Solved Assistance with backup features in 7Pro

[FDM]

I have read the tutorial on How to Create a Ssytem Image Backup and have a few questions as a new Win 7 user:

From the tutorial Backup Complete Computer - does this really mean what it says ..... Quote "This will show you how to create a system image (clone) backup of the entire hard drive..."

I have used Acronis on my XP pc and wonder if the backup app in 7 makes a full HDD image of not only the operating system and system settings but all documents, program files, videos,photos etc - in other words everything on the HDD.

Is this as effective as Acronis or Macrium - any opinions?

Will it create a bootable disk in the event of a crash or will a 3rd party app be required?

Mary

 

[Brink]

Hello Mary,

Yep, a system image would be a complete backup of all system hard drives, and any drive you select to be included.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/675-system-image-recovery.html
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While I never had an issue using the built-in system image feature in Windows, Macrium is a good option as well.

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

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/218920-macrium-reflect-create-bootable-rescue-usb-drive.html
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Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[FDM]

Shawn,

Thanks again for your help - after reading the backup and restore instructions for Win 7, I believe it will be my choice. It would appear that a bootable CD is not required when using the Windows backup/restore as opposed to Macrium Reflect. With a crash one uses a run, command prompt at boot. Not something I have done before and the associated entries kind of intimidate me but if I get in over my head hopefully someone on the forum could hold my hand and walk me through the process from a workable pc.

Mary

 

[Kaktussoft]

It would appear that a bootable CD is not required when using the Windows backup/restore as opposed to Macrium Reflect.

Of course you need a bootable CD ot DVD! Assume your harddrive crashes and you attach a new drive. How can it boot and start the restore.... Answer: By starting some OS from DVD and start the restore.

It can be a system repair disc http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html or just a win7 installation disc.

 

[FDM]

Kaktussoft Thanks for redirecting my thinking on the need for a bootable CD or DVD. I apparently overlooked the need when I read the instructions for backup and recovery.

Mary