Windows 7: Is this a real back-up or did I mess it up??

Hi,

I was checking out my first and only Windows 7 back-up on my External Drive a few minutes ago. I found three items on my External Drive:

(1) Phil-HP
(2) WindowsImageBackup
(3) MediaID.bin

When I clicked on Properties for the three I discovered:

(1) had '0-bytes'
(2) had '16 bytes'
(3) had '528 bytes'

My External Drive says that a little more than 60 GBs of free space was used to make the backup.

Shouldn't that figure be showing in one of the three items I listed?

Thanks and regards,

2harts4ever

Open WindowsImageBackup. It will ask for authorization. The page shouid look something like that (after 3 opens). The VHD at the bottom of the page is actually your image. You can mount that if you like:

Hi whs,

Yep ... did what you said and at the bottom I have two entries. The first is a little more than 38 GBs and the 2nd one is a little more than 10 GBs.

When I did the backup I was under the impression that it was (a) backing up my files (I let Windows decide which ones) and (2) that a System Image was also being created.)

Is that what the two entries above represent?

Also, what are the other two items in my original post used for:

(1) Phil-HP
(3) MediaID.bin

I appreciate your patience and information.

Regards,

2harts4ever

1. the other 2 files are just control files. Just disregard them.
2. Looks like you imaged 2 partitions. do the following:

a. go to Disk Management and click on the Action button - top left

b. click on "Attach VHD"

c. navigate to one of the VHDs (with browse), highlight that and click Open - or double click on it

d. go to Computer. The VHD should show up as a normal volume which you can open and look what it is. Then you can do the same with the other VHD. And don't worry, those volumes will disappear from Computer with the next reboot.

whs,

WOW! Keep this information coming and someday I might be the one answering questions on this forum ...lol

Seriously, I really appreciate all your time and patience.

Hopefully you have time for me to ask one more question.

When I used WinXP before getting Windows 7 I always used and trusted Acronis True Image. Do you think it is safe to stop using Acronis and just stick with Windows 7 backup or would you say to continue using both?

Basically the only thing I used the External Drive for is for Backup purposes.
I am getting a larger External hard drive (1TB) because I have been using my present one (250GBs) for four or five years so space shouldn't be an issue.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks and regards,

2harts4ever.

Don't worry. I have all the time of the world to answer your questions

Acronis is a good program if you get it for free. If not, use free Macrium (which I use) or free Paragon. These are the best free imaging programs. But stay away from Windows7 imaging. It is a dog in many regards. The list of defects is too long to type - it would wear out my 2 fingers, LOL.

More questions ???

You asked for it ... More questions ???

You said to stay away from the Windows 7 Image Program. I didn't know I had a choice when I did my backup. It automatically did the image. Is there a setting I am missing to stop Windows 7 from doing the Image?

Thanks,

Phil (the bad half of 2harts4ever ... lol)

You can download the trial version of Acronis True Image 12 and give that a whirl if you wish.

Acronis True Image Home 2012

It does seem to get good write-ups from those that use it and it is more versatile than the the Windows 7 backup utility.

You don't actually stop the Windows 7 image program - you just don't use it if you're using Acronis or something similar instead.

Just go to Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore and change the settings.

Then install free Macrium and make your images with that. If you have questions, let me know. Unfortunately my Macrium video tutorial on the forum is for a backlevel Macrium release. The current release (5.0) is however somewhat different. So no good to look at it in detail but it may still give you an idea. One day I have to make an updated tutorial.

seavixen32 and whs,

@seavixen32: I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

@whs: I appreciate your tip on the free Macrium image program. I will check it out.

However, I have been using Acronis True Image for a few years and as of now I am satisfied with it. I had to use it a few years back when I played with my computer more than I should have (I'm pushing 70 and sometimes I don't know when to back off ...lol ) and it saved my aging 'butt' like it was advertised to do.

Once again, I sincerely thank you for taking the time in helping Windows7 make more sense to me.

I hope both of you have a great weekend!

Thanks and regards,

2harts4ever

PS: You'll most likely be seeing more of me until I get to understand the 'ins and outs' of this system.