Backup Questions Using the Internal or an External Drive

RolandJS said:

"...I checked the partition on the internal HD called Recovery on my older Windows 7 laptop and it was empty..."
No, it is not empty; regular Windows does not read that partition. Back it up with Macrium Reflect or anything similar.

Thanks. I looked at the partition and under properties it shows 5GB so there is something there but I can't tell what it is.

JWalker said:

Thanks. I looked at the partition and under properties it shows 5GB so there is something there but I can't tell what it is.

Install MiniTool Partitiion Wizard:
MiniTool Partition Wizard | Best partition magic alternative for Windows PC and Server

Using that you can right click on a partition and select explore and see what is in it, even if it doesn't show in file explorer. It's also a great tool to change your partitions.

Thanks for the link to Mini Tool. I don't know if I need to know what is in each partition but I need to know which ones to image which has been answered. BTW is Mini Tool free? I expect it isn't which would be another reason for me to hold off. I really appreciate all of the helpful information provided on this thread, especially by Ken Calendon. I am looking at the tutorial he provided the link to and I will make my first backup soon. Thanks again.

JWalker said:

BTW is Mini Tool free?

Yes - but there is also a paid-for version with more features, mostly it adds support for dynamic volumes.
Best Free Partition Manager for Windows | MiniTool Partition Free