Solved Windows Backup vs System Restore

[clivemacd]

Probably a dumb question, but why do I need Windows Backup when I have already system restore points?

 

[Ranger4]

Hi clivemacd, welcome to the Forum.

No it's not a stupid question. System Restore Points are kept on your main Windows 7 Hard Drive, which is fine as long as the drive keeps working, but if it has a major failure you lose your System Restore Points & everything else. So having a image back up on a separate drive is essential if you value your data.

I use Macrium Reflect, as a lot of others on the Forum do, & I do a weekly image of my main drive. I also have a boot disc which you can create with Macrium to get the computer booted up to install the backed up image to a new hard drive. Normally this would take probably about half an hour & then I am virtually back where I was immediately before the old hard drive failed.

 

[iko22]

To Backup all your personal files use the Windows Backup and Restore. To take a snapshot of the system at a particular point in time use System Restore Create a Restore Point.
In short, system restore will not save a copy of your personal documents, pictures and stuff, so you use Windows Backup and Restore for that. Also, Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate users can use Win Backup to create an image of the complete computer.

 

[clivemacd]

Thanks Ranger4, I get it!

Wish I was in Oz, our weather not friendly right now

 

[Ranger4]

Thanks clivemacd, glad I was able to clear that up for you. Yes you certainly are getting belted by the weather.