Questions about creating a system Image backup - a bit coinfused

Hi
I want to use the "windows system image backup tool" to an external hard drive which is a backup that already contains
other folders from several computers that I need to keep.
Ive never done this B4 so these are baby questions ; )
Question:
Will the image creator erase any of that info already stored on the external drive if I backup the system image to that drive?
Question:
is the windows image creator a good tool to do this (any problems with it that are known)?

is there some better image backup creator? if so which and why?

any help appreciated

I have been using the built-in System Image Backup since Windows 7 days. So, I am quite familiar with the program.

RE : Will the image creator erase any of that info already stored on the external drive if I backup the system image to that drive?

No. It will create a folder called WindowsImageBackup. The backup file is stored in there. Contents that are in the external hard drive will remain untouched.


RE : is the windows image creator a good tool to do this (any problems with it that are known)?

Depending on whom you ask this question.
I, personally, have been using it for at least 2 years, and I had been using the system image backup to restore my computer, many times. It has never failed me.

There are many others who come barely short of calling it "garbage".

RE : is there some better image backup creator? if so which and why?

Depending on how do you plan to use the program
Macrium Reflect is the " de facto" in these forums.
It is more sophisticated than the Windows own built-in program, to be sure.
You will have to try it for yourself. What works for others does not necessarily works for you.
Windows own built-in program works for me and I see no reason to switch to something else. But that's just me.

RolandJS said:

I do know Macrium Reflect [free and pay-for]. MR will not delete anything on your ext HD unless you "tell it to do so" via its purging choices. I recommend two ext HDs getting your OS and data partitions backups.

Thanks I will look into that software.
I think the idea of a separate ext drive is a good one but I was unprepared for the WIN 10
Forced updates (I have the Home edition : ( (I'd heard all about "cortana the spy" LOL but not this update hell)
and windows is threatening to download 2 updates that some people have
had real problems with....

davidhk said:

I have been using the built-in System Image Backup since Windows 7 days. So, I am quite familiar with the program.

RE : Will the image creator erase any of that info already stored on the external drive if I backup the system image to that drive?
No. It will create a folder called WindowsImageBackup. The backup file is stored in there. Contents that are in the external hard drive will remain untouched.

RE : is the windows image creator a good tool to do this (any problems with it that are known)?

Depending on whom you ask this question.
I, personally, have been using it for at least 2 years, and I had been using the system image backup to restore my computer, many times. It has never failed me.

Thanks for the comprehensive answer - it is much appreciated.
Well off I go : )

vilontano said:

Thanks for the comprehensive answer - it is much appreciated.
Well off I go : )

You are welcome.