Multiple images from two PCs to one external HDD

[slipstream55]

Hello, all.

I am wanting to create multiple images (clean Windows 7 Pro w/ SP1 and updates, then w/ drivers, then a final one with programs and apps included) for my two laptops. I want to use the Windows 7 backup utility to do this to an external drive. If successful, I would have six images created, three for each laptop.

Will the Windows 7 backup utility allow me to do this without over-writing each image? How do I organize the images on the external HDD so that I know which ones belong to which laptop. I know I can't rename the image files and expect them to restore properly.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Mark

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Mark my obviously basic query is why? Plus mate some system specs would be nice for us to wok with.

 

[Golden]

Mark.......I would seriously consider using the FREE version of Macrium Reflect to do this - its far easier to use and considerably more flexible. Image names can be named any way to choose, so its easy to know which belongs where, etc.

Download:
Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

Tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

 

[marsmimar]

I agree with Golden about using Macrium. It's a lot more flexible than the native Windows 7 imaging tool. But If you absolutely want to use 7's imaging program, I've found the simplest solution (for me) is to just rename each image. The first image you create will be called WindowsImageBackup. Change that name to Image-NoDriversPC1 (or whatever you choose.) The next image you create will again be called WindowsImageBackup. Change it's name to Image-WithDriversPC1. As long as you change WindowsImageBackup to something else you can create as many images as you want for as many machines as you have. If you ever need to use one of the images, rename it back to WindowsImageBackup so it will be recognized by Windows 7.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hmm I use this one too Golden and Marsmimar but I was wondering how is the OP going to select just the install OS on one partition the one with update on another and a third partition with the OS and drivers??

I was just curious hence why I asked because I couldn't figure out the reason for it to be like that?

 

[Golden]

I was wondering how is the OP going to select just the install OS on one partition the one with update on another and a third partition with the OS and drivers??

Not partitions, just images. Like this:

Step:
1. Install W7+SP1, do all updates, use native W7 drivers - create image_1
2. Install manufacturer specific drivers - create image_2
3. Install programs+apps - create image_3

Repeat for next laptop. Result = 2 x 3 sets of unique images allowing him to select whichever he chooses.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I was wondering how is the OP going to select just the install OS on one partition the one with update on another and a third partition with the OS and drivers??

Not partitions, just images. Like this:

Step:
1. Install W7+SP1, do all updates, use native W7 drivers - create image_1
2. Install manufacturer specific drivers - create image_2
3. Install programs+apps - create image_3

Repeat for next laptop. Result = 2 x 3 sets of unique images allowing him to select whichever he chooses.

Hmm got you mate I didn't think that was possible to do to be absolutely honest.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I also use Macrium Reflect. I have images from both the boot drive of my desktop and the boot partition of my notebook stored on a data drive on my desktop machine (which gets backed up on external drives). Each machines images are stored in their own folders. I have restored images for both machines using an image on the internal data drive of my desktop to restore the desktop's boot drive and an image on the backup external drive (actually, an internal type drive in a dock) to restore my notebook's boot partition.

 

[slipstream55]

Thank you, all, for the helpful info. I'm not deadset on using the Windows 7 backup utility. At the time of my first image creation on my laptop, the Windows 7 backup utility was available and I didn't have to load any additional software to create the image.

I think I was looking for an image creation application that would allow me to create images without having to actually have that application reside on the laptop. I'm new to imaging, and to be honest, I'd only ever created one image and that was with the Windows 7 backup utility.

Again, thanks for the help.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Keep in mind Macrium Reflect has an excellent free version. Many of Win 7's built in functions can be replaced with better performing third party utilities, many of which are free, so don't be afraid to add them to your computer. Most third party applications recommended on these forums are excellent and safe to use. If you are ever in doubt about installing one on your computer, just as and there will be plenty of knowledgeable people here responding with how safe or effective the program is and, if necessary, suggest better alternatives.

Many people complained about Win 7's backup utility being troublesome or have had problems with it. Based on all the complaints I've seen, I went directly to Macrium Reflect and haven't regretted doing so one bit.

For backups to be effective, they should be made frequently, starting when Win 7 is first installed on a computer. The first image should be made as soon as Win 7 and any needed drivers are installed and updated. That image can later be used as a faster way to do a complete reinstall, should you ever need one, since much of the work has already been done. A second image should be made after installing all your programs for the same reason. Both images should be kept until you do a complete reinstall, especially the first one.

How often you make images of the OS will depend on how often it and programs are changed. I do a weekly image and keep all of them for one month back; after a month, I keep only one per month. Others may find one per month to be plenty (that ensures the monthly M$ updates don't have to be redone).

Data should be backed up as soon as practical after it is added or changed. Remember, any data that doesn't exist in more than one place, preferably more than two, is susceptible to being lost if the HDD it resides on is ever damaged beyond repair or the data is irrecoverably deleted by user error or malware.

 

[Golden]

I think I was looking for an image creation application that would allow me to create images without having to actually have that application reside on the laptop

Its possible to create a standalone Macrium application that can be installed and run from a USB thumbdrive. With this application, you can create and restore Macrium images without ever having to install Macrium to your computer.

It does unfortunately require a huge download as part of Macrium to do this, but I do have a pre-built version if you are interested.

Download it from here, scan for malware for your own piece of mind, then write it to a USB thumbdrive using YUMI or similar tool. Boot from the thumbdrive and you are away.

 

[slipstream55]

This is exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm still reading up on Macrium and hadn't run across this bit of info yet. Thanks.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I think I was looking for an image creation application that would allow me to create images without having to actually have that application reside on the laptop

Its possible to create a standalone Macrium application that can be installed and run from a USB thumbdrive. With this application, you can create and restore Macrium images without ever having to install Macrium to your computer.

It does unfortunately require a huge download as part of Macrium to do this, but I do have a pre-built version if you are interested.

Download it from here, scan for malware for your own piece of mind, then write it to a USB thumbdrive using YUMI or similar tool. Boot from the thumbdrive and you are away.

Hmm darn it I wasn't thinking and it wasn't that long ago I used this but the other way via WHS's tutorial

 

[slipstream55]

Hello, all.

I'm back with another couple of questions. I have my HDD partitioned and Windows 7 clean installed with the initial batch of updates I want on it. I'm ready for the first backup using Macrium Free. I can't believe how intimidated I am feeling right now going into this backup. I've built my own PCs and installed various OSs over the years and felt very confident doing so. Shame on me, but when it comes to doing backups, I'm very much the newbie and probably very lucky disaster has never struck.

The only backups I have ever attempted/done was with the Windows 7 built in utility and that was the first of this year when I first installed Windows 7 on two of my laptops. I am uncertain as to the integrity of them and felt somewhat confused during the whole process.

Anyway, on to the questions.

I downloaded the cd installable iso version of Macrium and have it burnt to disk. I'll be doing the backup to an external USB drive. What, exactly are the steps to perform the backup using the iso I burnt to disk? I did watch the Macrium video tutorial but am somewhat confused.

Also, my Windows system partition is slightly over 200GB. If I ever had to restore this backup on a new HDD, does the partition on the new HDD have to be the same size (200GB) or larger or can it be installed on a partition slightly smaller, say 180GB?

Thanks for any help/answers in advance and sorry this post is soooo long.

Mark

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Mark the Macrium tutorial mate does take a little watching I found anyway but it gets simpler.
I am not real sure sorry mate what you mean by using the ISO on the disk - have you not installed Macrium on the machine? If it is on the machine then you do not need the ISO the backup using the Macrium on the machine should be fairly straight forward.



Now the partitioning I find the Partition Wizard easy for setting those up the Windows way I find a bit confusing.
Best Free Partition Manager Freeware and free partition magic for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Windows XP 32 bit & 64 bit. MiniTool Free Partition Manager Software Home Edition.

 

[derekimo]

He's talking about this post of Colin's

I think I was looking for an image creation application that would allow me to create images without having to actually have that application reside on the laptop

Its possible to create a standalone Macrium application that can be installed and run from a USB thumbdrive. With this application, you can create and restore Macrium images without ever having to install Macrium to your computer.

It does unfortunately require a huge download as part of Macrium to do this, but I do have a pre-built version if you are interested.

Download it from here, scan for malware for your own piece of mind, then write it to a USB thumbdrive using YUMI or similar tool. Boot from the thumbdrive and you are away.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

He's talking about this post of Colin's

I think I was looking for an image creation application that would allow me to create images without having to actually have that application reside on the laptop

Its possible to create a standalone Macrium application that can be installed and run from a USB thumbdrive. With this application, you can create and restore Macrium images without ever having to install Macrium to your computer.

It does unfortunately require a huge download as part of Macrium to do this, but I do have a pre-built version if you are interested.

Download it from here, scan for malware for your own piece of mind, then write it to a USB thumbdrive using YUMI or similar tool. Boot from the thumbdrive and you are away.

Thanks Derek missed the point there a bit eh?

 

[derekimo]

He's talking about this post of Colin's

Its possible to create a standalone Macrium application that can be installed and run from a USB thumbdrive. With this application, you can create and restore Macrium images without ever having to install Macrium to your computer.

It does unfortunately require a huge download as part of Macrium to do this, but I do have a pre-built version if you are interested.

Download it from here, scan for malware for your own piece of mind, then write it to a USB thumbdrive using YUMI or similar tool. Boot from the thumbdrive and you are away.

Thanks Derek missed the point there a bit eh?

Nah, I was wondering the same thing till I re-read the thread.