Making a Factory Restore/Backup

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  1. Posts : 176
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Making a Factory Restore/Backup


    hi im wondering if for someone like me who has made there own PC from various parts none OEM, if theres a way to make a Factory Restore type thing so that if you need to wipe out your PC you can just push a button (like f2 to load factory Settings) type thing or if there's is something similar that i can do

    thanks :)
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  2. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #2

    I think the best thing to do is once your machine is updated, has all the programs you use on it, etc and is running well, create a full system image and save it to an external hard drive. Update the system image on a regular basis. It won't be a one click operation but you'd be able to restore your computer to the exact condition it was in at the time the latest image was made.
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  3. Posts : 176
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    marsmimar said:
    I think the best thing to do is once your machine is updated, has all the programs you use on it, etc and is running well, create a full system image and save it to an external hard drive. Update the system image on a regular basis. It won't be a one click operation but you'd be able to restore your computer to the exact condition it was in at the time the latest image was made.
    Sounds liek a Great plan , so basically when you Reformat/reinstall windows and put your basic programs that you use and update to the most current drivers at the time then make the image?
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  4. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #4

    In a word - yes. :)

    Some people make multiple images "just in case". They might make one immediately after installing the operating system and all updates and verifying that things work the way they should. Then make a second one after installing other programs. It really depends on what works for each person's needs.

    The Windows 7 imaging tool (Start > Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Create system image) is a basic tool without too much flexibility. Some people have reported problems, others like myself have used it many times without any issues. Other free products you might consider are Macrium, Paragon, and EaseUS Todo. You could do an initial system image using Windows 7 (very straight-forward operation) along with the companion system repair disk (in case you machine ever fails to boot) and then play around with the other imaging tools.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 176
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    marsmimar said:
    In a word - yes. :)

    Some people make multiple images "just in case". They might make one immediately after installing the operating system and all updates and verifying that things work the way they should. Then make a second one after installing other programs. It really depends on what works for each person's needs.

    The Windows 7 imaging tool (Start > Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Create system image) is a basic tool without too much flexibility. Some people have reported problems, others like myself have used it many times without any issues. Other free products you might consider are Macrium, Paragon, and EaseUS Todo. You could do an initial system image using Windows 7 (very straight-forward operation) along with the companion system repair disk (in case you machine ever fails to boot) and then play around with the other imaging tools.
    ok thanks for the info its very helpful
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  6. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #6

    You're very welcome.
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  7. Posts : 176
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    ok just 1 question if i make a Image does that make everything on my Hard rive go into that image so if i restore the image it will be just like when i made the image?
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  8. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #8

    Answer to your last question is yes. Here is a bit more info that might be useful: Imaging strategies
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 176
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    what 1 is better Paragon or EaseUS ?? i just want to make a weekly backup so that i can install 1 program on each mine and my mom's PC so it backs up to my Network PC
      My Computer


  10. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #10

    They are both OK. EaseUS may be a bit easier.
      My Computer


 
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