I am new to Windows 7 and would like to Image my system and Backup files.
From the Control Panel - "Backup and Restore' -
I started by creating a System Image to an external HDD and noted that folder 'WindowsImageBackup' was created. Then I created a 'system repair disk'
Following that - I executed a 'Backup' of all my files.
Questions:
- 1) where does the Backup Files store its data? under the folder 'WindowsImageBackup'?
- 2) does 'Backup All Files' create a new system image backup at the same time as it backs up files?
- 3) what is the best way to test the system image backup?
The only test that mattered would be a restoration of the image to see if the PC then functioned properly.
Of course, that would mean the destruction of a system that is already known to be working well and who would want to do that?
You should validate that you can go part of the way into the restore--enough to at least view your partitions and see the image file. But I wouldn't actually do a restore as a test.
My Computer
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Ignatz Special; 4 speed manual gearbox; factory air conditioning; one of one
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
CPU
Intel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked
Motherboard
AsRock Z170M Extreme 4, micro ATX
Memory
8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)
Graphics Card(s)
none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Sound Card
onboard: Realtek ALC1150; external: USB Behringer UF0-202
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2340M 23 inch IPS
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
System: Crucial MX100 series SSD, 128 GB;
Data: Samsung Spinpoint 103SJ, 1 TB;
Backup: WD Caviar Green WD30EZRX-00D8PB0, 3 TB
Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Pale Moon
Other Info
All fans PWM; speeds at idle: CPU circa 500 rpm; intake circa 600 rpm; exhaust circa 600 rpm; CPU temps 27 idle and 47 C load in a warm room (27 C/81 F) when running Intel Extreme Tuning Utility stress test.
I agree it's a real risk to fully test a backup/restore using a single HD.
One way to test it without risking destroying the current system:
Get another hard drive and restore your image to that HD.
Disconnect your current HD/OS.
Boot from the new HD with the restored image and see how it works.
I've done these "basic" steps more than once and it has worked for me.
Worst I've run into is needing to do a System Repair with the "new" HD.
Also, I mainly use Acronis TI (paid), and it can boot from CD to restore an Image.
I'm not sure if Windows restore can do that.
I prefer Macrium Reflect (free) to Windows Backup/Restore.
Acronis and Macrium allow more control than Windows Backup...
If you have a WD or Seagate HD you can get a free version of Acronis.
Gyration wireless, Logitech wireless, Dell USB wired
Mouse
Gyration wireless, Logitech wireless, V7 USB wired
Internet Speed
Spectrum - 100Mbps D / 10Mbps U
Antivirus
Avast, MBAM3, EMET, WinPatrol
Browser
Pale Moon, Firefox, IE
Other Info
2 multi-boot PC's
Mainly HTPC/Office/Gen purpose (no gaming).
Trendnet USB KVM.
LG DVD burner/Blue Ray Player.
Tray system for removable SATA backup drives.
Not currently OCd, under-volted.
I use Hybrid sleep, rarely re-boot or shutdown.
Hauppauge HD-PVR, Avermedia PCIe TV Tuner, Hauppauge PCI TV Tuner.
