Basic windows 7 system backup questions


  1. Posts : 8
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #1

    Basic windows 7 system backup questions


    Hello,

    I am new to the forum, and looking for some guidance. I want to back up what is on my laptop to an external hard drive, and what I am wondering is am I able to backup programs? i.e.: Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard, etc. as I do not have the install discs for some programs.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 16,130
    7 X64
       #2

    Your best bet is to make an image of the operating system.

    There are free programs that will do it.

    Aomei is very good ( standard version is free).

    AOMEI Backupper: Data Backup and Restore Software for PC, Laptop and Server
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 8
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Will this backup programs as well? That is my main concern as I don't have the original discs for a lot of the programs. And is the free version adequate?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #4

    AOMEI Backupper, Macrium Reflect, just to name two of many, free and pay-for -- all can do full images of your OS partition and your data partition, everything is backed up, nothing is left behind. If you backup a whole HD, you restore a whole HD if you ever need to. If you backup a partition, you restore that partition if you ever need to. Once you pick and do the learning curve, you are good to go :) And, store your full images on your trusted and affordable external media of your choice.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #5

    No, you can not backup programs, but you can backup the program information (data etc) and the program installer.

    As long as you have the key, if the program needs one, you can simply google the program, it`s out there.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,465
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #6

    tsp2224 said:
    as I do not have the install discs for some programs.
    That's a serious problem you need to resolve ASAP.
    The main function of a backup is to be able to fully rebuild the system in case of a disaster, and that will include reinstalling every piece of software you can possibly use. Having a backup copy of all the installers is the way to go to ensure you'll always be able to restore your computer.
    Personal data is the other fundamental thing you need to backup. It's even more important, as it's often impossible to get it again from another source (say, family photos, your work documents, anything important). Those two things are the bare minimum you need, everything else is an extra.

    Having the installers is important because that's how you can be sure you can reinstall everything. At some point in the future, when you need to reformat, it might be still be available for download, but nobody can warrant that, or maybe there is a newer version that you don't like, or just has disapeared. A local copy eliminates all those problems. So set off to find a copy of all installers you consider important.

    A full disk image is a quick and easy solution, but far from ideal in all cases. It's nice while building a good backup set, and is useful when you want to revert a very concrete problem provided you know the exact cause. When you have more severe problems at the root of the OS, soon or latter, you'll want to do a full reformat (for example, in case of virus strike or a major OS update), and in those cases, you need to reinstall everything too.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 4,751
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit - Build 7600 SP1
       #7

    tsp2224 said:
    Will this backup programs as well? That is my main concern as I don't have the original discs for a lot of the programs. And is the free version adequate?
    If you use Macrium Reflect (free version) it will image your whole partition, everything. When you need to restore it will take about 15 minutes. This will restore all of your OS, Programs and Data. It will restore all of what is on your HD.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 16,130
    7 X64
       #8

    YES, it makes an image of your entire partition.That includes the operating system, programs, eveything. Very simple and quick.


    tsp2224 said:
    Hello,

    I am new to the forum, and looking for some guidance. I want to back up what is on my laptop to an external hard drive, and what I am wondering is am I able to backup programs? i.e.: Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard, etc. as I do not have the install discs for some programs.
    AOMEI Backupper: Data Backup and Restore Software for PC, Laptop and Server
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #9

    AddRAM said:
    No, you can not backup programs, but you can backup the program information (data etc) and the program installer. As long as you have the key, if the program needs one, you can simply google the program, it`s out there.
    AddRAM, you are a very wise tech person! I must be missing something that you caught from the thread starting post. Even though I know about backups/restores, I would to learn a little bit more of what you know.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 16:28.
Find Us