Windows 7: Backup User and System Files

I'm only a year late but many thanks for this work-around re back up which worked for me too

You're most welcome New 2 Windows 7, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Hello,
I just have a quick question. What exactly is the difference between a system image backup and a regular backup and restore, as far as the files that are included? I understand a system image is basically a clone of your specified drive(s), including os, so does a regular backup not include the os?
I'm asking because my backup drive doesn't have room for both, so if a system image is sufficient and includes personal files (music, pictures, etc.) then that is what i'll go with. If this is this case, it would seem almost redundant to backup both a system image and personal file backup, but maybe I am just ignorant.
thanks!

Hello Jake, and welcome to Seven Forums.

You have it correct. However, you can include a system image with your user and system files backup though. See note under step 9.

Basically a system image is a complete clone of the selected drives and partitions that gets restored the exact same way.

A User and System Files backup allows you to backup files of your choice, and on a schedule if you like.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Shawn,

that was most helpful, thanks for clarifying. i'm loving all the tutorials by the way. keep it up!

Jake

You're welcome Jake.

what if i deleted a file or a program after some time of doing the full backup, it would be deleted from the backup set when windows do an incremental backup or do i have to manually delete the set and do a full backup again?

Hello LM2008,

The backups are incremental, but it also depends on how much free hard drive space you had available when you create a new backup. If you have room to keep them all, then the older backups will still be there. If you are running low on space when creating a new backup, then Windows will automatically delete the oldest backup or two to make space available for the new one.

Anything deleted since the previous backup will not be included in the newer backup afterwards, but may be available to select to restore from an older incremental backup.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks for the clarification, that's why i love this site.

You're most welcome.