Backing up computer

SIW2 said:

I thought that was quick - then I looked at your specs. Pretty fast machine you have.

Windows system image is actually slow in comparative terms - it's the slowest backup app. I have come across.

Not that backup speed matters all that much ( unless you have an enormous amount of data ) . Reliability and flexibilty are more important imo.

Maxxwire said:

PattiChati said:

How do you know what to backup? Surely it wouldn't be all the programs and can you back it up right on your computer somewhere.

A System Image Backup will include all of the programs on your computer as well as system settings, the 100 MB Win 7 System partition and your factory restore partition as it will show in Backup and Restore. Its fairly quick though I did one earlier this evening with 16.2 GB on the Windows 7 partition to back up and it only took 5 minutes and 22 seconds to complete.

~Maxx~
.

I just want to back up my data ? Does that make a difference in what I use? I am afraid of an external device for fear I will screw up my machine.

I'd drag my active User folders (Documents, Pictures, Music, etc) to a DVD which holds 4.7gb each. You can get the size ahead of time by looking at the Properties box for each. I would clean up each folder ahead of time of files you don't need so you don't waste any disk space.

Other than the external, a large quantity of data or an image can also be sent across the network to another computer if that is an option for you.

Patti,
when we started we discussed the backup options. If you must use DVDs (because of your cost constraints) the procedure was given. For images which are a snapshot of your PC try one out. All you have to loose is waste a few DVDs. Windows is just as fast as some of the others which are more complicated.
The file backups which we also talked about are a bit slow with Windows but will usually get the job done.

For USBs I suggested drag and drop folders. If you don't want to use the regular backup that comes with Windows you can drag and drop to DVDs as well. Just when you put in a new CD/DVD windows will ask how do you want this formatted. Select format as a USB.

Remember drag and drop method of backup requires you to keep more of a record when files or folders have been changed and need to be copied.

Just check the flyer for Staples and they have the USB thumb drives on sale for $10 on the 4GB and up. I have bought two USB drives on sale from Staples.

Maxxwire said:

Patti- I've gotten some great deals on USB Flash Drives at both Office Depot and Office Max. I've purchased several 16 GB Toshiba Flash Trans Memory Drives that benchmarked in the 30 Mbps range for write time and backed up an entire Drive Image to it with room to spare. If you keep an eye out this Holiday Season you are sure to find some affordable Flash Drives that are suitable to use as backups.

~Maxx~
,

This is very good advice Maxx.
Thank you for sharing.

pparks1 said:

PattiChati said:

It sounds like you are saying you back it up on the computer itself? Do you? Can I use a usb flash drive to just back up my info - not the programs? I cannnot afford an external drive at this time.

If that is the case, i would suggest getting a USB flash drive that you just plug in and then drag and drop the files that you want backed up. By all means, at least do this. While images are NICE...if you have the original OS discs and software you can always just reinstall the OS if worse comes to worse. But your personal files.....when those are gone...they are gone.

These drives go for as little as $6 for a 2GB drive at NewEgg.com.
Newegg.com - Patriot X-Porter 2GB Flash Drive (USB2.0 Portable) Model PSF2GUSB

If you need more space then here is a 4GB for $7 at NewEgg
Newegg.com - Patriot 4GB Flash Drive (USB2.0 Portable) Model PSF4GMUSB(Blue)

Here is an 8GB crucial for $16
Newegg.com - Crucial 8GB Flash Drive (USB2.0 Portable) Model JDOD8GB-730

And here is a 16GB OCZ Rally drive for $39
Newegg.com - OCZ Rally2 16GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive Model OCZUSBR2DC-16GB

After all of the above posts I think this one is probably where you are at.
Get a deal on your USB & drop & drag your personal documents/folders.

boohbah said:

if you never do an initial backup when you first use win 7 the the action center has a flagged message as a reminder ,you can turn the reminder off by clicking the flag, then open Action center then on the window for the backup alert click the turn off message about backups link

I cannot find the window for the backup alert. I got to the action center and that was it. I had tried to back up right on my computer, and it didn't work, so I wonder if that has something to do with it. Should I back up on USB flash drives or an external hard drive (which are so expensive). I don't want to have to remember to back it up, I want it to back up automatically according to when I have it set. Thanks.