I like Windows Backup & Restore

pbug56 · 31 Jan 2020

Win 10 64 Pro 1903.

I need a new backup system for a heavily used laptop with important docs on it. SSD system drive. I'm thinking of a WD desktop external USB3. I've never gotten WD backup software to work - plus I actually like WIndows Backup & Restore, which I use on another system as well.

Is there any reason not to go this route? I know it CAN be a pain to get WBR working but I've done it before. If you say NO, do you have a better idea on what to use for software? Same for hardware?

Thanks!

Golden · 31 Jan 2020

You might consider using the free version of Macrium Reflect instead.

It's very easy to use, extremely well regarded here, well supported on these forums and we have some world-class tutorials on this software too.

Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect
Macrium Reflect - Create a Rescue Partition

Backing up to a USB drive with Macrium is flawless - stick with that. Almost any make of USB drive will give you good results.

pbug56 · 31 Jan 2020

So in WB&R, you do a full image backup, then periodic backups of anything that's changed. You also make sure you have a repair disc, etc. so you have a way to do a restore.

I'm gathering that you do pretty much the same for MR? Have you done any comparison with WB&R versus MR, or know anything that favors either choice?

Thanks!

SIW2 · 31 Jan 2020

Windows image works fine and has the advantage of using vhdx format. It can be serviced, read/write and is accessible via other tools. I like it.

That is not the case with proprietary formats, though a few 3rd party programs can later convert their images to vhd (x).

O&O diskimage can create images directly in vhd(x) or in it's own format. It has lot of options and features.

Try3 · 31 Jan 2020

SIW2 said:

Windows image works fine and has the advantage of using vhdx format. It can be serviced, read/write and is accessible via other tools.

Which other tools can read & restore vhdx files?

Denis

Golden · 31 Jan 2020

pbug56 said:

I'm gathering that you do pretty much the same for MR? Have you done any comparison with WB&R versus MR, or know anything that favors either choice?

Yes, the principles are the same with MR.

I must admit, I have never used any Windows Backup & Restore functionality. I recall that under Windows 7, Windows Backup was very hit & miss, so the majority of people used 3rd party programs (such as MR), and I did the same.

Perhaps under Windows 10, it functions better, but since I have never used it, I cannot honestly say which has the edge. Perhaps those that have used both will comment here in due course.

Bastet · 31 Jan 2020

You might want to read these about the deprecation of Windows backup:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...catedMicrosoft recommend using third party software:“System Image Backup (SIB) SolutionWe recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.”https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...ll-creators-up

SIW2 · 31 Jan 2020

I have answered this before. They can be accessed by a variety of tools - diskgenius, disk management, paragon, even 7-zip handles vhd files not sure if 7-zip does vhdx yet, but there are several others that do..

I have restored individual files and entire OS from vhd(x) files without using ms bmrui

Not the case with proprietary formats. I am also not aware of proprietary formats that can be mounted read/write.

Try3 said:

Which other tools can read & restore vhdx files?

Denis

T J · 31 Jan 2020

Used WBR (create system image) with both W7 and W10 (1909) on my 2012 Dell. I've restored several images with MBR over the years, and a couple images since Jan 1 2020. I've had ZERO problems with MBR since 2012. Have two My Passport(s) - 500GB USB2 and 1TB Ultra USB3.

I have MS Back up using File History turned ON; seems to work OK; I have 'back up my files' every hour (default); could choose every 10 minutes. Just open File Explorer, and look for files in My Passport / File History / ; pretty simple. Might try this (since it's already installed on your computer) before installing more software on your computer.

FYI - also use Norton Ghost 15 on 2012 Dell (G15 boot CD for W10; restored one G15 image since Jan 1 2020); and Drive Image 5.0 on 2000 Dell.

Bree · 31 Jan 2020

pbug56 said:

... I actually like WIndows Backup & Restore, which I use on another system as well.
Is there any reason not to go this route? I know it CAN be a pain to get WBR working but I've done it before...

I used to use the Backup & Restore system imaging extensively, both for imaging and restores. My test machine (System Two below) has every build of W10 available as an image, and I frequently re-image it to test answers to questions here, or to update each of its images with the latest CU.

Like you, I know Microsoft system imaging can be a pain to get it to work. You've probably got a list of the pitfalls to avoid (never, ever, put a W7 image in the same WindowsImageBackup folder as a W10 image, the recovery media MUST be made by exactly the same Windows that is in the image to be restored - W7/W10, x86/x64). It's main failing is, for no apparent reason, suddenly failing to see an image that could be restored. That's probably one of the reasons Microsoft deprecated it over two years ago.

Microsoft said:

System Image Backup (SIB) Solution
We recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.

Features removed or Deprecated in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

I stopped using it when Microsoft broke system imaging in 32-bit 1803 and switched to Macrium Reflect Free. I have found it to be 100% reliable. Any Macrium recovery media (x86 or x64) can restore any image (I've restored XP, W7 and W10 images with the same Macrium recovery media). Macrium can mount a Macrium image to browse it in File Explorer, you can even boot a Macrium image as a Hyper-V virtual machine with their viBoot (included in Free).

After years of struggling to keep Backup & Restore working Macrium was a breath of fresh air.

I like Windows Backup & Restore

I like Windows Backup & Restore

Windows Backup & Restore versus Macrium Reflect