Windows 7: System Image Recovery allow me to identify & restore individual files?

Mark Bacon · 17 Sep 2012

My question is similar. I'm new to Windows 7-64. I want to back up the entire system but will System Image Restore allow me to identify and restore individual files? Windows 7's normal back up function does that, but it doesn't save the OS and programs.

Thanks

Brink · 17 Sep 2012

Hello Mark, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Sorry, but when doing a System Image Recovery, you will not be able to pick and choose individual files and folders. It's an all or none deal.

However, you could use the tutorial below to manaully extract individual files and folders from within the system image if you like.

System Image - Extract Files Using Disk Management

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Mark Bacon · 17 Sep 2012

That's kind of what I suspected, but it seems like Microsoft could put it all together in one backup.

So, that leads me to a follow up question: If I use one external HD for my normal periodic back ups (using the Windows back-up program) and for the System Image Backup--if I ever need to use the System Image after a crash, will it work even tho it shares the HD with other backups? (Space on my huge external HD is not an issue.)
Many thanks.

Brink · 18 Sep 2012

Yes, that would work since system images are saved in the WindowsImageBackup folder, and backups are saved in a separate <computer-name> folder.

Mark Bacon · 18 Sep 2012

Many, many thanks. That's how I will proceed.... tho as I have time I think I'll check out some other backup programs I've seen reviewed on CNET. Thanks again!

Brink · 18 Sep 2012

You're most welcome.

Macrium Reflect free is a good one to try.

Windows 7: System Image Recovery allow me to identify & restore individual files?

System Image Recovery allow me to identify & restore individual files? problems?