No need to sweat. It is just a bit odd to have a page file on F, especially as there is also a system managed page file on C. I think we can just ignore it. So if you want to image the system, you just need to image C.
I have no idea how it ever got on F unless someone put it there. Or maybe was there ever another OS installed on F ??? But again. as things look, C is completely self contained regarding the page file.
I had Vista installed previously. But my brother installed Windows 7 for me later on. He says that Vista was not installed on F and the he did not put it there. I don't know if that's true as he's not an expert but I don't know.
If you say we can ignore it then I'll take your advice and ignore it.
Now, onto that system image. If my OS stops working then all I need is an image of C correct? So, because there's a page file on F that means I only need C?
Well, if you're sure then I trust you. I've got an image of C already so I'll keep that safe. I'll go ahead and make an image of partition L since that's where my documents are.
Is there anything else I should take note of before I deem this as solved? Anything I should be careful of or whatever?
Oh, and I have one more question: You said that the restore disk works on any/all computers basically. Well, my Dad doesn't have Macrium so therefore he won't be able to use the restore disk right?
Thank you.
I was staying away, since WHS was givin such good advice. But just like to say that I am glad that it all worked out and keep the images up to date. Do not put them away and forget about them
Take care
Thank you Rich. I do have two more questions though.
WHS said that the restore disk works on any/all computers basically. But he also said that Macrium will not use what it did not create. Well, my Dad doesn't have Macrium so therefore he won't be able to use the restore disk right?
My second question is: If I set a schedule to update my image every time I turn my computer on will it create a brand new image or will it overwrite the image?
Thank you
Question 1, That is correct. Why not have him make backups, too. The price is certainly right.
With System Image, if you make the image on your hard drive, only one image is retained. I have found this to be true on my computer, even though I have enough space on my backup drive for multiple copies, and it was mentioned several times in the Forum. MS does not seem to be really clear on this topic.
This will show that after the first image, susequent images are incremental
Is it really an incremental System Image Backup that the Windows 7 version of Windows Backup has created?
1. Your dad can get Macrium here ( Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download ). It does not cost any and works on XP too.
2. It will not overwrite. It will always write new images. If you have limited space on your external disk, you'll have to delete "old" images from time to time to make room for the new ones (same as deleting any file or folder). I have dedicated a 640GB external disk to Macrium, so I don't have to do that too often.
3. Richard is right. You should image periodically - at least whenever something has changed in the system. And since you have your data in a seperate partition, you should image that also whenever changes were made to the data. But that need not be at the same time as for the system. That is one of the advantages of having the data seperate from the OS. The other advantage is that you can restore the OS without affecting your data.
PS: I just saw Richards post. Be aware that he is talking about Win7 imaging, NOT Macrium which is different in that respect. But I do not like Win7 imaging because you are looking into a black box. E.g. you cannot mount an image without jumping thru 9 hoops.
As crazy as this sounds my Dad is too proud to take my advice. He says that there could be trojans in that file and he won't download and install it. He says he's backing up his images using OneCare so everything is fine. I don't know, but no matter, I just hope nothing happens to his stuff as his computer is getting old.
I'm actually not using the Windows 7 backup program yet. I started but then changed my mind as I'm using Macrium. And my question was aimed for Macrium.
If I make Macrium back up my stuff then will it overwrite the previous image or create a new one? The reason I would like to know is if Macrium creates new images then I won't have enough room on my hard drive.
Edit: I understand WHS. I will have to keep an eye on Macrium and it's backups as I don't have room for many backups.
I will keep this thread bookmarked for a time so I can refer to it if I forget something.
Thank you very much for all your help and support!
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