New
#21
@reelme Are you actually running Windows XP? As it states in your system specs? Had to ask....
As far as the system versus "regular"....when Macrium backs up, it includes everything...the OS, your files, system partitions - everything. My backup is of approx. 50 GB which compresses down to about 33 GB and takes 10 minutes to completely backup and verify. To an external drive. I don't have it hard scheduled, although I could. I fire up the backup at the end of the day while I'm eating dinner, or something else. 10 minutes is not hard to find for something so important. I keep a rolling 10 day full complete backup, and weekly to another removal drive. There is an old saying you will hear many times on this forum... "You can never have too many backups" .
Something you need to be aware of with Macrium. You can "mount" (open with explorer) any saved image and look at and copy any file or files you want to anywhere. You're not stuck with having to replace everything with a complete restore. Complete restores put you back exactly where you were, but you can pick individual files/folders. Really no different than copying a file/folder from one area to another.
There are also lots of other methods for file saving/syncing, such as Windows File History (which I personally avoid like the plague), Sync Toy (fast, accurate, easy), and many others. A balanced plan for backup is in your best interest. Getting into the habit of backing up can save you lots of headaches and time, if you have a system problem.
Rambling a bit, but just trying to emphasize how important backups are. Hope this helps. TC