How often should I create a system image? Backup files?

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  1. Posts : 14
    Windows 10
       #1

    How often should I create a system image? Backup files?


    I have a windows 10 pro with the newest 1809 version. After some trouble with my PC I had no choice but to reset everything and in doing so lost everything. Now, starting all over; I want to make sure I don't repeat those same mistakes of not being prepared. I started up the backup file system using windows 10, the daily option and holding for a month. I believe its suppose to overwrite whatever is there afterwards. As far as the system image I wasn't sure if windows 10 provides that same kind of option or if it has to be done manually.

    Is there an easy program that does all of this for you automatically or is windows 10 just fine? Is system restore the same as imaging? I'm really confused on how all this works. I just know I need to be prepared for next time and having something going automatically to keep me on track would be really helpful
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 41,413
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #2

    The Windows methods to backup are being depreciated.

    If the drive does not completely fail there are software that can be used to save important files by copying them to another drive.

    There are free and pay versions for software that can be used to make backup images:
    Acronis, Aoemi, EaseUS, Macrium, Paragon, etc.

    Macrium is widely used in Ten Forums.

    This is link for backup and restore:
    Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect | Tutorials

    System restore when it works is a useful tool.
    Too often though the restore points do not exist or do not work.

    In addition to making a backup image another option is to backup users folders.
    This is a copy and paste and can be performed overnight.
    For the unusual case in which the backup image method fails you have an extra layer of protection that allows clean install with restoration.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7,871
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #3

    I don't recommend using Windows 10 backup which lacks features, is unreliable and is being deprecated. Macrium Reflect Free is excellent. I schedule monthly full backups and weekly differential backups. If you are a heavy PC user, you might want a daily backup.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 14
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Steve C said:
    I don't recommend using Windows 10 backup which lacks features, is unreliable and is being deprecated. Macrium Reflect Free is excellent. I schedule monthly full backups and weekly differential backups. If you are a heavy PC user, you might want a daily backup.
    I'll definitely check this out! Thank you so much
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #5

    In configuring your PC, a good strategy is not to place personal data on C: but on another partition. You can create your own libraries and folders (see Tutorial section).

    Thus if you need to clean install again, or restore your system partition from a Macrium image file, your personal data not on C: remains unaffected.

    For critical fast-changing data you may wish to complement disk imaging with a file syncing or other backup program which runs more frequently,
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 14
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    dalchina said:
    In configuring your PC, a good strategy is not to place personal data on C: but on another partition. You can create your own libraries and folders (see Tutorial section).

    Thus if you need to clean install again, or restore your system partition from a Macrium image file, your personal data not on C: remains unaffected.

    For critical fast-changing data you may wish to complement disk imaging with a file syncing or other backup program which runs more frequently,
    SO i downloaded Macrium Reflect Free. Refering to your post, "For critical fast-changing data you may wish to complement disk imaging with a file syncing or other backup program which runs more frequently", what other programs have this option?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #7

    A search engine is a great tool... (see my signature).
    E.g.
    How often should I create a system image? Backup files?-snap-2019-02-18-14.03.16.png

    How often should I create a system image? Backup files?-snap-2019-02-18-14.04.25.png
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 14
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    dalchina said:
    A search engine is a great tool... (see my signature).
    E.g.
    How often should I create a system image? Backup files?-snap-2019-02-18-14.03.16.png

    How often should I create a system image? Backup files?-snap-2019-02-18-14.04.25.png
    Nice! You have tons of knowledge with these things lol! What one would you prefer?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #9

    I don't use one myself. Others on the forum have been very happy with MS's 'obsolete' Synctoy, but someone reported a bug with that. You can look for the reviews and lists using

    Best freeware ........
    etc.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 14
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Right now I'm obviously just learning about everything and was experimenting with Windows 10 backup. I have my external 5T.B. harddrive connected and asked for it to backup daily up until 30 days, then there I understand it will start over writing. WHen the backup takes place however, I cannot find the backups in the external drive. WHat folder name would it be in or am I missing something?
      My Computer


 

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