Backups - these days around 5 Mins so no excuse

Hi there

I think it's worth labouring this point -- backing up your OS these days can really be done in a few minutes so there is 100% NO EXCUSE for not doing it.

If your OS is say on an SSD a backup will take for an average system only around 5 - 10 mins (do it for example while "visiting the bog" !!). Things like Macrium reflect can be run from within the OS when making backups.

You will save yourself SO MUCH HASSLE - when software or upgrades don't work, drivers get overwritten, your machine gets spyware / adware / virus / PUPS or other unwanted stuff.

For a few minutes it should be second nature to backup regularly. DATA is another matter - but that can be done any time and usually doesn't change much - but ideally backup your OS every day and certainly before installing software.



New computers IMO should not allow the user to start working until they've backed up the system - even though the initial OS is probably full of Bloatware -- it gets the user into practice of doing it.



Cheers
jimbo

swarfega said:

I personally don't see the need to back up the OS since it doesn't take very long to re-install it. I do, however, backup my user files. I recently bought a nice 6TB NAS and use scheduled backups so it's no hassle to do.

Hi there

It's not only the OS - but Updates / user programs plus any of their updates, serial numbers sometimes of programs need to be re-keyed in and you might also have problems with re-activation.

Plus you need to install things like Email settings - and installing Office with updates takes a while, Photoshop is another long installing program.

Just taking 5 mins to backup the whole kybosh seems to be a good investment of time - and it's certainly MUCH easier to recover your OS than go through a mega re-install hassle.

NAS data can be backed up separately as and when required - a lot of people use the Cloud for that too - although depending on the size to back up and speed of your Internet it might not be a good solution for many.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

Hi there

It's not only the OS - but Updates / user programs plus any of their updates, serial numbers sometimes of programs need to be re-keyed in and you might also have problems with re-activation.

Plus you need to install things like Email settings - and installing Office with updates takes a while, Photoshop is another long installing program.

Just taking 5 mins to backup the whole kybosh seems to be a good investment of time - and it's certainly MUCH easier to recover your OS than go through a mega re-install hassle.

NAS data can be backed up separately as and when required - a lot of people use the Cloud for that too - although depending on the size to back up and speed of your Internet it might not be a good solution for many.

Cheers
jimbo

Well, well......this seems to be one of the few times I've agreed with you. :) I try to tell folks to always, always, backup their OS, C-Drive. Why folks don't even think of it, till their computer gets screwed is beyond me!!!
Takes VERY little time, just like you said too!!!! Good Post Jimbo45!!!!!

Kyhi said:

A 5 Minute Backup Routine - will save the average forum user - hours or sometimes days of grief..

But if everybody followed a backup routine - what would we have to comment about..

Topic = My PC pooped itself, I restored the Backup, All better now...

Boring..

Still lots of things left....mostly how the user either hates their Windows 10, OR how they love their Windows 10, but they don't know how to do this.....or they lost this, or how do you install this, what is the best AV for my computer, etc....etc....etc....list is endless.....hehehehehe... :)