Failed backup - yet again

[whs]

Yes I also use Shadow Explorer.

If you double click the previous version for a folder or drive it doesn't restore, it opens in Windows Explorer.

Hmm, neat. I did not know that. Thanks.

 

[SIW2]

Previous versions is handy - I agree with Wolfgang, I prefer Shadow Explorer.

That is just as well - they have removed previous versions from windows 8.

 

[speedyfastcat]

Windows Backup

I have made the experience that many of those backup programs - especially the ones built into Windows - do strange things that I do not understand. That is why I just copy my data manually to an external drive or make an image of the data partition (on those systems where I have a seperate data partition) using free Macrium.

I also recommend to enable restore points on data partitions and allocate sufficient space for about 10 restore points. That is often handy if you lost files. They are easy to recover with Shadow Explorer

What does making an image of the data partition mean?
Why do you recommend Macrium, other than it's free - always a good thing!
Shadow Explorer: I clicked link; it appeared to be for Windows Vista. I have Windows 7 Home Premium.
Thanks ...

 

[mjf]

It means what it says. You can image any partition, the system reserved, the Windows OS, factory recovery partition or a partition that just has general data on it.
Macrium stores the image (snapshot) in a compressed file format with extension .mrimg.
The thing with imaging is that it copies everything of value including OS and installed programs so that you could recover your system even to a Brand new HDD. File/folder backup doesn't do this. Why Macrium - it's robust easy to use and has proven itself.

 

[whs]

I have made the experience that many of those backup programs - especially the ones built into Windows - do strange things that I do not understand. That is why I just copy my data manually to an external drive or make an image of the data partition (on those systems where I have a seperate data partition) using free Macrium.

I also recommend to enable restore points on data partitions and allocate sufficient space for about 10 restore points. That is often handy if you lost files. They are easy to recover with Shadow Explorer

What does making an image of the data partition mean?
Why do you recommend Macrium, other than it's free - always a good thing!
Shadow Explorer: I clicked link; it appeared to be for Windows Vista. I have Windows 7 Home Premium.
Thanks ...

1. You can image a data partition like a system partition. It is one of the options to backup data. But there are many other options ranging from a simple copy to sync.

2. Free Macrium is the most reliable, fastest and easiest imaging program I have used. I have also tried and used a half a dozen other free and paid imaging programs, but none are as good as free Macrium. Here is a tutorial I made for your convenience: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I

3. Shadow Explorer works the same in Vista, Windows7 and Windows8.

 

[richc46]

If you are trying to backup files and folders ( not an image of your drive), you can't do better than Karen's Replicator

TY Si for the heads up. I have been using the native Back Up and Restore, but this is so much better.