: and no longer depends on media. If the "media" was actually
a folder on the C: drive, you could boot it up, it loads into X: and then
you could pave over C: . However, if the power went off in the middle
of the restoration, you might no longer have a coherent WinPE on the (paved)
C: drive to use. Separate boot media (I have that Macrium USB stick), when
the power goes off, you'd be OK to start the restore again when power
returns.

If you boot from a Macrium CD, then you can pop out the media, once the
WinPE desktop is painted on the screen.

*******

How the "Free" works on these, is a Full Backup is pretty well likely
to always be free. Because that's what "Windows 7 Backup" can do for
you, from the Control Panels item.

If you wanted Incremental backups (a space efficient method with
potential reliability issues if you "stack too many" incrementals),
that is generally a paid version. by teasing you with Full Backups
that work, they hope to get you to pay for Differential or Incremental
or Incremental Forever backup features.

At least one of the non-candidates, is more of a file-by-file backup,
and I'm not even sure what happens when you try and restore with it.
It (at least initially), appeared to be a demo program the developer
was working on as a fun thing. It appears a second version was created,
but it doesn't have the polish of the commercial ones.

Clonezilla, while it works, is an acquired taste. It really needs
a GUI. It is partially a script based thing that calls "ntfsclone"
and "extclone" or similar, to make images of a couple popular formats.
(It means they did not have to get their hands extremely dirty.)
It would lack features like fixing BLKIDs properly (so a clone would
boot independently of its master disk drive), and correcting boot menu
issues.

That's why this stuff needs such careful test by a prospective owner.
There are a lot of things you can screw up and ruin the experience
for the customer.

ALWAYS test your backup software, that it properly restores to a
blank disk, and that the blank disk boots by itself in the computer.
Do not take the word of a review article for this. It's your data!

In my career, I've had some comedic moments at work, when staff
discover that nobody tested the restore, and it didn't work.

This is why I have to insist you test this stuff. Experience.

Good backup software, will not back up a corrupted C: (use CHKDSK, try again).
Neither will it complete a backup, if the HDD has CRC errors (the right CHKDSK
invocation, can hide those for you in a scan). It's hard to have test media
available which is buggered just right, to do those test cases.

Paul

On 10/22/23 9:56 AM, Paul wrote:
> Acronis True Image WD Edition / Seagate DiscWizard Price : Free <=== needed branded hardware, Seagate disk for Seagate version
>
> Active@ Disk Image 6 Price: Free (Lite version)
>
> AOMEI Backupper 1.6 Price: Free for personal and commercial use
>
> EaseUS Todo Backup 6.5 Price: Free
>
> Macrium Reflect 5.2 Price: Free
>
> Paragon Backup and Recovery 14 Price: Free
re:

Acronis True Image WD Edition / Seagate DiscWizard Price : Free <=== needed branded hardware, Seagate disk for Seagate version

Active@ Disk Image 6 Price: Free (Lite version)

AOMEI Backupper 1.6 Price: Free for personal and commercial use

EaseUS Todo Backup 6.5 Price: Free

Macrium Reflect 5.2 Price: Free

Paragon Backup and Recovery 14 Price: Free

Can any of these make a useful bootable drive without an initial m$ environment? Stated differently will any of them work directly under Linux?