Does creating an image mean that I have a backup?

[lister]

Hi I created an image using the windows 7 inbuilt system from the control panel. Does that mean that if anything goes really badly wrong then all i do is install from the image?

Thanks!

 

[pparks1]

I assume that you mean you created a system image. Yes, this means you have a 100% exact copy of your Windows system on whichever drive you backed up to (perhaps a USB drive). So, in the event of a disaster, you boot from the Windows 7 DVD, select a repair install and you can point to the system image on the USB drive. It will put everything back (OS, programs, customizations, data) to exactly what you had when you created that image.

 

[Curzon]

Works a treat too.

If you have more than one drive, make sure you have the right boxes ticked. I could have formatted a separate drive with data on it! This is system restore on speed. No more reloading windows and then all progs. So instead of all evening, it took me 15 mins. All done and dusted.

 

[richc46]

There are other backup options, too, Macrium and Paragon are the two most often used by forum members. The best part is that they are free.

 

[Ztruker]

It would be a good idea to Create a System Repair Disc from the Backup and Restore window of Control Panel, it's on the left side. That way if your hard drive dies, you can replace it and still restore your system. This is only true if the backup is on another drive, not a different partition on the same drive.

 

[gregrocker]

Remember that only the files which existed when image was taken will be there when you reimage.

This is why some like to make a backup of latest files as well, on a schedule or on demand.

And that leads some to separate the data from the OS/Programs partition using this: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

This makes the image leaner with only OS and programs, while files remain separately in their partition "vault" and also backed up externally.

 

[Curzon]

You need to make a system repair disk if you don't have the original Windows disk.

My method.
I only image drive c, which is exclusively windows and programs. I have relocated all file locations, Doc's, music, pic's, etc, to a separate physical hdd (e). I manualy backup data to a third hdd (f), which also has the image file (of drive c) on it. This drive is removed from the pc when not in use.

When I fitted a new (faster) hdd, I booted from my windows disk. Then selected repair. It found the image on my third hdd. I then took the tick out of the box, so as I did not format drive e with my data/files on it. It then partitioned my new, larger, drive to the size of my old hdd and, minutes later all was working. All my files were located correctly on drive e. Just as before.

I do it this way, because I personally don't like to use backup programs for files, as I don't want to be tied to a program in order to get them back.

I've always said. Use the method you prefer, so long as you do make backups.

 

[karlsnooks]

Win 7 Backup and Restore works like a charm.

I use frequently.

Has never failed me.

Has saved me more than once.

To actually perform the restore operation, I prefer to use a System Repair Disc. You can also use your Win 7 DVD.

​

[FONT=&quot]CREATE A SYSTEM REPAIR DISC[/FONT]​

START | type System Repair | Enter key | Create Disc button

​

​

[FONT=&quot]CREATE AND RESTORE A SYSTEM IMAGE[/FONT]​

CREATE A SYSTEM IMAGE BACKUP
· START | type Backup your computer | Enter key
· In left-hand pane, select Create a System Image
· select where you want to save the backup | Next
· Select the drives you want to backup | Next
· Start Backup button
· Finish button after completion


RESTORE A SYSTEM IMAGE BACKUP
· Boot from the System Repair CD you created.
· Connect the external drive with the backup image
· NEXT button (change language if desired)
· Restore your computer using a system image
that you created earlier radio button
· NEXT button
· Use the latest available system image radio button
· NEXT button
· Format and repartition discs checkbox
· NEXT button
· FINISH button
· YES button

​

 

[mjf]

· Format and repartition discs checkbox

I haven't check this box in any of my image recoveries.
Correct me if I'm wrong: but I believe this formats the entire disk and you will lose information in any data partitions.
In my case (Disk 0) I would lose data on D: and maybe the recovery partition.
MS imaging will image System Reserved(active partition) and c:.

 

[karlsnooks]

From my previous post:

CREATE A SYSTEM IMAGE BACKUP
· START | type Backup your computer | Enter key
· In left-hand pane, select Create a System Image
· select where you want to save the backup | Next
· Select the drives you want to backup | Next
· Start Backup button
· Finish button after completion

 

[mjf]

From my previous post:

CREATE A SYSTEM IMAGE BACKUP
· START | type Backup your computer | Enter key
· In left-hand pane, select Create a System Image
· select where you want to save the backup | Next
·Select the drives you want to backup | Next
· Start Backup button
· Finish button after completion

My post is about your RESTORING DIRECTIONS.
If I'm trying to put the image on a NEW HDD then I would tick the box.

 

[karlsnooks]

It works perfectly. I've done many, many times. I've tested all of the ins and outs of Win 7 Backup and Restore and you can't go wrong.