Backup and System Imaging - creating and testing


  1. Posts : 1
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #1

    Backup and System Imaging - creating and testing


    I am new to Windows 7 and would like to Image my system and Backup files.
    From the Control Panel - "Backup and Restore' -
    I started by creating a System Image to an external HDD and noted that folder 'WindowsImageBackup' was created. Then I created a 'system repair disk'
    Following that - I executed a 'Backup' of all my files.

    Questions:
    - 1) where does the Backup Files store its data? under the folder 'WindowsImageBackup'?
    - 2) does 'Backup All Files' create a new system image backup at the same time as it backs up files?

    - 3) what is the best way to test the system image backup?

    would appreciate any help
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 450
    Windows 7
       #2

    Backup stores files in ROOT-of-specified-drive:\PC-name\ (whatever your PC name is-without spaces)

    I have yet to restore a system image to test.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #3

    daisymay said:

    - 3) what is the best way to test the system image backup?
    As far as I know, you can't.

    The only test that mattered would be a restoration of the image to see if the PC then functioned properly.

    Of course, that would mean the destruction of a system that is already known to be working well and who would want to do that?

    You should validate that you can go part of the way into the restore--enough to at least view your partitions and see the image file. But I wouldn't actually do a restore as a test.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #4

    I agree it's a real risk to fully test a backup/restore using a single HD.

    One way to test it without risking destroying the current system:

    Get another hard drive and restore your image to that HD.
    Disconnect your current HD/OS.
    Boot from the new HD with the restored image and see how it works.

    I've done these "basic" steps more than once and it has worked for me.
    Worst I've run into is needing to do a System Repair with the "new" HD.

    Also, I mainly use Acronis TI (paid), and it can boot from CD to restore an Image.
    I'm not sure if Windows restore can do that.
    I prefer Macrium Reflect (free) to Windows Backup/Restore.

    Acronis and Macrium allow more control than Windows Backup...
    If you have a WD or Seagate HD you can get a free version of Acronis.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 19:24.
Find Us