Windows 7: Help with backup

Well I have tried backing my files up and after about 4 hours, it backs up 43% of everything that needs to be done (which is 4.4GB). The problem is, when the DVD that I back it up to runs out of space the backup control panel area still says that files are being transferred to the DVD (when in reality they are not). I have been waiting over 2 hours for it to give me some sort of message to let me add in a second DVD but nothing comes up.



After waiting 6 hours for the backup, I ejected the disc and put in a new one, unfortunately I had to re-start the whole process again.

Could anybody please give me any tips? What am I doing wrong?

When Windows backup needs a new DVD, it sends a notification via the Action center. Make sure you have Windows backup alerts in Action center turned on. Also, in the Backup and Restore control panel, click on View details, does it say it is waiting for a new DVD?

You may try norton ghost .

It does not say it is waiting for a new DVD. When I click on details it says "copying files to DVD" when it really isn't.

Also, I'd rather not try Norton Ghost.

My experience is that backing up to DVDs is a pain and it is expensive in the long run. An external disk is a better option and you do not run out of space so easily (if you do a minimum maintenance on the disk).
I also saw that some people had difficulties with the windows backup (especially the Windows 7 imaging) during the recovery phase. Plus you cannot easily mount the images if you want to recover just a single file/folder.
In that respect, Norton Ghost is better although I prefer Macrium because it is a lot lighter, faster, easier and for free.

Thanks but I do not want to create a system image, all I want to do is back up my files on my DVD's.

Are you backing up only your data? Or backing up the system files and everything ?

will you please explain actually what are you trying ang what is the process you are following ?

Since I am a fan of imaging, I was proposing it. But if you do not need that level of security, that's just as well. I do, however, use Macrium to backup my files too. All my files are in a seperate data partition (a good practice for several reasons), and I just image that partition.

I am mentioning all that because in my experience you completely rely on the windows facilities when you backup with those (and they do not always work the way you expect - as you have seen). Mounting windows backup files is not an easy task because windows converts them to its own format. That is a lot easier with imaged files and you can pick and choose what you restore. But again, you do it your way, maybe you are luckier next time.

Well I am backing up my files (not system files) because I am going to clean install windows 7 onto my computer.

Aha, that's a different situation. Chances are that Windows 7 cannot read the files that you backed up with e.g. XP. I suggest you just copy them by hand to the DVDs. That way you know what you have done. Use this function: Context Menu - Add Copy To Folder and Move To Folder works in Windows 7, Vista and XP.