creating a system image

[frodi]

I have created an early system image and would like to create another one, after using the machine for a while. I found that if I create another system image it will overwrite the earlier one. That would defeat the purpose of having that early system image. Is there a way around this?

 

[Britton30]

Yes, don't use w7 backup. Try this instead, very reliable. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html#post648001

 

[whs]

I would also recommend to mount the VHD of your original Windows image and reimage that VHD with Macrium. Then you can keep that and you manage it yourself. Macrium images are not as touchy as Windows images.

Mounting a VHD is done in Disk Management under the 'Action tab' > attach VHD. There you have to navigate thru 3 levels of the Windows image to get to the VHD.

Also, if you have the 100MB active system partition (check in disk managment), image that once and put it into a seperate folder. That system partition you do not have to image all the time because it does not change - unless you decide to double boot one day. Then make a new image.

 

[Wenda]

If you use the imaging software built into Windows then yes, you will need to rename your backups, or keep them in separate folders. Some claim to have serious problems with it, but I never have.
I have been using this since Vista, with no problems, but have recently upgraded to EaseUS Todo Backup Workstation 5.8, which is the full retail version (not a free/trial version). This seems to work very well, I've
created and restored a few images to test it, and it's very good.
The trial version of EaseUS is free, and is more than adequate for the home user. It is also very easy to use.

Wenda.


EDIT: - I'm also using EaseUS Partition Manager, and it is also very good.

 

[frodi]

Thanks Briton and whs and Wenda.

 

[Britton30]

You're very welcome, g'day.

 

[truckinguy]

I have a Dell with a 2nd matching HDD in the media bay that holds my pictures,files of work,etc. So my primary HDD isn't full and will boot up faster,etc. Would Macrium Image both HDD's to an external ? I have Esata ports to the external drive.

 

[Britton30]

I have a Dell with a 2nd matching HDD in the media bay that holds my pictures,files of work,etc. So my primary HDD isn't full and will boot up faster,etc. Would Macrium Image both HDD's to an external ? I have Esata ports to the external drive.

If you want to save an image to an external, Macrium will do that, that's where I save mine. Actually I save on two separate drives for more security.

You will make separate image of each drive and save where you wish. If the HDD in the media bay Macrium has an option to image all local drives too.

 

[truckinguy]

Good to hear. But can I restore the image taken of the media bay drive sent to the external back to the media bay drive ? Without interferring with the Primary HDD ?

 

[Britton30]

Yes you can, it allows a choice of destination when a restore is done.

 

[Jacob7]

I have created an early system image and would like to create another one, after using the machine for a while. I found that if I create another system image it will overwrite the earlier one. That would defeat the purpose of having that early system image. Is there a way around this?

According to Backup's documentation, the old system image should not be overwritten as long as you have enough space on the backup drive.

 

[truckinguy]

That is correct. As long as you space it will keep a log of images to choose from. you can name them I believe. This is in Win 7.