Solved What does a System Image create?

[Judesman]

I have read the tutorials and I am still a bit confused. If I create a System Image what exactly am I backing up? Is it a copy of Win 7 and does it include all the loaded software and drivers? Does it also copy My Documents and everything on the drive in question or should I back up My Documents etc. separately. Any advice please.

 

[Brink]

Hello Judesman,

A system image is a complete copy/clone of the selected hard drives with everything on them included.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Judesman]

Thank you very much for that. So there is no point in creating a System Image and doing a separate back up/copy of My Documents etc. at the same time which is what I have been doing. Your help is appreciated.

Judesman.

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Judesman.

Yes, there could be though.

A system image is good to restore everything (ex: Windows 7) on the HDD just as it was when created.

A backup of just your My Documents etc.. files is good for when that is all you wanted to restore.

 

[Judesman]

Yes Brink: good point. Thanks.

Judesman.

 

[mjf]

Just to add,
If your file/folder backup is of a moderate size (mine is around 6-8GB) then the first takes a little while but frequent incrementals are general very quick.
I take images less frequently (once a fortnight say) and the more regular file/folder backups fill the gap so I don't loose documents or downloads in between images.

 

[Judesman]

Thanks MJF. I have been backing up My Docs regularly and as you say the "top ups" are pretty quick. However a recent problem with IE8 got me thinking about System Images and I have ordered a 250Gb external HD so I have plenty of back up space. Thanks.