W7 System Imaging

Thunderbird mail is not found in C:\program files.

Thunderbird mail is at C:\Users\Yourusername\appdata\roaming\Thunderbird--actually in a subfolder of this location.

You should back up that Thunderbird folder if you want to back up email.

For most people, making weekly images is excessive unless you are making a lot of significant system changes, lots of program installs and uninstalls, experimentation, etc. For typical users, you would want to make an image when you have most or all of your programs installed and your system is running well--with no signs of viruses, malware, etc. Do a complete check for these bad critters before you make an image--no use making an image of an infected system.

Making weekly images implies that you may be relying on images as your primary data backup. I don't think that is the best policy, but it's your choice.

I'd say you are on the right track by doing only full images rather than incrementals/differentials--they add another layer of complexity and possible confusion.

I usually just keep working over the top as the imaging is being done - I use Paragon which is very low on resources.

There is good free app. for mail backups Static Thunderbird Backup Free

I haven't used the Tbird version , but I use Static Windows Live Mail Backup Free and it works perfectly

Thanks agin' fellas,

I've already downloaded and installed Paragon. I only IMAGED every week as part of protecting the system. I just went on the advice from TOF [the other forum]. At the time [a year or so ago] I had no clue what imaging was all about. I figured you just SAVED stuff, and that was that. Wrong.

I'm now very aware that none of these save/image/anti this/anti that/ programs are 100%. Tuff lesson to learn, but experience and makin' mistakes is the only true teacher.

Noob - here is a pic of my present Acronis.

Personally, I'm kind of in a rut with Acronis, because I feel that I understand it better, but I also have Paragon and Macrium installed, so to be able to do multiple backups, just in case one program fails. In any case, since my first three attempts to use the built-in backup of W7 froze each time, I have not used it since.

SIW2 - thanks for the T-Bird link. It's now installed.

And, again, to all, I appreciate immensely all of your advice. I feel i have a better handle on this save/image thingy.

And I was not trying to be evasive with "the other forum". I'm a musician and pedal steel player and the forum is: The Steel Guitar Forum

There is a COMPUTER section, and of course this is where I was referrring to. You guys might want to check it out, as well. The SGF is now much more than just a forum for the pedal steel.

One of my good buddies, who I met on the SGF, is Mitch Drumm. He turned me on to W7Forums. I assume he is a member, as well, but I'm not sure.

Anyway...this is just a great place. :)