Solved Making a Factory Restore/Backup

[Zeldafan1993]

hi im wondering if for someone like me who has made there own PC from various parts none OEM, if theres a way to make a Factory Restore type thing so that if you need to wipe out your PC you can just push a button (like f2 to load factory Settings) type thing or if there's is something similar that i can do

thanks

 

[marsmimar]

I think the best thing to do is once your machine is updated, has all the programs you use on it, etc and is running well, create a full system image and save it to an external hard drive. Update the system image on a regular basis. It won't be a one click operation but you'd be able to restore your computer to the exact condition it was in at the time the latest image was made.

 

[Zeldafan1993]

I think the best thing to do is once your machine is updated, has all the programs you use on it, etc and is running well, create a full system image and save it to an external hard drive. Update the system image on a regular basis. It won't be a one click operation but you'd be able to restore your computer to the exact condition it was in at the time the latest image was made.

Sounds liek a Great plan , so basically when you Reformat/reinstall windows and put your basic programs that you use and update to the most current drivers at the time then make the image?

 

[marsmimar]

In a word - yes.

Some people make multiple images "just in case". They might make one immediately after installing the operating system and all updates and verifying that things work the way they should. Then make a second one after installing other programs. It really depends on what works for each person's needs.

The Windows 7 imaging tool (Start > Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Create system image) is a basic tool without too much flexibility. Some people have reported problems, others like myself have used it many times without any issues. Other free products you might consider are Macrium, Paragon, and EaseUS Todo. You could do an initial system image using Windows 7 (very straight-forward operation) along with the companion system repair disk (in case you machine ever fails to boot) and then play around with the other imaging tools.

 

[Zeldafan1993]

In a word - yes.

Some people make multiple images "just in case". They might make one immediately after installing the operating system and all updates and verifying that things work the way they should. Then make a second one after installing other programs. It really depends on what works for each person's needs.

The Windows 7 imaging tool (Start > Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Create system image) is a basic tool without too much flexibility. Some people have reported problems, others like myself have used it many times without any issues. Other free products you might consider are Macrium, Paragon, and EaseUS Todo. You could do an initial system image using Windows 7 (very straight-forward operation) along with the companion system repair disk (in case you machine ever fails to boot) and then play around with the other imaging tools.

ok thanks for the info its very helpful

 

[marsmimar]

You're very welcome.

 

[Zeldafan1993]

ok just 1 question if i make a Image does that make everything on my Hard rive go into that image so if i restore the image it will be just like when i made the image?

 

[whs]

Answer to your last question is yes. Here is a bit more info that might be useful: http://www.sevenforums.com/backup-restore/128494-imaging-strategies.html

 

[Zeldafan1993]

what 1 is better Paragon or EaseUS ?? i just want to make a weekly backup so that i can install 1 program on each mine and my mom's PC so it backs up to my Network PC

 

[whs]

They are both OK. EaseUS may be a bit easier.

 

[mjf]

They are both OK. EaseUS may be a bit easier.

I've used both and I would agree. But my vote for a third party (free or paid) imaging program goes to Macrium Reflect. It's been around a long time and can't recall any real negative comments.
I use Windows own and Macrium and have found both ok.

 

[whs]

You should know though that mjf is a Windows Imaging expert. For us plain folk, that facility will remain a mystery most of the time.

 

[mjf]

You should know though that mjf is a Windows Imaging expert.....

thank you I think but
:roflmao:
in my dreams

 

[Zeldafan1993]

ok just 1 question if i make a Image does that make everything on my Hard rive go into that image so if i restore the image it will be just like when i made the image?

You should know though that mjf is a Windows Imaging expert.....

thank you I think but
:roflmao:
in my dreams

ok ill take a look at Macrum but i saw a video and it was like you have to make a CD etc so you can even get the chance to Restore your files?? is that true?

 

[whs]

Yes that is true. The best is to make the WindowsPE DVD because the Linux CD has too many restrictions. This DVD is required in order to start the restore process. When your system is not operational, that is the only way.

 

[SIW2]

It think you are confusing two different types of Backup.

1. Files Backup - it is not absolutely necessary to have a special program for that. You might have files that you want to keep copies of somewhere else - e.g. on an external hard drive.

If you want to do that - you can just copy and paste them

There are also programs which do files backup for you - they will automatically make copies of the files /folders you tell them to. You need to tell them where to store those those file backups, and how often you want them to do it - eg. every day, or every week- it's up to you.

If you want to get any of the files back again - you can do that from Windows.


2. There is a different kind of backup - usually called imaging.

What that does is make a copy of an entire partition - and everything on it. It is usually stored in a compressed format to save space.

You need a program to do that.

Again, you need to tell it which partition(s) to make an image of , how often to do it, and where to store those images.

If you want to restore an image of your windows partition ( or the system partition - that is the one contaning the critical operating system files needed to start up ) - you need to do that from outside of windows.

The way you do that is by using a "boot" disc - it is also possible to use a usb stick - or even by starting up a special file that can be on hard drive .

Those contain a small operating system which loads into memory and you run the image restore from there.

 

[Zeldafan1993]

It think you are confusing two different types of Backup.

1. Files Backup - it is not absolutely necessary to have a special program for that. You might have files that you want to keep copies of somewhere else - e.g. on an external hard drive.

If you want to do that - you can just copy and paste them

There are also programs which do files backup for you - they will automatically make copies of the files /folders you tell them to. You need to tell them where to store those those file backups, and how often you want them to do it - eg. every day, or every week- it's up to you.

If you want to get any of the files back again - you can do that from Windows.


2. There is a different kind of backup - usually called imaging.

What that does is make a copy of an entire partition - and everything on it. It is usually stored in a compressed format to save space.

You need a program to do that.

Again, you need to tell it which partition(s) to make an image of , how often to do it, and where to store those images.

If you want to restore an image of your windows partition ( or the system partition - that is the one contaning the critical operating system files needed to start up ) - you need to do that from outside of windows.

The way you do that is by using a "boot" disc - it is also possible to use a usb stick - or even by starting up a special file that can be on hard drive .

Those contain a small operating system which loads into memory and you run the image restore from there.

yea i was looking for a Imaging type of program cuz what i want to do is install 1 program on each mine and My Mom's Computer and make it do a Network "image" back up of the windows Partition Only (so it gets like all my program files etc and if i ever run into problems i can just go and restore and boom everything is the way i left it) on my Server in my Room

 

[SIW2]

Pick an app. you like the look of - there are a few good free versions.

You will need to run off the boot cd that comes with any of them.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

yea i was looking for a Imaging type of program

Look at Macrium Reflect Free Edition, EaseUS TODO Backup, or Acronis.

The first 2 are free downloads. Acronis is free if you have a Seagate or Western Digital hard drive.

Macrium is probably the easiest to use and among the most reliable.