Solved What files do I need too backup to have my data of windows

[Max Pen]

What files on my windows do I need to backup?

Can I just copy my windows drive and that's it?

I want to have a plan B in case my windows crashes down and its broken to the point I can't do anything but use my copy.

I just bought a remote drive to backup data on of 1 TB.

My windows takes up 209 GB.

let me know your thoughts.

Could I run windows from this backup drive?

I got this: http://www.seagate.com/files/www-co...red/images/backup-plus-2pc-family-400x400.jpg

 

[mitchell65]

What you need is Macrium Reflect and then you can image the entire "C" drive on a frequent basis. then if you do have a crash or even if your hard drive fails completely you can be back up and running to your last backup condition within minutes. A real life saver. Go to
Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download
download and install and read up on the subject, quite straightforward but come back here if there is anything you need help on as many, many of us use Macrium reflect regularly!

 

[Max Pen]

ah nice I will give that a shot, the core windows backup feature is not useful to do this with? Your suggested program is better then the default backup and restore feature?

 

[mitchell65]

The inbuilt back up and restore feature works OK but I prefer the versatility of the Macrium Software. There are other methods. Acronis for example but I have always used Macrium without a problem and i like the simple idea of verifying the back up immediately after making it. Gives that extra bit of confidence.

 

[bigmck]

ah nice I will give that a shot, the core windows backup feature is not useful to do this with? Your suggested program is better then the default backup and restore feature?

I have heard of Windows Backup failing. I have never heard of Macrium Reflect failing. It is just better.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

My windows takes up 209 GB.


Could I run windows from this backup drive?

If your C drive is 209 GB, the Macrium image file of it should be somewhere around 80 to 100 GB. It will be just a single file with an mrimg extension. You might want to make one a month or so, and keep the most recent 2 or 3.

No, you can't run Windows from the backup drive.

You would store the image file on the backup drive. If your current Windows installation fails, you would "restore" that image file to an internal hard drive partition--either to the current C partition or somewhere else.

You'll need to make a recovery disk with Macrium. You can choose between a Linux-based disc and a WinPE-based disc. Choose WinPE from the menu. After you burn the WinPE disc, confirm that it will in fact boot your PC. If it won't, you won't be able to restore that image file.