Solved Backup-software vs straight file backup

[Admiral Awesome]

After a heavy-duty malware infection that wreaked such havoc that, on advise I got here, I decided to nuke-and-reinstall.

Also , I was subtly tipped that perhaps I should consider backing up the system against future incidents using, say, Macrium Reflect.

I did as I was told, but only remembered today that I had tried MR before, with not-so-impressive results which soured me on them at the time (2013):

perhaps the software has gotten better since, but I remember thinking then that I would henceforth not so to speak leave the (encryption) key to my data to anybody else, but make straight, unencrypted backups.

Also, the cost of storage is very low now even as compared to then, and in my case incremental backups or other such finesses, are not necessary.

What, then, would be the argument for using backup software in my particular case?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I'm not sure what you mean by "backup software".

Some "backup software" makes images. Some doesn't.

If you are backing up personal data, I don't see any reason to use Macrium or any imaging software.

If you are backing up a Windows system, as opposed to personal data, you pretty much have to use imaging software of some type. Simply copying the files in a Windows partition isn't going to do a lot for you.

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Thanks for clearing that up for me ignatzatsonic. What I meant by "backup software" were for example Acronis Backup & Recovery, Paragon Backup & Recovery , Norton Ghost, ShadowProtect, AOMEI Backupper etc.

"If you are backing up a Windows system, as opposed to personal data, you pretty much have to use imaging software of some type. Simply copying the files in a Windows partition isn't going to do a lot for you."

Right, that means I should image the systen drive, which I have done using Macrium Reflect, then do a straight copy of personal data, music/video files etc.

"If you are backing up personal data, I don't see any reason to use Macrium or any imaging software." I don't either, which is why I asked.

Again thanks