A couple of questions on Back up and Restore

Sunset try this Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

or this

Imaging with free Macrium

sunsetlover said:

Hello,

I started doing the Windows auto back up and restore, where "I choose". I'm interested in primarily backing up my Documents. But when I go to Set up Back up, it shows me only folders. Individual files can't be backed up?

Also, perhaps a question asked a myriad times, what else should I include in the auto back up? Any settings? any Program Files?

I have my System Repair Disk, I assume it has the original programs as when the computer was shipped?

Thanks!

To answer your questions.

1. Windows File and Folder backup along with most other file and folder backups are specified at the folder level. You can't do it at the file level.

2. The repair disk does not contain your programs. It only allows you to boot to it so that you can restore an image that you have previously saved to an external drive. If you have ticked the box to create a system image when configuring Windows Backup then it is this image that will be restored.

No the only real way of backing up installed programs is by creating an image. You don't say what PC you have, but if it is shop bought it will ususally have a way of returning it to an as new condition. Not much use if the disk fails but better than nothing. Backing up to DVDs is never a good choice, there is too much opportunity for things to go wrong. External USB attached HDDs are relatively inexpensive now and well worth the investment.