Never used a image backup

[enigma1944]

I have never used a image backup and would like to hear from someone that
uses it. Is it possible to create this type backup and also have it conected to
update whenever changes occur to my laptop.
Thanks

 

[Kirsch]

Will the images be automatically updated if your current system (after an image) gets updated? No.

By creating an image, your entire system state, including the OS and data files, are captured like a snapshot and can be reloaded at any time. It’s the best way to protect your data and also the easiest, since you don’t have to manually copy data from various locations on the system.

I suggest DriveImage XML, the nice thing about DriveImage XML is that it uses Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Service (VSS), which means you can create hot images of hard drives that are in use.

 

[derekimo]

You would end up with alot of images that way, you can use this for incremental backups,

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/615-backup-user-system-files.html

And here's a couple tutorials for imaging,

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

 

[karlsnooks]

I have never used a image backup and would like to hear from someone that
uses it. Is it possible to create this type backup and also have it conected to
update whenever changes occur to my laptop.
Thanks

There are two major categories of imaging programs: 100% copy of each sector on a hard drive. This is the older method. The modern approach is to produce a file, normally a VHD (virtual hard drive) file. MS has gone 100% to this method.

Win 7 Backup and Restore will create a VHD and can also create good old zip files of your data. But more important and to the point is that you can, as with many backup programs, schedule a periodic backup. The Win 7 backup is intelligent and, after you've 100% backed up everything, will only make incremental backups of folders that have changed. A new "system image" backup is performed about once every two weeks. You select how and when you want the backup. Most backup programs also provide this option.

I'm a great fan of Win 7 Backup and Restore. That said, here is a list of other backup programs which also have their fans and supporters.


MACRIUM REFLECT
Macrium Reflect Backup and Hard Disk Imaging for Windows 7, Vista, XP and Server 2003/2008

Macrium Reflect. A complete hard disk image and backup software solution for your PC. Protect your personal documents, photos, music and emails. Upgrade your hard disk or try new operating systems in the safe knowledge that everything is securely saved in an easily recovered backup file

PARAGON BACKUP AND RECOVERY SOFTWARE
Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Overview
Backup & Recovery Free Edition
Total PC Protection for Serious Users! Take complete control of your PC’s safety. Based on solid commercial backup and recovery software from Paragon, the new Backup & Recovery Free Edition will give you a rich set of features that you can trust. Smart people backup; Backup & Recovery is smart backup.

EASEUS
EASEUS Disk Copy is a FREE reliable disaster recovery, hard disk copy, disk clone, partition copy, backup freeware. Support for all Hard Drive and removable drive.
EASEUS Disk Copy: Free Disk Copy, Disk Clone, Partition Copy Software. Sector by Sector for hard drive backup freeware.