Create a back-up of only systems files?

[STU9000]

I'd like to create on last back up before I go Windows 10, so I can get back to where my system was just prior to this if I want to. I have a factory reset reset button on this machine so I will always have the option to downgrade to Win 7 again if I want to. With a recent back up this makes it easier to recover my system to where it was just before upgrading to 10.

I have all my files backed up on ext drives, however is there a way to make a disk image of only systems files, omitting all my data or do I need to remove all my own files and then put them back?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I have all my files backed up on ext drives, however is there a way to make a disk image of only systems files, omitting all my data or do I need to remove all my own files and then put them back?

You can easily make an image............but........................

Image programs typically work on a partition-by-partition basis. The image contains EVERYTHING on the chosen partition. The "system" as well as pictures of your cat, if they are on that partition.

So---is your personal stuff--your cat pictures on C? Or on some other partition like D, E, etc?

If everything is on C, that complicates matters.

I think some advanced imaging programs may allow you to exclude certain folders from the image--but I haven't personally investigated that because I keep all my data on a separate partition and don't need that capability.

I'd go to Macrium's web site and investigate the feature list for their more advanced imaging programs--the ones you'd have to pay for-----not the free one that most of us around here use.

 

[STU9000]

Everything's on C yes. Well, not everything, but all my recent work. Cat pictures and all that. If there's no easy way to do this I'll just double back everything up, wipe my drive and then reload everything back on to my laptop afterwards.

 

[RolandJS]

Before doing any reinstall, do at least two full images of your harddrive onto at least one if not two usb external hard-drives. Better to be close to 100% assured than to rest on "maybe."

 

[STU9000]

I already have two images. Well I thought I had, seem ones of the folders now appears to contain nothing so not sure what happened there. In any case, I always have the option to factory reset this machine, so I can always get back to Windows 7.

 

[DavidE]

Finding an empty folder in an image where there should be files would be a concern for me.
What program did you use to create the backup images ?
Many of the backup programs have logs you can view, there may be info in there about an error.

I'm assuming you are browsing the backup image file, and that's where you see files are missing.

 

[STU9000]

Just using the built in Windows software, following the steps in the tutorial.

 

[DavidE]

I don't use the Windows built-in imaging utility so i don't know what logs, info, etc. are available.
If no-one reply's here with help, you can ask a question in the tutorial.

 

[STU9000]

It's not really an issue, unless the next back I create goes through a wormhole again.

 

[DavidE]

OK.
You could try Macrium Reflect free and see if it copies the files correctly, if you want to compare it to W7 Imaging.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Just using the built in Windows software, following the steps in the tutorial.

It's tricky.

Not to mention confusing and inflexible.

It "works" if you know how to use it and know it's limitations and nuances.

Some do, but many don't.

As you found out when you said you thought you had 2 backups but found only an empty folder.

Which is why most here use a competing application.

 

[STU9000]

I think I can do this using Glary Utilities. Maybe I can try that.

 

[STU9000]

To be honest I might just stick with 7. I'm not hearing good things about Win 10 and privacy concerns, and the aggressive way it is takikng over my computer and not letting me wait to upgrade in my own time is putting me off big time. I'm thinking about going back to Apple for my next computer.

Techie guy on the radio just recommended this software that apparently blocks Microsoft from auto-upgrading and removes any files that have already been downloaded onto your system. Anyone?

https://www.grc.com/never10.htm

 

[ignatzatsonic]

To be honest I might just stick with 7. I'm not hearing good things about Win 10 and privacy concerns, and the aggressive way it is takikng over my computer and not letting me wait to upgrade in my own time is putting me off big time. I'm thinking about going back to Apple for my next computer.

Techie guy on the radio just recommended this software that apparently blocks Microsoft from auto-upgrading and removes any files that have already been downloaded onto your system. Anyone?

https://www.grc.com/never10.htm

That is supposed to work pretty well.

This "GWX Control Panel" does as well. They both do about the same thing. This is the one I use.

Ultimate Outsider

 

[STU9000]

Ta, in lieu of reputation spreading

 

[Layback Bear]

My understanding of how Never10 works.

Never10 does not stop you from downloading and installing anything.
It just stops W-10 upgrading and popups from working on the computer with changes made in the registry by Never10.

I use Never10 and KB3035583 still pops up when I check Windows 7 for updates.
As usual I just hide it.

So far Never10 works as advertised on two of my systems.

 

[Taplice]

The built-in Windows imaging tool—which creates a backup of all the data on your drive, including Windows itself and your settings, programs, and files, and it sometimes has issues with restoring system images from one machine to another. Also some free backup software like EaseUS is works good too, that’s simply a matter of copying the system files you’d like to back up.