Odd antivirus moment.

[Den]

Some time ago I always ran Norton Security on my machines and then found it blocked access to my CCTV customers. When I changed my computer I did a clean install of Avast (paid for version). All was well until I bought a WD My Book Esential (1gb) for back up. I had trouble installing the software that came with it and was advised by WD to start up the computer in safe mode and then start again with a clean boot and then run Microsoft fix it. This did not fix the problem and after carrying it out I could not access the net. Did a system restore and Avast went missing but I could access the net. Reloaded Avast and tried to register again and the internet went awol. Did a restore and avast went but the net came back. I have now loaded Microsoft essentials and all is well. I will most likely look for a decent back up program and keep away from the WD one. Any thoughts?

[Simon]

Could the Windows Firewall have been on at the same time as Avast?  Or is Avast just anti-virus?

[pctech]

Not the first time I've heard of the paid for version of Avast being a little over protective but the same can be said of Norton (I had great fun with Norton AV and an Iomega utility that accompanied a zip drive on a Win 95 install as it didn't like the scripts)

In Norton I had to set an exception for Iomegaware which could be what you need to do in Avast for your WD software.

I've not used the Avast paid for edition but wonder if it locks down your networking connections if it perceives a threat?

I just back my stuff up to DVD so don't really know much about PC backup software TBH.

[armadillo]

I will most likely look for a decent back up program and keep away from the WD one. Any thoughts?

If you want a paid one, I have been using Acronis True Image for years. I have restored my system well over 50 times, completely without problems.

If you want a free one, Easeus looks kind of as though they have copied the ideas of Acronis - it certainly looks very similar:
http://www.todo-backup.com/products/home/free-backup-software-features.htm

I cannot recommend it as I have not tried it.
The real test of backup software is whether it restores when you need it to. Acronis has done that, as I said, over 50 times.

Also, from experience, I would never follow the instructions of a manufacturer (WD, Seagate etc) unless having first made a backup immediately beforehand. Last time I did what Seagate said, I had to do an Acronis restore immediately afterwards.

Further, I see no reason to use a WD or Seagate packaged external drive unless you need one that is over 2.2 TB on Windows XP. For an external that is either < 2.2TB on XP or any size on any other OS, you are much better off getting an internal drive, buying a decent metal external housing, held together with removable screws, such as Icy Box and putting it together yourself.

[zappaDPJ]

The real test of backup software is whether it restores when you need it to. Acronis has done that, as I said, over 50 times.

So very true. Having worked in IT on and off for around 30 years, I can still count on one, maybe two hands the number of successful restores I've seen. Conversely, I've seen ten times that many fail for more reasons than you can shake a stick at.