I can only use the backup if/when I need it to deal with a problem on the machine it was created from.ģ. Explore the backup I have made on the HDD and selectively restore files from it.Backup online while WIndows is still working (no problem, I always leave the machine alone until a backup is completed).However, if I don't install Macrium onto a machine I can't: Do I have to log in with my Microsoft account to access this?Ģ. I can download a recent version of the recovery CD from whs if I choose this option (thank you!). So I can boot the recovery CD then perform a backup onto an external HDD.

I can use the Macrium free software direct from a recovery CD without having to install it on any machines. I'd appreciate comments where I may have misunderstood:ġ. So below is my summary of what I (think I) understand, essentially related to the use of Macrium. This is great as it gives me things to think about, but I don't want to lose sight of my original issues. I appreciate all the answers, but am getting a little confused, especially as the post has also generated a discussion about different backup software.

Macrium reflect 8 price