what's the diference between backup or system restore?

[savinio0]

some peoples using system restor others are using backup programs like ''acornis true image'' to backup the entire system partition, so what's the diference? why they prefer to use acronis when u have system restore in ur windows accesories default?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

System Restore is much more limited. It's easier to use, very convenient, and works much of the time---but it is not a legitimate "backup".

A system image file contains EVERYTHING on the selected partitions. System Restore does not.

A system image will back up personal data if personal data is on the selected partition. System Restore does not and will not back up or restore personal data files.

System Restore points normally will disappear within weeks or months, depending on settings. System image files can be kept and restore years after they were made.

I use both. I like both. Both will fail at times, but most would tell you that imaging is a bit more reliable--in addition to being more thorough.

 

[strollin]

System restore uses "Restore Points" which save the state of the system files so any changes made to the system files can be restored.

Software like Acronis can do 2 basic types of backups, one is a file backup that backs up all of your files, mostly useful for keeping your data files backed up. The second type is an image backup which makes an exact copy of a disk partition. With a system image, a drive can be restored completely with everything intact: OS, programs, data, etc... to the point where the restored drive is bootable, just like the original.

System Restore can be very helpful but it doesn't go as far as backup software goes.

 

[Taplice]

System Restore backs up system files of certain extensions (.exe, .dll, etc.), with the exception of files in My Documents folders, and saves them in a large compressed block for later recovery and use. It backs up the registry and most drivers. It does not back up or restore user data. System Restore will not monitor changes to file types commonly used for users' personal data files, such as documents, graphics, e-mail, etc., and will not restore windows logins.

 

[DavidE]

In addition to the great advice you have been given,
System Restore (restore points) are saved in the partition and are always online. They can be corrupted by malware at any time, or be gone if the [C] drive has a hardware fail (disk crash). System Image backups can be stored offline, keeping them safer from malware problems, or hardware failures.

 

[Layback Bear]

Personally I use both Restore Points and Images. (Clone)
Pop one ssd out and pop in a Clone ssd and your up and running.
When I'm tinkering with my system or updating a program a Restore Point before the updating can and has come in quite handy at times.

One method does not replace the other or do the same as the other as has already been explained.