Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

SIW2, I have not tried to restore one yet. I wish I could choose to JUST create an image of the Win7 partition. It will not let me uncheck my Vista partition. It says it creates an image (automatically) of any partition with Windows. I would test it if it were just the Win7 partition.

I think if you use the back-up feature instead of the create disk image....you can choose which files. Next time I will do that and see how it works. I will report back if I try a restore.

Hi all -- Wihout discouraging the authors of this thread I would really invest in a commercial backup solution.

Acronis True Image is probably the best cheap one going which is suitable for both Small Offices and Home users.

Backup software for data backup and disaster recovery in Windows and Linux - Acronis

Using a Hidden Partition has several drawbacks --

1) (fairly obviously) it wastes Disc space on your fixed drives -- not a good idea especially say on a laptop which probably will only have one hard disk installed.

2) If the hard disk goes "Bonkers" then you've lost your backup / recovery.

3) You can't save / restore individual files / user data etc.

4) No good for handling Windows 7 Libraries.

By using something like Acronis you can back up DATA or a Partition Image (or both) and restore individual files. You can also backup the MBR if it gets corrupted (say you have been messing around with a Linux Dual boot system and you need to get rid of GRUB - the Linux Boot Manager).

You can handle libraries (W7) and can schedule FULL / Partial backups.
You can also do "Incremental" backups -- these are just backups of files that have changd since your last backup.

Acronis etc handles Multi volume backups automatically if you are backing up to say DVD's.

You can also create bootable recovery media -- for example you can launch the program from a USB stick (if your computer permits USB booting).

By say keeping your images on an external USB disk you can do a "Bare metal" recovery -- this means even if you REPLACE your hard disk you can still restore the entire OS and data.

Sorry to be negative --but IMO with the cheap cost of USB drives a proper commercial Backup program should be a high priority for anybody who stores valuable data on a computer. Typical W7 partitions can be restored in around 15 - 20 mins from SCRATCH -- much quicker than re-installing etc etc.

Cheers
jimbo

Jimbo, I have been using Macrium Reflect for creating an image, however, if I can get the same funtionallity from the built in Windows program....why not use it. I am just posting my results here to benefit others.

very interesting topic this one!!
any attempt for restore yet?:)

I was just going to try it to see.

First I needed to make the backup image - failed right there.

Unfortunately, it demanded at least as much space on the backup destination as the used space on the partition you are imaging.


I use Macrium and Paragon - they don't do that.

Hi Shawn,

I suppose it is better than nothing.

When it pops up warning a backup hasn't been made - many users will go ahead and do it.

They may not have thought of it otherwise - many I speak to have never heard of making your own backup image.

Hi Dinesh,

Try this:

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download