Keyboard not working, can't log in

Thanks. I got some of what you suggested, but this is new territory for me right now. I tried answering your questions, but not confident in the answers and don't want to assume I do know.

>What program are you using to make a disk image?
It was suggested I use the built-in imaging program in Windows, but have no preference.

I don't think NTFS is needed for the SSD image, although I'd like to keep my options open for using Linux in the future. That's why I'm thinking ex-FAT.

Don't worry. Linux can read and write to NTFS.

Do you want to create a disk image of your Win 7 drive and store to the Samsung T5 or you want to create a Samsung T5 disk image and store on the C: partition?

One of the best disk image creator is Macrium Reflect 7

Thanks. I want to store an image on the external SSD in case the Win10 upgrade fails.

I suggest you try the Macrium Reflect 7
I never saved a Macrium Reflect 7 image on a exFAT, but I don't see any reason it wont work.