Windows 7 backup and system image

Windows 7 backup is very uncomplicated without additional programs and compared to predecessors of the operating system. Individual files or folders as well as a complete Windows 7 system image can be backed up and restored. The shadow copy function enables the user to continue working while individual files or folders are being backed up.

1. Windows 7 Backup Wizard

At the beginning it is advisable to connect or switch on external backup media, as the wizard will search for these in a later step.

To create a new backup job, select Control Panel> System and Security> Create a backup of the computer. There is also the option of using the command "Save and recover"to enter.

 

Now you have come to the center for backing up and restoring files and the system. The link on the right gives you the option of one to set up a new fuse. If a backup job has already been created, the settings for it are now available.

In the following window a Backup target be determined. If the backup is to be carried out via a network on another PC, bottom right Save to network ... be clicked. For this you have to enter a network address (e.g. \\) and the required user data. It is recommended to have a external hard drive to use for data backup. It must be ensured beforehand that this is done with a NTFS file system and is not recorded with a FAT file system. With a right click on the data carrier this can be changed quickly via the properties.

For professionals:

Which backup destinations Windows 7 actually offers can be determined. Above Windows key + R you call the program gpedit.msc on. There you navigate to the folder Computer configuration / Administrative templates / Windows components / Backup copy. The settings in the branch Client concern backing up personal data that is in the branch Server & Hosting computer backup using system images. The individual settings can be edited with a double click.

 

 

Now there are two ways to save the data. Will the Selection by Windows activated, the standard folders (My Documents, My Pictures, etc.) or libraries are used. But if you use your own folder structures or multiple drives, then you should use the Selection by user choose.

 

If you have decided on the individual selection, you determine the exact composition in the following step by ticking the box in front of the respective folder. The libraries are already included by default, but can be deselected without any problems. Furthermore, you still have the option of one system image of drives to include. This is used to restore the entire system in the event of a defect and can be selected and deselected in the lower area. However, if you want to set up a system image at a different point in time - which is also recommended - you have the option of removing the check mark and then doing this in the central backup and restore facility. (see create system image)

Finally, a schedule for the backup can be configured. To do this, click on Change schedule.

It is advisable to choose a time for the data backup at which the computer is usually switched on. If the computer is not switched on, the system will catch up on the process the next time it is started. Since the backup runs in the background, you can work normally on the computer during this time. Only a higher hard disk activity suggests the process.

If you click on the button now Save settings and execute backup, the wizard creates an initial data backup.

The memory This backup depends on the size of the files to be backed up and the frequency with which the changes are made. From the second backup onwards, it is only a detail backup. Only files that have changed since the last backup are taken into account. On the data carrier selected for the backup data, you will find a folder that bears the name of the PC. With a right mouse click on this, the exact size can be displayed via the properties.

 

2. Restore files from backups                                                  

If you have made regular backups, you are on the safe side in the event of data loss due to damage or accidental changes.

If you call up the control center again to back up and restore after a first backup, you have the option of clicking the button Restore my own files to click.

By default, the most recently created backup is made available here for file and folder searches. However, if the file you are looking for has an older date, click on the link Select another date.

 

After choosing the correct date, you can selectively use the button Search for files navigate to the individual files. These are then marked and over Add File loaded into the list. The process can be repeated as often as you like. Entire folders can also be restored. This is then the button Search for order intended. If the exact storage location of a file is not known, click on the button Search ... enter the name of a document or at least part of it and search for it.

When the selection in the restore list is complete, click on below Continue.

You can now select the location to which the data should be restored. Normally this should be the Place of origin be. But if you don't want to affect newer file versions, you have the option At the following location to use.

If the backed up files come from different drives, you can check the box Restore files to their original sub-folders, the structure below the recovery folder will be preserved. This is useful for larger amounts of files. An example of this has also been given in the area marked in red.

After clicking on Restore you will receive the message after a short time The files were successfully restored.

 

3. Create a system image                                                                             

The timing of a system backup is entirely up to you. If you want to restore a freshly installed Windows 7 with one or the other setting, you shouldn't wait long. If, on the other hand, you want to include as many installed programs as possible, a later point in time is advisable. All programs, documents, images etc. that are stored on the system partition C: \ are included in a system image.

Note:

A full backup takes much longer and requires significantly more storage space than a file backup. It should therefore deliberately only be carried out once at a correct point in time. It is also important to say that such a backup does not run in the background. Therefore, working on the computer should be stopped during this time.

To create a system image, you first call the control center for the Save and recover .

Then click on the link Create a system image.

The wizard will now search for backup devices that are suitable for a system image. If you have a DVD burner, it is advisable to select it.

If you want to use a hard drive, please note that the selected partition must differ from the partitions to be backed up. You should also know that all backed up drives are only completely restored.

Here you now have the opportunity to do more Include drives in the backup. The ticks on a gray background indicate the drives that are backed up by default. Should be here now for example Sure (G :) are included, this drive is of course omitted for storing the system backup.

Finally, there will be a window with all of them Backup details displayed. Here is then also on the storage space requirements pointed.

With a click on Start backup is it starting. You should be patient if necessary.

After completion, the assistant offers you a System repair disc to create. However, this is only required if no Windows 7 installation DVD is available.

 

4. Restore the system image                                                                 

A complete system backup cannot be restored while Windows is running. To the Recovery environment was achieved by restarting or restarting the computer. At the start of Windows, after the BIOS start logs, the F8 key be pressed. If you are not sure about the point in time, just keep this button pressed. Now you get to the extended start options of the computer.

 

Here you select the first item in the menu, to fix a computer .

Now follow the instructions on the screen. With the possible options you should always consider that a system image is available and that you want to use this for restoring. If you have made several complete backups, you also have the option of choosing one from a specific date later. If you have installed a new hard disk, you must have the option Format and repartition the disk be checked.

 

 

 

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This tip comes from www.win-tipps-tweaks.de
© Copyright Michael Hille

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