Windows Backup vs System Restore


  1. clivemacd
    Posts : 2
    Windows 7 32-bit
       New #1

    Windows Backup vs System Restore


    Probably a dumb question, but why do I need Windows Backup when I have already system restore points?
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  3. Ranger4
    Posts : 9,746
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit sp1
       New #2

    Hi clivemacd, welcome to the Forum.

    No it's not a stupid question. System Restore Points are kept on your main Windows 7 Hard Drive, which is fine as long as the drive keeps working, but if it has a major failure you lose your System Restore Points & everything else. So having a image back up on a separate drive is essential if you value your data.

    I use Macrium Reflect, as a lot of others on the Forum do, & I do a weekly image of my main drive. I also have a boot disc which you can create with Macrium to get the computer booted up to install the backed up image to a new hard drive. Normally this would take probably about half an hour & then I am virtually back where I was immediately before the old hard drive failed.
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  4. iko22
    Posts : 2,798
    Windows 7 x64, Vista x64, 8.1 smartphone
       New #3

    To Backup all your personal files use the Windows Backup and Restore. To take a snapshot of the system at a particular point in time use System Restore Create a Restore Point.
    In short, system restore will not save a copy of your personal documents, pictures and stuff, so you use Windows Backup and Restore for that. Also, Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate users can use Win Backup to create an image of the complete computer.
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  6. clivemacd
    Posts : 2
    Windows 7 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Thanks Ranger4, I get it!

    Wish I was in Oz, our weather not friendly right now :)
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  7. Ranger4
    Posts : 9,746
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit sp1
       New #5

    Thanks clivemacd, glad I was able to clear that up for you. Yes you certainly are getting belted by the weather.
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