Do I need a system image for my back-up

Alt8 said:

About a week ago my computer somewhat died on me, luckily I recently did a back up on my new external hard drive. I had a small problem when I was creating the back up, it would never complete. So, I decided to try taking things out, nothing worked. Until, I tried taking out the creation of a system image. That is the back up that I now have. So my question is, when my computer comes back and I restore, will all the files be there just not necessarily in the right spot?

When you restore from a system image, it restores everything back to the exact way it was at the time that you made the system image.

Welcome aboard, Alt8 :)

A system image contains all the information of your file system at the point the image is created; and restoring that image, you will get the thing exactly as at the particular point of time.

Now, f you included partitions other than C and system reserved, the restoration will make those partitions back to the point of time, too.

Try making a system image independently from your Backup & Restore Schedule using the "Create a system image" button on the Backup and Restore screen. I would change my backup schedule to "Let me choose" and UNtick the create a system image box. Create system images manually on as needs basis.
Also make one image only. I do not recommend making multiple difference images. You can delete the Image folder or rename it. Provided the image folder is renamed back to WindowsImageBackup in a root of a partition Windows will see it as a valid resorable image.

I also tend to agree with ignatzatsonic. Did you use W 7 imaging software or some other third party software?

ignatzatsonic said:

Alt8 said:

I had a small problem when I was creating the back up, it would never complete. So, I decided to try taking things out, nothing worked. Until, I tried taking out the creation of a system image.

That description is unclear to me.

I'm not sure you have a valid image. Maybe so, maybe not.