Windows 7: Basic Question on Easy US todo Backup-- how to create image

OK I have the Free Easy ToDo Backup, I think version 4.0.

I have Windows 7 64-bit Home

I recently bought a new external HD.

I back up crucial files as needed (copy it to a different HD)



But I want to B/U my Toshiba Laptop. I want to get a complete system image so that if I get a crash I can recover completely in a short amount of time.

I am confused on how to proceed.

The Main Menu gives me 4 choices; two of those choices are:

Backup (Data Backup or System Backup) and'
Clone (Disk Clone, partition clone).


Which do I choose.

One would think system backup, but I THINK that only backs up the Windows System files. True? I want an image of everything so that in case of disaster I can be back up and running by restoring that image.

I'm just confused on how to proceed

Mel

Did you know that Windows 7 comes with a free Backup and Restore program which can make a system image of your drive?

I also have a Toshiba laptop.

I also use Win 7 Backup and Restore to make a system image backup rather frequently. Fortunately, I've only needed it once.

As for almost every situation, there is a tutorial which will give you all of the nitty, gritty. I'll give you the quick summary:
Win | type Backup and Restore | ENTER
Create a System Image (left-hand panel) |
from here out everything is rather intuitively obvious to the most casual observer (as an Adv. Calc prof was fond of saying)

Just check the partitions that you want to backup and let 'er run.

WIN= key with Microsoft log on top.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I have had problems with the Windows Back-Up.

I am seeking answers about the EaseTodo software.

Mel

Mel,
Would you care to tell me what problems you have had?

Since I use Windows 7 Backup and Restore frequently and have NEVER encountered any problems, then I'd like to hear about your problems.

I used that program until a few months ago, so my memory may not be entirely accurate, but I think the correct choice is Backup--System Backup.

If I'm correct, that will backup EVERYTHING on the chosen partition (C), including Windows system files, your data, and whatever else may be on C.

Clone is likely a different process entirely--transfer of a Windows installation from one drive to another--as when you replace a drive with a larger drive. Cloning does not use an image.

If your data is not on C, then an image of the "System" would not include your data.

Thanks Ignatz:

That was my question. But I also have another question. Suppose I've done my imaging b/u and later something goes awry where I want to do a complete restore.

MUST I use the b/u CD that I created (the emergency boot CD) or can I just run EASY and restore from the image (assuming my computer can boot up).

Karl -- I'm sorry but I can't remember the problem. It was about 6 months ago. I know the process would be running for about 20 minutes and then suddenly I would get errors. The problem was NOT with the external HD (it happened with 2 external HD). I may have been doing something wrong, but I doubt it. Anyway, it wasn't worth screwing around with.

Since then, I've been backing up my crucial files, but I do not have a good system b/u

Mel

Mel

I stand to be corrected, but I think you DO have to use the boot CD. That's the way it works with the free edition of Macrium. You should test that boot CD to confirm it boots and that you are then able to see all necessary partitions as well as the image file itself.

I believe you have to boot from the recovery CD as well to restore an image.

I don't personally like the Built-in imaging tool because it's not easy to 1). Keep multiple recovery files 2). Move the files to a different location. 3). You have no control over things such as compression amount, task priority, breaking up the backup into multiple files, etc.

A few tips that may hopefully be useful:

For your purpose, click on Disk\Partition, c: will be selected by default (shows in orange, if you have more partitions click on them to add them to the cloning.

Then look at 'Destination'. If your external drive is not listed click 'Click here to modify' to navigate to your drive. Click 'Proceed'.

You need the destination disk to be of similar or larger size vs the source disk. With larger size, the leftover space will be unallocated, can be fixed anytime later with a partition program.

No need to boot from cd or anything. btw, the resulting copy\clone also gives individual access to all files when opened in explorer.

Agree, the interface could have been better\different, but what's more important is getting reliable backups and restores. Go ahead, it'll work out fine, it just needs a little familiarity. Easeus has worked very well here. To the point of feeling guilty with my regular use of the free edition , time to send them some $ I guess.