How to Enable or Disable Backing up to Local Hard Disks in Windows 7 and Windows 8

   Information
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable all or specific users from being able to save a Windows Backup or system image to local hard disks in Windows 7 and Windows 8.


EXAMPLE: Backing up to Local Disks Enabled and Disabled
Backup to Local Hard Disks - Enable or Disable-enabled.jpg

Backup to Local Hard Disks - Enable or Disable-disabled.jpg

Backup to Local Hard Disks - Enable or Disable-enabled_system_image.jpg

Backup to Local Hard Disks - Enable or Disable-disabled_system_image.jpg



OPTION ONE

Enable or Disable Backing up to Local Hard Disks using a REG File

1. To Enable Backing up to Local Hard Disks for All Users
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
Enable_Backing_Up_To_Local_Disks.reg


Download

2. To Disable Backing up to Local Hard Disks for All Users
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
Disable_Backing_Up_To_Local_Disks.reg


Download

3. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

4. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

5. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted.


6. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file on the desktop if you like.





OPTION TWO

Enable or Disable Backing up to Local Hard Disks in Group Policy

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.
2. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Backup, and Client. (see screenshot below)
Backup to Local Hard Disks - Enable or Disable-gpedit-1.jpg
3. In the right pane of Client, double click/tap on Prevent backing up to local disks to edit it. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Backing up to Local Hard Disks
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
5. To Disable Backing up to Local Hard Disks
A) Select (dot) Enabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Backup to Local Hard Disks - Enable or Disable-gpedit-2.jpg
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
That's it,
Shawn