Creating a System Image.


  1. Posts : 217
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    Creating a System Image.


    When my Win 7 computer was new I created a System Image (In Backup & Restore). Is it necessary to keep updating this backup or having created the System Image is that it?

    Mind you having read some of the posts here I wonder if it is worth it.

    Thanks for any advice.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #2

    It would be worth keeping up to date backups.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 217
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hello Theog. I am next to you in Dorset.

    Thanks, I will update System Image when I backup the rest of the beast.

    Judesman.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #4

    Judesman,
    You will also find that you will be able to restore back to any system image on you backup disk.

    Windows 7 Backup and Restore is an excellent backup program which works perfectly. Due to my other activities, I make a system image backup almost daily, thus, I've much experience with the Win 7 system image backup.

    You can also get to the Backup and Restore applet by:

    1. WIN key (that's the one with the wavy flag on it)
    2. type backup
    3. Enter key
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #5

    Routine System Images are certainly a good practive to get into.
    It may seem pointless, but there will eventually come a day when you'll be glad you did.

    I make a system image every other day, and now keep about 12 in store.

    I also find it better to Image the Entire Disc, the OS is on. Others may disagree, but this is my prefered method.

    Windows 7 built in Back up is also decent and many will reccomend it. Personally, I find Acronis to be much better. (You must purchase it however). There are also a couple free alternatives I find to be a bit better.

    Why I say this is, For example:
    I have Win7 on a 40Gb SSD. I have all my games on a 500GB partition on a spinning drive. And other DATA elsewhere on spinning drives.

    Windows backup wants to Image the OS drive & the Games Drive all at one time. For me, theres no other alternative. While this may seem to be no issue for some, or even prefered, it irritates me.
    I like to Image the ENTIRE OS drive as is, and keep all other DATA as seperate auto backups. And a seperate Games Partition backup as well.

    Just my thoughts & opinion about the built in, be it right or wrong.


    None-the-less, it does work well & many like it.
    Bottom line, whatever app you decide to use, regular systems images often, is without a doubt, the way to go.

    For future reference,
    I would also recommend a clean instal, and activate windows soon as you start up.
    Then Image right away, before you do anything else. Just activated.
    Burn that Image to a DVD and put it away for safe keeping. In the event you need to do a clean instal, simply format a reimage. Your new, fresh, & activated.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #6

    Wishmaster,
    I have a current Acronis. I have used Acronis.

    With the advent of the Windows 7 Backup and Restore I've switched 100% to Win 7 Backup and Restore.

    You can backup as many drives as you would like with the Win 7 Backup And Restore.

    I contribute the many misunderstandings regarding Win 7 Backup to the poor naming. Selecting System Image gives you the option of only backing up your C drive and any other drives. Win 7 will automatically select your system drive for you.

    If you choose to perform a backup but not a system image backup then you can select and combo of drives and or folders and/or libraries.

    The backup by library is a convenient feature that I've used occassionally.

    I was glad to see that Acronis added the capability of working with VHD files.

    Incidentally, the system image backup of Win7 produces a VHD file which you can mount independent of Win 7's Backup and Restore.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #7

    It is very possible it is a misunderstanding on my part to get it to do things the way I prefer. Thanks for clarifying :) Ill take another look in the future.

    But just for clartification to the OP, Im am simply stating personal prefernce.

    Any back up plan is a good practice IMHO.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 217
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Thanks for all your input and advice. All noted.

    Judesman
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #9

    Judesman said:
    Hello Theog. I am next to you in Dorset.

    Thanks, I will update System Image when I backup the rest of the beast.

    Judesman.
    So near,but so far away.

    You are welcome.
      My Computer


 

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