Backup types? Some questions..

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 250
    Main OS: Windows 7 64 bit, Secondary: Vista 32 bit
       #1

    Backup types? Some questions..


    I was going to set up a backup for my computer, and in Backup and Restore there are two options. To create a system image, and to set up a backup. if i make a system image and save it on my external hdd, does it appear on the hdd as a .img file? Will i be able to go into it and use my files? Also if i select the other option "Set up backup" will this just copy over the files i choose or will it also make an image file? Im trying to decide which option i should choose.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 196
    Windows 7 / Windows 8.1
       #2

    A system image is an exact copy of a drive. It includes the drives required for Windows to run,drivers, system settings, programs, and files. You can use a system image to restore the contents of your computer if your hard disk or computer ever stops working. When you restore your computer from a system image, it's a complete restoration. This will require your accessing the Recovery Console.

    I personally prefer system images to backups because they contain all of your Updates and HotFixes.

    A backup is good for backing up all of your files and folders and you can access those easily on your external HDD.

    Windows Backup Information


    System Image Information
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 250
    Main OS: Windows 7 64 bit, Secondary: Vista 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for the quick response. Yeah i already know this, but will i be able to access the files from the system image?

    edit: also, if i want to make system images every month or so, will i have to delete the previous image because i would assume there's no point in keeping both.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #4

    DaRonRon,
    With most programs designed to backup your computer, you have the possibility to restore all or selected data files.

    Each backup and restore has a different method of accomplishing this objective.

    I'm most familiar with Windows Backup & Restore.

    Windows provide an amazing amount of documentation of backup/restore.

    WIN + F1 key combo | type System Backup

    Windows will provide you with a list of topics.

    Familiarize yourself with the possibilities.

    Incidentally, the system image backup offered thru Windows Backup&Restore, will produce a VHD file which you can "mount" just like any VHD file. I provide this info in case you are familiar with VHD files.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 196
    Windows 7 / Windows 8.1
       #5

    DaRonRon said:
    Thanks for the quick response. Yeah i already know this, but will i be able to access the files from the system image?

    edit: also, if i want to make system images every month or so, will i have to delete the previous image because i would assume there's no point in keeping both.

    I use a Seagate Freeagent and have been able to access my System Images (files within) and yes, you can make multiple copies but if you use Windows to create the Image instead of 3rd party software, be sure to rename your previous image.

    Example: My images are called BOM. So after creating an image I will rename it to BOM1, BOM2, etc.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 250
    Main OS: Windows 7 64 bit, Secondary: Vista 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    thanks for the help guys. I understand much better now. So i think i'll go ahead and create a system image and system repair disc.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 196
    Windows 7 / Windows 8.1
       #7

    Good stuff! Let us know how it turns out for you :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 842
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64 - OEM Service Pack 1
       #8

    Always a good idea to do a scan with your virus software and something like malware bytes to make sure you are making a clean image.


    Steve
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 250
    Main OS: Windows 7 64 bit, Secondary: Vista 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    steve-pressman said:
    Always a good idea to do a scan with your virus software and something like malware bytes to make sure you are making a clean image.


    Steve
    i performed a few scans last week and everything came out clean. I used MalwareBytes, SuperAntiSpyware, and Avast's scan.

    Are these reliable enough or are there any other scanners i should use? I really dont want any sort of virus on my images.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #10

    You need only MalwareBytes.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  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 04:23.
Find Us