What exactly does a Windows system image backup save?

Stevekir said:

I am looking for a totally unqualified answer to the following question: "Does a System Image made by Window 7's Backup and Restore routine definately, without question, result in all Programs on the C: drive being restored perfectly in such a way that they will immediately run exactly as before, including major programs such as Adobe Photoshop and MS Office?"

Yes, a disk or system image is a complete snapshot at the instant you click 'make the backup'. Changes you make from that moment on (if you keep using the PC) will not be reflected in the backup currently being made.

When you restore the backup you get a fully working system exactly as it was at the instant you started.

I'm now sufficiently satisfied that I have the answer: a system image (and only a system image) saves everything, at least as long as we're not dealing with dual-boot Linux / Win7 setups. There is still a question about whether a somewhat defective invisible partition would get saved, but that's a question for later (or, with any luck, never). Thanks to all for contributing to this thread.

Layback Bear said:

My method might be helpful.

I use Windows 7 built in backup (clone) to a external and Macrium backup (clone) to a different partition on the same external.

I'm paranoid. If one doesn't work when needed the other should.

Your idea (the bold part) seems the only definitive way to confirm that the programs are included in a system image. To do that without going the whole hog and restoring my C: drive when I don't need to (some day perhaps but not now when the system is working well) I would like to go through one of Windows 7's Backup and Restore routines to restore that image to an external USB HD. (I know that Windows will not reliably boot from such a drive but that's not relevant at the moment.) I could then simply look at the restored files and see if my programs are included. Job done.

I have looked at the restore options but can't clearly see a way to make the restore to occur on that ext. HD, NOT the C: drive.

--- So how can I do that please? (From your post it looks like you have done that, but how?)

The attached image points to a likely candidate but I don't want to go too deeply into that for fear of it charging off and restoring on to my C:

--- Does it offer an option to restore to an external drive?

Thanks.

Layback Bear said:

I'm not sure I understand you question but I will try to answer what I think you question is.

First off I don't use usb externals for back ups.
I use hot swap sata ssd's or eSata ssd's.

But to the best of my memory once you put a back up/clone on a external of any kind you can open it to see what data is stored in the backup/clone as long as your system recognizes the external drive. All information you have chosen to put on the external should be there and searchable.

Thanks. That's very helpful.

My other concern was whether the routine (with the red arrowon my post) allowd me to specify an ext. USB drive as the place for the restore. I think your post answers that.

Layback Bear said:

You can put your restore to any external your system will recognize. I would recommend a hard drive or ssd.
Flash thumb drives is no place for restore items in my opinion.

Excellent. I will do that, then use the two sevenforums tutorials to look inside the image and look for the programs.

Yes they are.