Windows 7: Backup & Restore Options

Windows 7 SP1 NTFS

I'm trying to create an image as I did with Norton's Ghost in XP and later when I used Norton's Save & Restore in Vista where the entire contents on my C: drive was backed up.

In Windows7 Backup & Restore it's a little ambiguous where it saves in steps. I've viewed all options which are:

I selected " Create an Image" on the left side of the first dialog box. This gives me these selections which are pre-selected and can not be changed:

System (System)
(C System
Recovery (D System

In choosing "Set Up Backup" I get.....

1. Let Windows Decide

All Users
System Image

2. Let Me Choose

Backup Data for Newly Created Users (which there aren't any)
LEELORD Libraries
Computer (C

Maybe it's me but I'm not sure which option to choose. I don't want to do incremental backups where data is added automatically later. All I want is a one time only backup which creates an image of my entire C: with... Program Files, Registry, System Files, Boot sector, Partition table, etc... everything!

Any help on how to proceed would be greatly appreciate. Thank you.

The links here
Windows 7 - Tutorial Index
Cover in detail just about every configuration and possible use of the windows 7 back up feature.

Hello mate.



Have a look at this tutorial at the link below, it's free and very easy to use.


Imaging with free Macrium

Hoe to create a system image backup
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

P.S. Time to update your profile. It still says you are using Vista.

You find all the details in the tutorials section for Windows Backup & restore plus Macrium imaging.
They can be an overload in one hit - here is an overview:

Windows Backup & Restore: In addition to restore points Windows "Backup & Restore" form 2 additional and functionally separate backup capabilities.
Folder File Backup
One backs up folders and files you choose and/or a set of personal folders and files windows defaults to. This does not backup the OS or 3rd party applications which have been integrated into windows. Standalone *.exe apps can be stored. These backups are stored as *.zip files and are easily accessed and incrementally added to. You can browse and pull files easily without going into "Disk Management". I think it is intended for the average windows user to feel comfortable with. The down side is that the process tends to be on the slow side.
System Image Backup
A system image backs up everything (except what windows deems to be rubbish). This includes all the OS, 3rd party applications your files etc.... It's like a snapshot of the full computer back when the image was made. The backups are stored as very large *.vhd files. My computer can create an image for a 50 GB system in around 20 min to a USB ext HDD and restore in about the same time.
Windows stores the backups in a root partition as [WindowsImageBackup]. This one image per partition constraint is a weakness of the Windows imaging. The workaround is to simply rename the image to [WindowsImageBackupxxxx]. Rename it back to [WindowsImageBackup] for windows to recognise it in the restore process. I store multiple windows images on the one partition.
Windows enables you to select "Create a System Image" or include an image in the folder/file backup procedure. When you tick the image box you are selecting 2 separate backup processes to be run. I always create system images on their own and run file/folder backup alone without an image.

A windows image (vhd file) can be easily attached under disk management and browsed like you were browsing the original disk partition. Files can also be extracted but I think the more you touch the image the more you risk it's ultimate purpose - an image restore.

Some people have problems with windows imaging. It either doesn't work for them or they want greater flexibility. I use Macrium as well as a safeguard and when I need the added flexibility. Macrium imaging runs at speeds compared with windows imaging dpending on the level of compression. Macrium images are very easily browsed.

You will get strong opinions on favourites.

Using Imaging To Restore to a New HDD
What if your HDD dies.
I have easily restored full systems to "out of the box" 1TB Seagate HDDs. I put the drive in the disk 0 slot (alone) reimaged with Windows imaging. The system automatically rebooted with everything working including my 3rd party applications. Other imaging software can be used.

To avoid breaching the EULA and avoid piracy, this process will not (directly) allow you to restore to another computer.

Cloning
Despite it's name isn't grand high tech.
Cloning is essentially bit copy of a disk to a disk. Imaging can usually realize the same result in a more efficient and flexible manner.

Thank you EVERYONE for the quick responses. I believe I understand the backup & restore procedures much better. The way to go then is to choose "Create a System Image" from the main screen to Image the entire C: drive. Am I correct? Lee

Yes.

Editing ......

Purchase an external hard drive and backup your system image to it.

Thanks again. I already have 3 externals for various reasons, one of which is for backups. I appreciate the help!

You are welcome.