Windows Backup vs 3rd party Backup solution.

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  1. Posts : 210
    Windows 7 Ultimate
       #1

    Windows Backup vs 3rd party Backup solution.


    Checking out the windows backup option bundled with the OS.. In the past, I have used an older version of Acronis to build backup jobs, etc. The new backup looks to be pretty good initially, but I am wondering if anyone has any experience with how well it performs... I know I have been asking a lot of questions lately, but figured one more would not hurt..
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  2. Posts : 28,845
    Win 8 Release candidate 8400
       #2

    ML

    We love the questions. win 7 backup utility works for most ppl. I use it in addition to Acronis. I like the ability to pour an image back to the same or different partitions and for that Acronis fits the bill. For straight backup the OS partition win 7's backup works fine. So its 6 of one half a dozen of the other. If I had to pick one and only one it would be Acronis

    Ken
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  3. Posts : 210
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #3

    So I am sure I understand this.. With win 7 backup, you can now make a full complete backup of the core OS partition to another partition, that can be used to recover the entire system in the event the core OS bites the dust..? In past versions of windows, this could only be accomplished from outside the OS, at least to my knowledge.. this would be a big improvement from my perspective..
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  4. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    Hello Musiclover,

    Yes, you can now create a complete System Image Backup for everything and/or individual User and System Data Files in all editions of Windows 7. :)

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
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  5. Posts : 210
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #5

    What about append another backup with an incremental, or write only files across that have changed on schedule.. Also, are the backups encrypted, and if not can they be? Can they be set to not encrypted? I can figure all this out by playing around of course, just hoping for an explanation here..
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  6. Posts : 154
    Windows XP-Pro-SP3, Windows 7
       #6

    There is a whole forum, dedicated to Ghost and other Windows backup programs.

    Since around 1997, when Ghost first appeared on the IT scene, I've been using it to backup partitions and whole HD's. Ghost 2003 works a treat on all OS's up to and including XP and is small enough to be run from a floppy disk, but also runs great from a bootable flash drive or CD.

    However, Vista and Win-7 throw some new stuff in the game and Ghost 2003 no longer works without you having to jump through hoops and perform some acrobatics.

    So for Vista and Win-7, I use either Ghost 11.5 or Acronis 9, run from a boot Flash Drive or CD to backup my Win-7 OS partition.

    You MUST have your backup and restore program on some bootable media when your main HD has totally shot craps and is a smoldering ruin.
    Having your backup software on C: when it's dead is NO backup at all. Likewise having your backup image file on a second partition of the drive that's just died is NO backup at all.

    For a backup of C: to be valid and useful, it MUST be on some other media, than your main HD. An external HD or DVD's is the only safe place for a backup image file.

    I've been setting backup schemes for home and business for many years and I know from which I speak.

    My own backup DVD's for XP are bootable to Ghost so I have no problem restoring those backup files from just the one DVD. (even to a brand new HD )

    I back all my data files that have changed, on a daily basis with a simple batch file incorporating XCOPY to back up new files or files that have changed, to folders on my backup hard drive. I really like to keep things simple and NOT load my PC down with redundant software. Using DOS batch files wherever possible solves this problem.

    Cheers Mates!
    The Doctor
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  7. Posts : 1,040
    XP MCE .... XP Pro 64 .... W7 U x64
       #7

    Brink said:
    ..you can now create a complete System Restore in all editions of Windows 7 :)
    Shawn
    It's my understanding that this feature is NOT in Windows 7 Home Premium ??
    Am I wrong ??
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  8. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #8

    Hello Noyb,

    From what I see below it's available in all editions of Windows 7, but doing so to a network location is not available in the Home Premium, Basic, or Starter editions. It's not available in those editions with Vista though.

    Which one is right for you?

    and

    Compare Windows 7 Editions
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  9. Posts : 1,040
    XP MCE .... XP Pro 64 .... W7 U x64
       #9

    I see now .. Many Thanks

    I wonder if it has all the features of Acronis ..
    Like mounting a backup image as a Virtual HDD so specific files can be recovered ..
    or being able to backup/restore individual partitions ??
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  10. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #10

    It automatically selects the Windows 7 system partition and Windows 7 C: partition to backup that cannot be unselected, but you can select other available individual partitions.

    Clean Install via Win 7 Upgrade

    I notice that the system image is made to a VHD file, so it may be possible to open somehow to view and restore specific files instead.

    Windows Backup vs 3rd party Backup solution.-system_image_backup.jpg
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