Windows 7: Restoring backups into RC1

Backup and Restore. Windows Vista's stellar backup and restore features have been streamlined and simplified in Windows 7. Like its predecessor, Windows 7 supports both data backup and image-based system backup, but now the UIs are more segregated.

So, as long as I back up my files using back up and restore then when RC1 comes along I just install then restore and all will be the same as beta was before nuking it? Sounds simple enough what could possibly go wrong that is my question. I am using a usb flash drive for backing up. Will there be a conflict between Fat and NTFS ?

Since each build is progressive with 7 assume that you will need to start over fresh for each one due changes as well as other things. The RC1 will have seen quite a bit of change there while you may be able to restore certain things depending on what they are. But don't expect everything to be exactly the same.

Like Vista before it any usb external hard drive or flash drive will remain invisible to Vista as well as Windows prompting to format the drive when detected. For optimum usage reformatting to NTFS 5 is your best option to always have ready access even after starting the system without the flash drive plugged in.

Surprisingly here a flash drive assigned a drive letter has seen that retained in both Vista and 7 despite several shutdowns and restarts when not plugged in but left in a holder. Being reformatted to ntfs it is readily available for use.

I agree with Night Hawk's comment. You can back up certain folders, like pictures, Docs and music to a CD (or DVD) but why back up anything more than that?

Night Hawk, thanks for the reply, I will give reformating to NTFS a try.
Jacee, pictures is the main thing for sure, thanks lm

Hello myzr7,

Another option you may want to consider, assuming you have some disk space available, is creating a data partition, and keeping your personal files on that.

With the options to move your pictures folders, or by the use of libraries, this can be transparent to the user.

I run multiple OS's and all share a single "Data drive" without major issues so It may be worth thinking about.

If you are using Firefox or thunderbird mail, then this little program is great - and WORKS! Saves having to put all your settings back in and plug ins, themes, etc.
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MozBackup 1.4.9 Beta 1
===================================================

General
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MozBackup is a simple utility for creating backups
of Mozilla applications like:

* Mozilla Firefox
* Mozilla Thunderbird
* Mozilla Sunbird
* SeaMonkey / Mozilla Suite
* Flock
* Spicebird
* Netscape (7/9)
* Netscape Messanger
* Songbird

It allows you to backup and restore bookmarks, mail,
contacts, history, extensions, cache etc.

Supported versions:
* Firefox 1.0 - 3.1 Beta 3
* Thunderbird 1.0 - 3.0 Beta 2
* SeaMonkey 1.0a - 2.0 Alpha 2
* Mozilla Sunbird 0.3 - 0.9
* Flock 1.0 - 2.0
* Spicebird 0.4 - 0.7
* Mozilla Suite 1.7 - 1.7.x
* Netscape 7.x / 9.0
* Netscape Messanger 9.0
* Songbird 1.0

NB - nightly builds

Requirements
--------------------------------------------------
Windows 98 or higher (Windows 95 are not official
supported but maybe MozBackup works there too)


Changes
--------
See changelog.


License
--------
This program is freeware.


Contact
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Author: Pavel Cvrcek
Homepage: MozBackup - Backup tool for Firefox and Thunderbird
Support: MozBackup - Backup tool for Firefox and Thunderbird

I just pulled a drive out of the external usb enclosure to mount internally for additional OSs along with having bought a 1TB drive dedicated as a main storage device for Windows and Linux files alike. With mulitiple booting going on I ran out of room for second storage partitions real fast. It can bail you out fast if you end up needing to wipe a drive or partition having things safe elsewhere.