Windows 7: Restore Point vs Shadow Volume

Let me begin by saying that this site is the very best I have ever seen. So many talented, thoughtful, courtious people taking time to help people with problems/questions. Your Tutotial Section is just amazing. The tutorial about restoring Windows Mail into Windows 7 must have helped hundreds of folk to get back this application. The one about Shadow Explorer has a real eye opener. Not available in XP. I installed this program and low and behold there were several opportunities to restore older versions of "Data" files. My questions follow:
1. Does this not take up an extrordinary amount of disk space.
2. If I have to go back to a system restore point, to fix a problem, am I going to overwrite current "Data" files?
3. Are these tools two different things.

Many thanks in advance
JohnnyA

Shadow explorer lets you restore your stuff
System restore restores the Operationg system,
They are not the same thing
I you use system restore your stuff will not be touched.

You can see how much space is used and how to change it
System Protection - Change Disk Space Usage

Welcome to the forum johnnya!

1. It's true that Shadow Copies (also known as Previous Versions) will take up a fair amount of disc space, depending on how many User files you have, of course. But the other side of the coin, is the question of how important having a back up (of sorts) is to you. It's all a question of priorities. For me, it's crucial, and not an option. If I lost my professional files, I'd be toast! For you the situation may be different.

By the way you referred specifically to Shadow Explorer (ShadowExplorer.com - About) which is 3rd party software, and is an alternative program to Shadow Copies for all editions of Vista or 7 for the “Previous Versions” feature that is only available for the higher end editions. If you do not have one of these versions, then this is a great alternative.

2 In regard to System Restore, it does not change or overwrite User files. It simply undoes changes to the Windows system made since the time of the restore point.

Many thanks for all of your answers. I think I've got it. I am running Windows 7 Home Premium so Shadow Explorer is a good option for me. I also fully understand that I must also do external backups (DVD's, External Hard Drive, Usb Stick) to ensure the safety of vital "Data"
Cheers and thanks again
JohnnyA

If you have home premium you have you have back up and restore, no need for Shadow Explorer
Windows 7 Features: Backup and Restore
Recover Files with Previous Versions (Volume Shadow Copy) in Vista Home Basic and Premium with ShadowExplorer » My Digital Life