How does NAS restore a networked desktop's failed system drive?

[wm_cheng]

I realize there are software out there that can clone/image/ghost my desktop system drives in case any of connected desktops OS drive crashes and store them to the NAS. But how do I recover the OS system drive images from a connected NAS backup back to a newly replaced drive in the crashed connected desktop?

Do I have to re-install the OS with the cloning software to the new drive in the desktop and re-establish network connection first?

 

[thiggins]

"Bare-metal" backup programs usually provide the ability to boot from a CD to start the backup. But check the features and limitations of any program that you are thinking of buying.

 

[claykin]

Most drive imaging programs have a boot CD that will load a small OS with the ability to enable network connectivity. Once the imaging program is installed on your PC youc an also make a custom boot CD that will contain drivers specific for your hardware. Last, its always a good idea to test the boot CD and verify that it will properly load and allow you to see your NAS and image files.

My 3 picks for drive imaging (all 3 support bare metal restore and to some extent bare metal restore to dissimilar hardware):

1) Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery 8.5 (or the consumer Norton Ghost 14 which lacks a few features)
2) ShadowProtect Desktop from StorageCraft
3) Image for Windows from Terabyte Unlimited. (this may be the most difficult to use, but its got lots of options and is a small footprint)

Note, of the above only Image for Windows will support Windows 7. Shadowprotect V3.5 is coming soon which will support Win 7. Symantec is releasing all new Windows 7 products to extract $$ from existing users.

Some users like Acronis Trueimage but I've had lots of bad luck with the last 2 versions of their Home product. If you really want Acronis I would recommend you stick with their Business version which is now called Acronis Backup 10. It has less toys but works whole lot better.

You can also try Macrium Reflect which has a free and paid edition. I've had limited experience with it but it looked pretty decent.

There's at least 6 other options, but I've either not personally tested them or they were unacceptable to me.