A little confused about Windows backup utility

[whs]

And whats the difference between Backup and image backup? Why does the Windows backup utility let you do both?

Whatever you do, do NOT use the windows facilities. They do not always work. And images written by Win7 you cannot open. They are VHD files and cannot be mounted.

 

[LobsterEar]

And whats the difference between Backup and image backup? Why does the Windows backup utility let you do both?

Whatever you do, do NOT use the windows facilities. They do not always work. And images written by Win7 you cannot open. They are VHD files and cannot be mounted.

Really? I've heard the Windows 7 backup utility was actually decent.

So does this image software only back my C: drive? So i should copy and paste my other documents that are not on my C: drive?

 

[whs]

You can image any partition C or not C. If you have a seperate data partition, just check that too to be imaged. And DO NOT copy/paste. If anything, use Copy to Folder from the right click context menu. And always make a proper destination folder for that on your external disk.

 

[Brink]

LobsterEar,

The included backup features included in Windows 7 work well enough. However, if you modify (ex: rename) or move the backup file, then there's a good chance that Windows 7 will no longer recognize it.

Macrium Reflect Free only creates a full image backup of your hard drive, and not for only files and folders. For those, I would just manually copy them to another hard drive/partition that you are not going to be installing Windows 7 on as a backup.

 

[LobsterEar]

LobsterEar,

The included backup features included in Windows 7 work well enough. However, if you modify (ex: rename) or move the backup file, then there's a good chance that Windows 7 will no longer recognize it.

Macrium Reflect Free only creates a full image backup of your hard drive, and not for only files and folders. For those, I would just manually copy them to another hard drive/partition that you are not going to be installing Windows 7 on as a backup.

Well, I basically doing this:

I'm wiping my Internal HDD to do a clean install of Windows 7.

So I want to back up my important data to my external HDD so I can put it back on the internal HDD after I install Windows 7. That's it.

I'm getting all this contradicting information and it's just confusing me even more.

I downloaded that Macrium program, but it only shows my C: drive and a system reserved drive. What is that? Should I image that as well?

Anyways this makes me think that I should copy and paste my Documents and pictures folders and all of that.

I also already copied my steam folder to my external HDD like others have said.

Will the image file restore all my programs and everything?

 

[Brink]

LobsterEar,

All you will need to do is manually copy any files and folders that you do not want to lose to your external HDD. Afterwards reinstall Windows 7, then copy the files and folders back when done. Be sure that you also have all of your drivers downloaded and backed up as well to have handy to reinstall along with your programs.

 

[LobsterEar]

LobsterEar,

All you will need to do is manually copy any files and folders that you do not want to lose to your external HDD. Afterwards reinstall Windows 7, then copy the files and folders back when done. Be sure that you also have all of your drivers downloaded and backed up as well to have handy to reinstall along with your programs.

Ok, so I don't need any of these backup utilities or image backups?

 

[Brink]

No, not unless you just would like to create one with them after your new installation.

 

[LobsterEar]

Just to make sure, with the copy/paste method I shouldn't copy/paste programs like AVG anti-virus, Fraps, and those things correct? I should just reinstall them on my new OS?

Right now, on my external HDD I pretty much have my Steam Folder and my Libraries folder which includes my documents, pictures, music etc...

And where would I find all my drivers? Can't I just re-install them uses my discs or online?

Is windows easy transfer a good tool to use?

 

[Brink]

You will only be able to manually copy/paste files and folders that you do not want to lose.

You will have to reinstall your programs. They cannot be copied back.

You can download your driver installation files at each of your installed device manufacturer's website and back them up to install later on the new installation. You can also use any driver disc that came with the device, but you would get newer versions from the device's website instead.

I have never used Windows Easy Transfer, so I can't help with that.