This one has me stumped. I cloned a faulty laptop hard drive (successfully) using the already installed Acronis program. When finished cloning, I replaced the hard drive with the newly imaged one.

 

I then installed a new Eset Nod 32 as well as fifty some Windows updates. I opened Acronis to make a backup and it said my free trial had expired. (It's important to note that this was never a trial version of Acronis) I enter the key, it accepts it and becomes the full version. However, on every reboot it reverts back to a trial version.

 

I finally uninstall Acronis and reinstall it only to have the exact same thing occur on boot.

 

Has anyone else experienced this problem? It's Acronis TI 2010.

I remember having that problem Cindy but am not sure which version I had it with. I believe it had to do with putting the code in on a trial version as opposed to downloading the paid version from the website putting in the logon and password before downloading the actual version. I think it was the version after 10 but as I remember 10 was a flawed version anyway. I can't for the life of me imagine why you do not use the much newer free version of Macrium anyway. It is totally functional except you would have to buy the paid "Standard Version" to do incrementals or differentials" is all. The free version does total image file creation including compression settings and cloning so why use such an old version of Acronis? It also has none of the bloatware and is so easy to use a young child can use it. The best feature of all is the Windows Rescue Disk which custs through all the Linux issues from Windows 8 on besides.

 

There is a deal right now at Macrium for 20% off until November 30th on a hard to find Macrium discount and if I remember right the 4 licenses Standard version is $90 making it $72 with this coupon:

http://www.retailmenot.com/view/macrium.com

This was never a trial version, Rich. It's one that I signed into Acronis and downloaded to a portable hard drive for future installations. I've never had any issues with the TI 2010 up until now. The weird thing is, I have since installed this on three other laptops since this problem began, without issue.

Uninstall Acronis then edit Acronis totally out of the registry and reinstall it and see what happens.

Uninstall Acronis then edit Acronis totally out of the registry and reinstall it and see what happens.

That's exactly what I am thinking,Rich.

Nearly has to be a reg entry causing this issue.

I would also run Void Tools "Everything" and delete anything it fimds.

I did use "Search Everything" to delete all items related to Acronis including the registry. No joy.

Hi Cindy. Did you find 2 folders in the registry? Also delete Acronis folder in program Files.

I am no expert but if all this fails then I am at a loss.

I'll give it another shot.

This is just another example of how flawed this software really is, but then we know I walked away from current versions of Acronis almost 2 years ago and I will never use or recommend it again.

I give up, it didn't work. I'm really disappointed. I've had very few problems with Acronis TI 2010 to date.

 

I didn't care for TI 2009 0r TI 2011. Thanks, guys, I appreciate the help! :)

I think 2011 was the last version I liked. But actually ever since Acronis started adding all the bloatware that has nothing to do with the basics, I knew it was only a question of time until I walked away.Pushing online storage, secure zone, data and file backup and all the distractions diluted the product for me and then of course Windows 8 was the complete end from which I doubt they will ever recover.

 

I want this program to make image files, clone drives and do incrementals and differentials in a simple way. Everything else is a distraction. I love Macrium because it does only that and the fact it has a Windows Rescue Disk as well as a Linux one. Also because it is as quick as Acronis, even in the free version, something none of the competition is.

Sorry we couldn't find a fix for you, Cindy.

 

I use the Macrium free version on all my computers and it is incredibly fast. I don't need incrementals and differentials.

I clone the system onto the same partition on another drive every couple of weeks. It automatically removes the previous entry and is so fast in cloning and hasn't let me down ever. I even cloned an OS off a Sata drive straight onto a SSD drive and worked perfect.

Surprised the free version works so faultless.

I use the ASZ on client computers. It saves me a lot of time and effort when they get so badly infected that I wouldn't waste my time on cleaning it.

Cindy can you explain the process there....I am not quite sure what you mean.

Dougie is spot on on Macrium free program having total functionality and it keeps getting better.

A year ago when Iw ent to it the rescue cd's on most Linux based backup programs were seldom working and the Windows PE disk for Macrium came in real handy with Windows 8 and 8.1. At that time the rescue was a dvd using Windows PE and seeing the great opportunity they redesigned the rescue environment to fit on a cd for all versions and there was a time when theirs was the only software working on Windows 8.

 

This company is smart and always up to date. Because I seldom could restore an image file successfully from Acronis to a new hard drive I got in the habit of cloning the drive which can fail, with a damaged hard drive. From the very first time I tried it even with Ssd drives Macrium restored back image files to new drives. Simple uncluttered with immediate support answers when you have issues makes them a must in any techs repertoire.

 

I can't tell you how difficult it was to keep up with the revolving door at Acronis in the days I was testing that software all the time after Stephen left. The very first email I sent to the marketing VP at Macrium was answered the same day with total support and the same guy is still there 2 years later.

Explain what process, Rich? I don't know what you are asking me.

Oh, now I see what you are asking.

 

I have some 20 to 30 difficult customers who persist in illegal downloads, P2P, etc. They usually have shite for security and as a result they are bringing me their machines every few months to clean.

 

I decided a long time ago, I wasn't going to do this anymore for these same people. Instead I always install Acronis, create the ASZ, make the back up and activate the startup recovery manager. When they bring me their infected computers, I press F11 at boot, recover their computer, install the latest Windows updates and hand them back their computers.

 

They are always delighted to get their computers back on the same day. It takes less than an hour from start to finish, (recovery and win updates) and no one every complains about my fee.

"I use the ASZ on client computers. It saves me a lot of time and effort when they get so badly infected that I wouldn't waste my time on cleaning it."

I was referring to this comment Cindy.

"I use the ASZ on client computers. It saves me a lot of time and effort when they get so badly infected that I wouldn't waste my time on cleaning it."

I was referring to this comment Cindy.

 

 

Oh, now I see what you are asking.

 

I have some 20 to 30 difficult customers who persist in illegal downloads, P2P, etc. They usually have shite for security and as a result they are bringing me their machines every few months to clean.

 

I decided a long time ago, I wasn't going to do this anymore for these same people. Instead I always install Acronis, create the ASZ, make the back up and activate the startup recovery manager. When they bring me their infected computers, I press F11 at boot, recover their computer, install the latest Windows updates and hand them back their computers.

 

They are always delighted to get their computers back on the same day. It takes less than an hour from start to finish, (recovery and win updates) and no one every complains about my fee.

Ok I wasn't understanding what difference the ASZ makes and it really doesn't. If I wanted to do that I would simply make an image file, store it on an external drive and then restore it when I see their face, however my business is devoted to not doing anything like that.

What I do for those types is cure them or send them elsewhere. They will buy Mbam Pro and I install WOT, Adblock Plus and Spywareblaster. They get a paper with the 6 acceptable updates or things they are allowed to click on such as Adobe Flash and Reader, Java, Mse, Mbam, and Windows Updates.....and an explanation of Malware and Adware + enablers and if they keep doing the same things over and over again I just am not available. If they won't do any of that and I really don't give them a choice, I walk away.

That is why I have simplified things for myself. They are going to continue to do it anyway and someone may as well get the money for fixing it. I refuse to disinfect them any more. I spend less than one hour from beginning to end using the hidden secure zone and installing whatever Windows updates are available. I put $75. in my pocket for about 45 minutes of my time. Less, really as I don't need to be in front of their computer the entire time. I'll take this kind of fee for no real work to speak of, really, all day long. These clients no longer annoy me in the least.

I guess in your case the other nice thing is they come to you...I wish I could have that luxury. I am not wasting the time going to the same people over and over again for the same reasons....

I hear what you are saying, Rich. :D

 

Some people you just can't educate no matter how hard you try.

More importantly, money is money. :money: Someone has to do it, it may as well be me.

 

So, when it comes to certain people, Acronis SZ has made my life a lot easier.

I guess in your case the other nice thing is they come to you...I wish I could have that luxury. I am not wasting the time going to the same people over and over again for the same reasons....

How are you wasting your time if you are getting paid each time? Rich.

Ok I should have explained that one better Dougie. Sooner or later I found when I first started doing this that the ones who create the most issues, are the same ones who sooner or later blame the tech and mutter something like a "capitalist pig" (under they breath) so while I don't like doing the same thing over and over again, until I started trying to show the clients how to avoid the issues I found that undertone was always there and they seldom called me back more than a second time anyway. Then the really scary part is if they think that way, what do they tell their friends? I do advertise but I find my best referrals are word of mouth and I have long believed that is because I try so hard to make them better users. Its a part of my whole "MO" because from the time I walk in I am trying to make them better users and remind them we will keep fixing theirs until it becomes economically unfeasible, and then they will buy mine. Since I began with this "MO" I almost never lose a client once I go there and they know they are supposed to recruit "more nice folks like themselves for me" which is why I leave them 5 business cards, one of which is a magnet!

Edited November 29, 20149 yr by Rich-M

I see where your coming from now, Rich. I strongly believe in magnets. I owned a large Carpet cleaning company with franchises which I got out of in 1999. Believe it or not I still get an odd call for carpet cleaning because some still have magnets on their fridge 15 yrs later.Magnets work.