Backing Up program suggestions ? (W10)

One of the Best
Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free

Hi Robert11,

Robert11 said:

Might anyone suggest a "good" backup program for W10.

There are two imaging programs [tried and tested] which are very popular among members here, the first is AOMEI Backupper Standard [FREE], and the second is Macrium Reflect [FREE].

I hope this helps!

There are many more free and fee available. I use both Macrium Reflect and Image for Windows.

The free version backs up the whole disk, or partition
the paid version ALSO allows you to just backup just certain files or folders

Some people may have a certain "Work" folder that changes hourly...
So they backup just that folder, because the main OS does not change much...
A lot better to backup a folder hourly rather then a full backup hourly

Many backup folks use Folders and Files backup for their data partition or wherever the data pools are. Me? I still do full images of my laptops' data partition bi-monthly.

Robert11 said:

Question: If the free version wont back up Files and Folders, then what does it back up ? Don't understand.

Aren't files and folders what most folks want ?

Are they saying that all my files wont be backed up with the free version ?

Macrium free and Macrium paid both back up entire partitions. You choose which partitions. The result is an image file with an .mrimg extension. If your personal files are in one of the chosen partitions, they will be included.

That file is typically later "restored" after you have a disaster or problem of some type.

But that file can also be opened in Explorer, which would then show you all the files in the partitions you chose. So the Free version does back up files and folders in that sense. You could recover the pictures of your cat this way. It's just a bit clunky and not an ideal way to back up personal files.

The paid version also has a separate function that lets you back up files and folders WITHOUT creating an .mrimg file.

Problem is that it is a pretty clunky method too. It works, but isn't as refined as programs designed purely for personal file and folder backup. I played with it for a few days and gave up on that function.

On the other hand, Macrium is probably the most refined system backup program (meaning Windows and installed applications, rather than your personal files).

So, the best program for the job likely depends on what you want to back up. You could get by with Macrium only, but you might be disappointed if you have prior experience with a true "file and folder" backup program.

If I were restricted to the paid version of Macrium, I'd just bypass the built-in "file and folder backup" function and instead use ordinary imaging to capture everything in partitions, which would include personal files. But I wouldn't like it.