Full Image Backups

Is there any way, using Windows 7 Backup and Restore via command prompt or their wizard, to create unique full image backups without doing it manually (ie changing the name of the backup folder)? To put it another way, instead of having it backup incrementally, I want it to make a completely separate image each week.

I also want to note that I'm not looking for any other alternatives to the native Windows 7 Backup and Restore function. Boss seems to have taken a liking to Windows 7 B&R.

Any help is appreciated.

Hello Bill,

You could use Method One in the yellow tip box at the top of the first tutorial below to increase the maximum space used by system protection to be able to store more system images, but even this is limited to how many can be stored.

The only true way to create and keep multiple new system images until you run out of free space on the hard drive is to rename the WindowsImageBackup folder before creating a new one like in Method One.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Create a System Image Shortcut - Create


If he changes his mind about 3rd party programs, Macrium Reflect Free is a good one that will allow you to do what you wanted without having to jump through a few hoops.

Imaging with free Macrium

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn

Shawn,

I must have missed the tutorials somehow, thanks. I figured as much, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking something obvious or incredibly easy.

I pitched Macrium to him when I was looking into backup solutions, but he likes that it's built in and the ease of mounting the image.

Thanks again.

You're most welcome. :)

Brink said:

Hello Bill,

You could use Method One in the yellow tip box at the top of the first tutorial below to increase the maximum space used by system protection to be able to store more system images, but even this is limited to how many can be stored.

The only true way to create and keep multiple new system images until you run out of free space on the hard drive is to rename the WindowsImageBackup folder before creating a new one like in Method One.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Create a System Image Shortcut - Create


If he changes his mind about 3rd party programs, Macrium Reflect Free is a good one that will allow you to do what you wanted without having to jump through a few hoops.

Imaging with free Macrium

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn

Technically, MR free is only for private use; businesses have to use one of the paid versions. Of course, one could "get away" with using the free version for a business unless one has a conscience.