Backing up: can I use a disk that's already part used?  

windose said:

I have a Windows 7 backup HDD which is still only about half full. Can I safely start using it to make Windows 10 backups alongside the old W7 ones? It's not going to wipe or damage the old W7 backups is it?

Secondly, does the W10 automatic backup facility recognise HDDs that are connected wirelessly via a USB port on the router? I'd like the convenience of continual automatic backups without spoiling the portability of the laptop with a HDD plugged directly into the computer.

Just use Macrium Reflect Free - you can store the image file on any partition you like except the one containing data being backed up

I decided to buy a new HDD, as it seemed tidy to start a new one for a new computer. Then I discovered that the Windows 7 backup still works, I'd been under the misconception that it was only for retrieving old backups, not for making new ones. So I'm happy with that, it's ok for me, and what I'm familiar with.

Re: Recovery drives. I made a recovery drive on a usb stick, but the Windows 10 handbook says uncheck the 'Back up system files' box, and the online instructions say check it. I checked it, does that ensure I have everything I may need? I also read that this stick needs to be remade every time there's a major update, but I can't find out how to check when these are. Does Windows announce it?

Finally, File History. I've set it up, but what if I unplug the usb stick it uses, will it start writing on any and every other stick that gets plugged in the same port? What if I replace the correct stick in a different port, can FH still identify it wherever it's moved to?

windose said:

I decided to buy a new HDD, as it seemed tidy to start a new one for a new computer. Then I discovered that the Windows 7 backup still works, I'd been under the misconception that it was only for retrieving old backups, not for making new ones. So I'm happy with that, it's ok for me, and what I'm familiar with.

Re: Recovery drives. I made a recovery drive on a usb stick, but the Windows 10 handbook says uncheck the 'Back up system files' box, and the online instructions say check it. I checked it, does that ensure I have everything I may need? I also read that this stick needs to be remade every time there's a major update, but I can't find out how to check when these are. Does Windows announce it?

Finally, File History. I've set it up, but what if I unplug the usb stick it uses, will it start writing on any and every other stick that gets plugged in the same port? What if I replace the correct stick in a different port, can FH still identify it wherever it's moved to?

Relying on the Windows 7 backup program is what I call a bold decision.

Why, I've been using it for the last 7 years, and it's always come up with the goods on the rare occasion I've needed it?

windose said:

Why, I've been using it for the last 7 years, and it's always come up with the goods on the rare occasion I've needed it?

Then you have been lucky. It's most common failing is to not be able to find a system image to restore.

Restore issue: Windows cannot find image