Types of System Image

Stevekir · 06 Aug 2016

First off: I know about Macrium. Also, I use FreeFileSync to backup my personal files (Documents, Pictures etc.). This post concerns system images only: those made by Windows Backup and Restore routine..

There are 3 ways of creating a System Image using Windows Backup and Restore routine. Please see the attachments. 1 involves manually creating a System Image; 2 involves using Windows Backup and Restore routine with it set to the default "Let Windows choose (recommended)" which results in a System Image (forget the personal files); and 3 which is set using "Let me choose, You can select libraries and folders and...." which I have set up (at least I think I have) to produce only a System Image.

My question: Will each of the three above setups (especially 3, my home-grown one) produce a System Image capable of restoring the OS? EDIT: "2" in this para corrected to "3".

I ask because my computer shop has asked me to have a System Image file available which he can use to restore my system following a fault. He said that it would be safer to make two, in different ways, and I plan to do this by creating 1 (weekly) and 3 (daily). (2 can take a long time when personal files have been much revised). Thanks for help.

dalchina · 07 Aug 2016

Hi, for Windows 10, to completely restore it, you need an image including the relevant set of partitions. Think partitions, not folders.

Here's Macrium's Backup Windows selection:

Types of System Image-snap-2016-08-07-08.43.50.jpg

Beyond that, recovery also depends on what you may have on other partitions. E.g. relocated folders (Documents, Desktop etc) - relocation of these is supported from a tab in the property sheet.

So to restore a working situation you may need to image other partitions as well, depending on your particular configuration.