Windows 7: What is the difference between "image" and "backup"

What is the difference between "image" and "backup"?



Thank you!

In terms of backing up your computer system, a system image is a complete image (copy) of a hard drive, which may or may not be partitioned, and allows your computer to be restored from the same system image.

A file back up backs up a set of files or partitions that you choose.

System restore is used to restore your computer to a point where you know it was working properly.

In my case I have a C drive, which contains the operating system and my applications. This partition is backed up on a regular basis using Windows 7's system image backup and can be restored quickly and easily should the operating system become corrupted.

I then have three other partitions: data, images and music, which are then backed up separately on a regular basis using Windows 7's backup software.

You can, if you wish, use third-party sofware such as Macrium & Acronis True Image etc., etc..

Thank you very much, thorough explanation.

I have 2 partitions, one with the operating system, documents and applications, and the other which is the clean system.

How do I divide C to two partitions? one for the system and applications, and the other for documents?

You're very welcome.

Please upload a screenshot of your expanded disk management layout so that we can properly advise you how to partition your hard drive (s).

Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

When you say two partitions, are you talking about two separate hard drives?

Yes I am talking about two separate hard drives.

Do you mean this?


C - System, documents, application
D - Clean System(for recovery)

That's what I meant, yes.

Partition or Volume - Create New

Please post back if you encounter any problems, if not, please let us know how things go.

Whatever you do, don't touch your D drive as that is your factory-restored recovery partition supplied by Lenovo.

If you partition your C drive, and then restore your system from Lenovo's recovery image you would lose anything on the C drive including any partitions you have created.

If you haven't created any Lenovo recovery disks yet, I would strongly urge you to do so first in the event you want to restore back to the factory system when you first bought your computer.

Once you've created a set of Lenovo recovery disks, you could delete the recovery partition if you wanted the drive space.

Just remember that any factory restore takes longer when using recovery disks rather than the recovery partition.

Thank you!

Yes, all the free space in D is wasted and I can't touch it!!

About the restore - yes I understand, but I will image my system after I divide C.

Is there a tutorial for Lenovo recovery disk on sevenforums?

In the future, will I be able to create a recovery partition (like D) to work with the OneKey Recovery button on my keyboard?

You should find more information here: Lenovo Support - Home (US)

I haven't come across the OneKey Recovery button on your keyboard, but if it is a Lenovo-supplied keyboard, I would imagine it will only work with your Lenovo recovery partition, so if that partition is removed the OneKey Recovery button becomes redundant.

Okay, thanks for your help.

about the button, I will ask Lenovo support.

Best to do that, yes, and you're very welcome.

I hope everything goes well in your endeavours. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any further queries.