Windows 7 - System Recovery Image

I can see that there is a lifetime of information about recovery images so this has probably been covered.

I have my system set up and running exactly the way I want it. Can I create a system Image on a set of disks that will recover/restore/re-do my system right back to the way it is? Given an epic failure, beyond repairable, is there a way to image my setup so that i can basically reformat my drive with a system that is identical to the way it is now. I don't care about data files, just program files and system settings.

If easier, just refer a link if this has already been covered in another thread.

Thanks

Hello Evols, welcome to Seven Forums!



Have a look at this excellent, free imaging program at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


Imaging with free Macrium

Hello Evols,

I would recommend to create a system image on a separate HDD for the best reliability of a restore from it. CDs or DVDs are just not as reliable. A scratch one just one of them could ruin the whole image.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

System Image Recovery

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Hello Bare Foot Kid and Brink, thanks for your recommendations. I've actually already downloaded a copy of Macrium and I've also browsed through both of those threads, Brink. I would like to create a backup on both Disk and alternate drive.

My operating system is on a drive that also has about 500GB's of movies and other various data on it. I really only want to image the portion of the drive that is required for operations. Should I then be creating a partition that is designated for my operating system only and a separate partition for my data?

If I create an operating partition, will I then be able to use Marcrium to create a bootable image of my operating partition?

I'm sorry if this info is already in those threads and I'm just not extracting it. My knowledge and ability is limited. I understand what those threads are asking me to do but I'm just not sure if it accomplishes my goal.

Hello again.



Remember redundancy is your friend, I would suggest creating separate back-ups and images and storing them on external Hard Disk Drives, especially data you need to safe-guard.


Using image programs like Macrium require the use of a bootable recovery CD you must create using the program, to boot the PC to lay down the image; I'm sure Wolfgang mentions that in his tutorial; be sure to create the disk and to keep it in a safe place.

Ok, so what about the isolating just operating files in one partition? I don't want a 650GB image.

An image will contain EVERYTHING on a partition. You can't pick and choose.

If you don't want your data files to be part of the image, you would have to create another partition D and move them to it. Then image C alone.

Most on this forum would tell you that is a good practice anyway, regardless of imaging.

Thanks ignatzatsonic.