Solved system image?

[mangoh]

Does creating a system image in windows 7 backup all the files you currently have in the "my documents", "my pictures", "my videos" etc... folders?

 

[C-11]

Yes it backs up everything. Documents, Music, Pictures etc.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

System Image Recovery

Got more questions just ask.

 

[mangoh]

Yes it backs up everything. Documents, Music, Pictures etc.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

System Image Recovery

Got more questions just ask.

So let me get this straight. *Insert example*

1) I install Windows 7 last month on drive ( C: )
2) I decide to create a system image on the same day
3) I have finished creating an system image and have had it created on another partition but on the same Hard Disk Drive ( D: )
4) A week after creating a system image I decide to do some work and I save a word document in the "My Documents" folder
5) I decide to restore the system image that I had created last month.

Now when restoring the system image does that mean I will have to backup the word document (step 4) as I had created & saved it AFTER step 3?

Surely when I restore the system image it will erase all my documents etc... and then restore w/e was in the my documents folder before I had finished creating a system image?

 

[DavidE]

Yes, in your case you would need to backup any data created or changed after the backup image was created, before you restore the image.
You would then need to restore these data files after restoring the backup image.
I'm assuming all your data is stored on the C: partition.

Most tech enthusiasts keep data on a different partition than the C: (OS + Programs) partition.
This approach allows restoring the C: partition independently from restoring or keeping any data.
Imaging is the best option for backing up the OS partition, but is not the best option for backing up data.

It's also recommended to store backups on more than one Hard Drive (or media).
That will allow recovery from a Hard Drive crash.

Also, I prefer Acronis or Macrium over the Windows Backup program.
These programs are easier to use and have more flexibility.

Some stickey threads you should take a look at:
http://www.sevenforums.com/backup-restore/128494-imaging-strategies.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/backup-restore/43219-image-your-system-free-macrium.html

There are also some SF tutorials for Backup and Restore.