External Backup of System and Program files

[ozdennisb]

If robocopy is suitable for use in a scheduled weekly backup of C: drive system and program files only. to an external dedicated HDD (WD MyBook), then what is the best syntax? I am unsure if MIR is adequate. Data files are backed up daily to en external Seagate HDD All help gratefully received. ozdennis B melbourne Aus

 

[samuria]

The recommended way is to use free imaging software to create an image along with a bootable rescue disk which will restore the whole system

 

[ozdennisb]

Thankyou Samurai. Is it correct to say that it is wise to use one backup software program for daily copying of data and another program for occasional image copying of the System/Program directories and subfolders to another external HDD, provided that it is bootable?

 

[RolandJS]

What you're doing is very good in many ways, I only recommend that the external backup drive(s) not be attached to the computer except during an actual backup procedure.

 

[Bree]

Thankyou Samurai. Is it correct to say that it is wise to use one backup software program for daily copying of data and another program for occasional image copying of the System/Program directories and subfolders to another external HDD, provided that it is bootable?

Yes, that is wise. A system image is the only way you can restore a working copy of your Windows, and will normally include your data files. Separately backing up your data is a good idea, you can never have enough backups.


All system imaging software has a way to create a bootable USB or CD to perform the restore. Store the system image on an external HDD and make the bootable recovery USB/CD (and test that you can boot from it). Then you should be well prepared for anything.