- Regularity. Making backups should be as regular as brushing your teeth in the morning.
- Examination. Check the backup you just made. It will be very disappointing if, at a particularly tense moment, your lifesaver turns out to be a dummy. Open several files from the archive and make sure they work.
- Separation. It is better to store backups not in one place, but at least in two. For example, on an external hard drive and in the cloud. After all, disks sometimes fail, and cloud storage may be unavailable at the right time.
- delimitation. Divide into several clear categories what you are going to store. Data of different importance requires a different approach to archiving.
System solutions
Windows
Windows has a regular backup and restore tool that allows you to save both individual files and an entire image from which you can restore the system in case of failure.
Windows 7
Go to the "Control Panel" by left-clicking on the "Start" button and selecting the appropriate item. In the "Control Panel", select "System and Security" → "Computer Backup" → "Set up Backup".
Next, the system will ask you to specify a location to save the archive. Please note that if you want to back up data from drive C, you will not be able to save it there. To do this, you will have to choose another medium, for example, a second physical disk, USB flash drive, DVD, or a folder on the local network. If you recall the principles of creating a backup, the archive must be stored on a separate medium, and not on the very computer from which the copy was made.
Next, the system will prompt you to automatically or manually select folders for archiving. Click on “Give me a choice” and in the window that opens, check the boxes for the folders you want to save. Click Next → Save Settings and Exit.
Now in the "Backup or restore files" window there is a button "Archive". Clicking on it will start the process of archiving your data.
Recovery follows the same principle. To do this, click on the item "Select another backup to restore files" and specify the one into which the backup was performed.
Windows 8 and above
The built-in File History tool allows real-time archiving. It only requires initial setup to work.
Go to "Control Panel". To do this, click on the "Start" button with the right mouse button and find the desired line in the context menu.
As a storage location, select a drive other than the system drive, a flash drive, or a network folder. Click "Enable".
"File History" will automatically copy the following libraries: "Documents", "Music", "Images", "Videos" - and standard user folders: Windows, "Desktop", "Favorites".
By default, backups are made every hour, but you can change this time, for example, to 10 minutes. However, this will require more disk space. The retention time for each copy can be configured in the Advanced Options menu.
macOS
Time Machine is Apple's standard solution for backing up applications, files and folders, documents, videos, and music.
To work with Time Machine, you will need a third-party data storage, such as a flash drive, external hard drive, or network solution.
When you connect an external drive to your Mac, you should be asked if you want to use it as backup storage? Select "Use as a backup drive".
If the window does not appear, the backup drive must be selected manually:
- go to the menu and open the Time Machine settings;
- click on "Select backup disk";
- select the one you want and click on "Use disk".
Backups will be automatically created once an hour, copies for the past month - every day, and backups for all time - every week. Do not be afraid that the volume of your hard drive will be small. Time Machine will save only changed information, and old copies will be automatically deleted as disk space fills up.
Android
Android Backup Service
Designed to create backup copies of Google account data. With it, you can save:
- data about Wi-Fi networks;
- desktop wallpaper;
- Gmail settings
- Google Play apps;
- language and input settings;
- date and time;
- settings for a number of third-party applications.
To create a backup you need:
- open device settings;
- go to "Personal data" → "Restore and reset";
- turn on Data Backup.
To restore data on another device, just log in with your account. To restore the settings of saved applications, go to "Personal" → "Backup and Reset" → "Auto Restore".
Synchronization
Android has a built-in synchronization tool that allows you to save user contacts installed from the Google Play application, calendar, display settings, languages and input methods, Google Drive data, and settings for some third-party applications. The tool requires a mandatory Google account.
Synchronization in Android is enabled by default. If you want to get the latest backup, do the following:
- open phone settings;
- in the "Accounts and sync" section, select Google;
- check the boxes and click "Synchronize".
The data will automatically be sent to the Google cloud storage. To restore them on another Android device, just connect your account on it.
You can also synchronize most popular accounts: Skype, Telegram, Viber and VKontakte. Android has a built-in Google Photo solution for syncing photos and images.
iOS
iTunes
Apple's universal app for getting and playing content. Allows you to save data locally from a device connected to a computer running Windows or macOS. This is especially handy when you don't have internet access.
To create a copy using iTunes, do the following:
- connect the device to the computer;
- go to the "Devices" tab;
- click Sync.
- photos;
- notes;
- contact list;
- the calendar;
- SMS/MMS messages;
- Safari browser;
- access point settings;
- application data;
- view of the main screen.
iCloud
Cloud service for storing user data. Like any cloud, it has two limitations: the need for Internet access and a relatively small (5 GB) amount of free dedicated space.
To save data using iCloud on your device, open Settings → iCloud → Backup and start the process of creating a copy.
Stored in iCloud:
- purchase history in the App Store;
- photos;
- Phone settings;
- application data;
- view of the main screen;
- ringtones;
- voice mail.
Software
Windows
License: commercial software.
Russian language support: there is.
A simple backup solution. Allows you to save both individual files (photos, music or movies) and mail files, for example, from Microsoft Outlook or TheBat.
In the main program window, click "Create a new task" → "Create a backup copy". From the catalog tree, select the data you want to save. In our case, this will be the Music folder on the desktop.
Finally, give the task a name and click Finish. Archiving completed.
The same principle applies to data recovery. Select the saved backup, and then specify where you want to restore it.
The trial period for using the program is 30 days. The developers offer to purchase the full basic version for 800 rubles. There are other versions of Handy Backup - Professional and Expert. Their capabilities are much wider and tailored for professional needs, but for our purposes, the Standard version is enough.
License: shareware software.
Russian language support: no.
Another solution for creating backups and recovering lost files. The interface is so simple and clear that even the absence of the Russian language will not be an obstacle.
First of all, choose where to save the data. Let it be removable disk E.
The next step is to specify the data to save. The program offers both a smart choice where you can mark desktop files, the system folders "Pictures" or "Videos" at once, and a directory tree. Go to it and save the already familiar "Music" folder.
After clicking on the checkmark, the archiving window will open. On the selected disk, the program automatically creates the Genie TineLine folder, where it places the saved files.
Save and restore features are available in the basic version of Genie Timeline Free. The advanced paid versions of Genie Timeline Home and Genie Timeline Pro have much more features: sending email notifications, highly secure data encryption, and scheduling. But for saving home files, the Free version is enough.
Genie TineLine has an iOS app with which you can check the status of backups on your computer.
License: commercial software.
Russian language support: there is.
Powerful backup and restore tool. You can store backups not only on physical disks, but also on Acronis' own cloud service. True, for this you will have to subscribe for a year, and the amount of space provided will depend on the tariff plan. With a standard subscription, 50 GB is allocated, with the purchase of a premium version - from 1 TB.
Immediately after installation, the program prompts you to choose what data to send to the copy: from the entire computer, from disks and partitions, or individual folders.
Select "Files and Folders" and select the ones you want. Let it again be the "Music" folder on the desktop. Click "OK" and proceed to the storage selection.
Select flash drive E, click "OK" again → "Create a copy". A copy of the Music folder is created on a flash drive.
Acronis also has other useful features. For example, "Archive" allows you to free up disk space by compressing large files, and the "Disk Clone" tool creates a complete copy of local disks, which, in the event of a failure, will allow you to restore the original state of the system.
The cost of the program is 2,700 rubles. A standard subscription for a year will cost users 2,400 rubles, an extended one - 5,100 rubles. Mobile applications work in conjunction with the desktop version and are downloaded for free.
macOS
Carbon Cope Cloner
License: commercial software.
Russian language support: no.
A utility for creating a duplicate disk. Support for the Russian language is not provided, but it will not be difficult to understand the interface.
In Source Disk, select the disk you want to copy. In Target Disk, specify the location to store the copy. Start the process with the Clone button.
The free period of using the program is 30 days. After the Carbon Cope Cloner will cost 2,405.65 rubles.
Android
License: shareware software.
Russian language support: there is.
A convenient solution for backing up and syncing apps on Android without requiring root rights. However, for full-fledged work, you will have to install Helium on a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS.
After installing the application on your smartphone, you will immediately receive a notification about the need for a desktop version. For ease of installation and saving time, the program offers to send a link to a user-friendly messenger or by email. From there follow the link to the program website, download and run. Installation in the style of "Next" → "Next" → "OK" is straightforward.
While the program is being installed, the mobile application asks you to connect your phone to the computer and enable USB debugging.
After receiving notification of successful synchronization, the smartphone can be disconnected from the computer.
Open the mobile app. From the list of installed programs, select the ones you need and click on the "Backup" button. Specify where the backup will be stored and wait for the process to complete.
To restore from a backup, go to the "Restore and Sync" tab, select the location with the copy, select the desired applications and click "Restore".
The basic version of the program is free, the cost of the extended version is 149.86 rubles.
The extended version allows:
- disable ads;
- set scheduled backups;
- enable synchronization between Android devices;
- store data in the cloud.
The application cannot be installed by owners of Motorola devices and some Sony models.
License: shareware software.
Russian language support: there is.
The most popular app backup tool among Android users. Requires root access to the device.
To back up one or more applications, open the "Backups" tab, which displays a complete list of installed software. An exclamation mark next to an application indicates that a copy has not yet been created for it. The phone icon means that the program is stored on the internal memory of the device. The SD card icon indicates applications stored on the memory card.
Select an application and click "Save" in the menu that opens.
The backup has been created. Now, if you enter the application again, you can see the "Restore" button.
Titanum Backup supports group work with applications and backups. To do this, go to "Menu" → "Batch actions".
This function allows:
- check backups - both recently created and the whole - for errors;
- make backup copies of all installed applications;
- make backup copies of all system data;
- delete old backups;
- restore all backups;
- restore all system data;
- clear application cache;
- uninstall system or user apps.
The functionality of Titanium Backup is much wider, but for our purposes, the listed features are quite enough.
The extended version of Titanium Backup costs 349 rubles. Its main features:
- creating multiple backups for an application;
- backup data encryption;
- checking all archives;
- batch freezing and defrosting applications;
- synchronization of backups with the cloud.
iOS
iMazing
License: commercial software.
Russian language support: there is.
Compatibility: Microsoft Windows, macOS.
In fact, this is a file manager with a backup option provided. In many ways, it is similar to iTunes, but it is much easier and more pleasant to work in it. You can transfer data both via cable and via Wi-Fi, and iMazing has no limit on the number of connected devices.
When you connect your device to your computer, iMazing automatically makes a backup of it. The function of changing data directly in the saved copy is very useful: the next time you connect, the changed data is instantly synchronized.
The free period is 30 days, after which you will have to pay $39.99 for use on one computer.
License: commercial software.
Russian language support: no.
Compatibility: iOS.
Device backup tool with . Allows you to save notes, contacts, photos, messages, call histories and more.
To create a backup, just select what you want to save and click on the corresponding icon. A copy can be stored on a smartphone, computer, in the cloud, or sent by email.
To restore data, click on the Restore button in the menu on the left side of the screen.
The cost of BackupAZ is $2.99.
iLex
License: free software.
Russian language support: there is.
Compatibility: iOS.
And this software product will require you to have a mandatory jailbreak. The free iLex application allows you to save absolutely any data from the device, besides, it does not require a computer to work.
After creating a backup copy, save it where it is convenient for you, and after flashing the device or in case of loss, copy the archive to your phone and restore the necessary information.
Cydia
License: free software.
Russian language support: there is.
To do this, just go to Manage Accounts, enter your account and select Installable Purchases. That's the only way to do this only for purchased applications. Information about free Cydia does not save.
Cloud Solutions
Google drive
License: shareware software.
Russian language support: there is.
Compatibility:
Allows you to store user data on Google servers, differentiate access rights to files and folders, open access and share them with other Internet users.
The repository includes:
- Google Drive - used to store files;
- Gmail - saves the user's contacts and is a powerful email client;
- Google Photo - automatically finds images on devices and saves them to the cloud.
15 GB is free. For a larger volume, you will have to pay from 2.99 to 299 dollars. The maximum storage capacity is 30 TB and the maximum file upload is 5 TB.
2 GB of storage is available for free use. The cost of 1 TB will be 9.99 euros. Unlimited space can be purchased for 10 euros per month.
Yandex.Disk
License: shareware software.
Russian language support: there is.
Compatibility: browsers, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.
Cloud service of Russian origin, former Yandex.People. Like previous solutions, it allows you to save data in the cloud and share it with other Internet users. Supports synchronization between different devices.
Users are provided with 10 GB free of charge. For an additional 10 GB, Yandex asks to pay 30 rubles, for 100 GB - 80 rubles, while the cost of 1 TB will be only 200 rubles.
Recently, a friend of mine asked me to explain to her how to back up data. She is a humanitarian, so she needed options in which nothing needs to be configured. Since she is not a stupid person who likes to figure out the problem and make a decision herself, I decided to collect the basic principles for her and describe the pros and cons of certain options (as I see them). I decided to publish here in case that it will come in handy for some of you - to help a friend or relative. I would be very glad to comments on how the text could be made simpler and clearer.
Basic principles
1. Regularity and frequency
Backup data should be as regular as taking pills. It is for this discipline that one can thank oneself if some kind of collapse suddenly occurred. Sometimes losing even just a few working days due to the fact that the backup was not done can be very painful. To answer the question - how often it is possible to backup, having understood the data for which period of time it would be the least painful for you to lose. One of the best options is to backup data once a week on weekends.separateness
It is desirable that the data be stored on a separate external hard drive (or other media), stored in a separate place from the main data. The principle is quite obvious - if a problem occurs, it will be localized in one place. For example, if the hard drive on your computer is broken, the backup drive will function just fine. However, there is a balance to be struck between ease of access and security. A hard drive next to a computer significantly increases the motivation to use it for its intended purpose. And at the same time, this is not the safest option for very important data that cannot be lost in any case. That is why there is a distinction between data backup and data archiving.recheck
As soon as the first backup copy of the data is made, you must immediately check that this data can be restored from it! This means not only that the files become visible. You need to open several files to choose from and check that they are not corrupted. It is desirable to repeat such a check then once in a certain period (say, once a year).distinction
The best practice is to differentiate data by categories. The category could be their importance to you, the frequency of updates, or just the topic.Often, backup programs make so-called "images" (image). They look like one single file. So in each such image it is better to save different data.
What is it for. Data of different importance requires different handling of itself, this is obvious. You will probably want to store your important documents more carefully than, say, a collection of films. By dividing data by update frequency, you can, for example, save time taken by backups. Topic - what data is it desirable to restore together in one step? A vivid example of two types of backup that should be done separately:
Data backup
These are Word documents, photos, movies, etc. The same applies to this, but often forgotten - bookmarks in the browser, letters in the mailbox, address book, calendar with appointments, banking application configuration file, etc.System backup
We are talking about the operating system with all its settings. Such a backup eliminates the need to reinstall the operating system, make all the settings, install programs. However, this is not the most necessary type of backup.Where to backup
1. External hard drive. Often you can buy directly in the box. There are notebook ones - such disks are small in size, but more expensive. Ordinary hard drives can be bought relatively cheaply with a capacity of 2 TB - then you won’t have to worry about disk space for a long time.Reliable enough (if not dropped or shaken excessively)
+ Relatively inexpensive
You must remember to connect the disk for backup yourself
-Not very convenient to carry (does not apply to laptop drives)
2. USB-stick - suitable as an additional tool when you would like to transfer data from one computer to another and / or have it at hand. Also, if the data itself does not want to be stored on a computer.
There is one big but - a flash drive has a limited number of entries, so if you store application data on it that will write intensively, then the flash drive (usb stick) will quickly die for a long time. In addition, in my personal experience, they break quite often. My friend, buying the most expensive flash drives, which were positioned as "not killed", received a broken flash drive in a month or two. To be fair, I must say that so far not a single flash drive has broken, some have been working for 5 years. Nevertheless, I would not store data on just one usb-stick.
Mobile storage
+ Takes up little space
+Very cheap
Unpredictable Reliability
3. Data storage on a remote server (or in the cloud).
There are pros and cons:
Data will be available not only at home, but also at work, while traveling.
+ Location separation of main data and backups (for example, if it happens, God forbid, a fire, the data survives)
+ There is no need to connect a hard drive for backup, as a rule, everything is done completely automatically.
It is advisable to encrypt the data, since it is not known who can access it
- A large amount of traffic is spent (if it is limited, then problems arise)
-Often, you can only store data up to 2 GB for free. So, such a backup is an additional expense item.
A list with a good description of the services can be found
How to backup
Here is a list of applications that you should pay attention to (in my opinion) when backing up to a hard drive.
Of the free ones are popular
1. Genie Backup Manager is a very handy program, but it slows down a little when working
2. Handy Backup - simple interface, fast.
Additionally
Often in the backup program settings there is an option - to make an incremental or differential backup. The practical difference is quite simple. With differential backup, you can save on the space it occupies. But there are only two recovery options: data in the state when the full backup was made + data at the time when the differential backup was made.Incremental backup allows you to roll back to any of the moments in the past when the backup was made. However, especially if data changes occur frequently, space will be eaten up quickly.
Now any computer user is primarily worried about the safety of their data. There are a huge number of factors that in the process of work can lead to damage or deletion of any files. - These include malware, system and hardware failures, incompetent or accidental user intervention. Not only personal data is under threat, but also the performance of the operating system, which, following the law of meanness, “falls” at the moment when it is most needed.
Backing up data is literally a panacea that solves 100% of problems with lost or damaged files (of course, provided that the backup was created in accordance with all the rules). This article will present several options for creating a full backup of the current operating system with all its settings and data stored on the system partition.
You can copy documents in the old fashioned way for safety to flash drives or parallel hard disk partitions, worry about the darkness of settings in the operating system, shake over each system file while installing third-party themes and icons. But manual labor is now a thing of the past - there is enough software on the network that has proven itself to be a reliable tool for complete redundancy of the entire system. A little something is wrong after the next experiments - at any time you can return to the saved version.
The Windows 7 operating system also has a built-in function for creating a copy of itself, and we will also talk about it in this article.
Method 1: AOMEI Backupper
It is rightfully considered one of the best backup programs. She has only one drawback - the lack of a Russian interface, only English. However, with the instructions below, even a novice user can create a backup.
The program has a free and paid version, but for the needs of an ordinary user, the first one is enough. It contains all the necessary tools to create, compress and verify a system partition backup. The number of copies is limited only by the free space on your computer.
- Go to the official website of the developer using the link above, download the installation package to your computer, double-click it and follow the simple installation wizard.
- After the program is integrated into the system, launch it using the shortcut on the desktop. After launching AOMEI Backupper is immediately ready to work, however, it is advisable to make a few important settings that will improve the quality of the backup. Open settings by pressing the button Menu at the top of the window, in the drop-down box, select the item "Settings".
- In the first tab of the opened settings, there are parameters responsible for compressing the created copy to save space on the computer.
- None- copying will be performed without compression. The size of the resulting file will be equal to the size of the data that will be written to it.
- "Normal" is the selected default option. The copy will be compressed approximately 1.5-2 times the original file size.
- "High"- the copy is compressed 2.5-3 times. This mode saves a lot of space on the computer when creating multiple copies of the system, but it requires more time and system resources to create a copy.
Select the option you need, then immediately go to the tab "Intelligent Sector"
- The tab that opens contains the parameters that are responsible for the sectors of the partition that the program will copy.
- "Intelligent Sector Backup"- the program will save in a copy the data of those sectors that are most often used. This category includes the entire file system and recently used sectors (emptied recycle bin and freed space). Recommended for creating intermediate points before experimenting with the system.
- "Make an Exact Backup"- absolutely all sectors that are in the partition will be included in the copy. Recommended for hard drives that have been used for a long time, unused sectors can store information suitable for recovery by special programs. If the copy is restored after the working system is damaged by a virus, the program will overwrite absolutely the entire disk up to the last sector, leaving the virus no chance to recover.
After selecting the desired item, go to the last tab "Other".
- Here you need to check the first box. It is responsible for automatically checking the backup after it is created. This setting is the key to a successful recovery. This will almost double the copying time, but the user will definitely be sure of the safety of the data. Save settings with the click of a button OK, program setup is completed.
- After that, you can proceed directly to copying. Click on the big button in the middle of the program window "Create New Backup".
- Choose the first item System Backup- it is he who is responsible for copying the system partition.
- In the next window, you need to set the final parameters of the backup.
- Specify the name of the backup in the field. It is advisable to use only Latin characters in order to avoid problems with associations during recovery.
- You need to specify the folder where the final file will be saved. You must use a partition other than the system partition to protect against deleting a file from the partition during an operating system crash. The path must also contain only Latin characters in its name.
Start copying by clicking on the button Start Backup.
- The program will start copying the system, which can take from 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on the settings you have chosen and the size of the data you want to save.
- First, all the specified data will be copied according to the configured algorithm, then a check will be performed. After the operation is completed, the copy is ready for recovery at any time.
AOMEI Backupper has a number of minor settings that are sure to come in handy for a user who is seriously worried about his system. Here you can find the setting of pending and periodic backup tasks, splitting the created file into pieces of a certain size for uploading to cloud storage and writing to removable media, encrypting the copy with a password for privacy, as well as copying individual folders and files (perfect for saving critical system objects ).
Method 2: restore point
Now let's move on to the built-in functions of the operating system itself. The most popular and fastest way to create a system backup is a restore point. It takes up relatively little space and is created almost instantly. A restore point has the ability to return a computer to a checkpoint by restoring critical system files without affecting user data.
Method 3: archiving data
Windows 7 has another way to back up data from the system drive - archiving. When properly configured, this tool will save all system files for later recovery. There is one global drawback - it is impossible to archive those executable files and some drivers that are currently in use. However, this is an option from the developers themselves, so it must also be taken into account.
Despite the fact that the operating system has built-in functionality for creating backups, it does not inspire sufficient confidence. If recovery points very often help out experimental users, then there are often problems with restoring archived data. The use of third-party software greatly improves the reliability of copying, eliminates manual labor by automating the process, and provides fine-grained settings for maximum convenience.
Backup copies should preferably be stored on other partitions, ideally on third-party physically disconnectable media. Upload backups to cloud services only encrypted with a strong password for the safe storage of personal data. Create new copies of the system regularly to avoid losing valuable data and settings.
System backup (system backup) is the creation of an exact image of the operating system with all settings, properties, installed programs and tools, as well as user data. To back up the system in Handy Backup, there is a System Recovery plugin.
Benefits of automatic system backup
Convenience
With Windows or Linux system backup automation tools, you can make a system backup part of your workflow. Run other programs before or after taking a system image backup, receive email reports, work in silent mode, and more.
Reliability
You can also encrypt the system image backup, making it inaccessible to unauthorized viewing, or send it to a secure storage (for example, to a special cloud HBDrive.com). Handy Backup keeps your data safe!
Other features of automatic system backup with Handy Backup
How to backup your system with Handy Backup
To backup a Windows or Linux system, follow the instructions below for working with the System Recovery plugin.
- Run Handy Backup and create a new one backup task.
- In the Disk Clone group, select the plugin System Recovery. Double click on it.
- Select system drive by placing a checkmark next to its name.
- Click OK, return to the Step 2 window. Continue creating the task as usual.
For details on the operation of the System Recovery plugin and creating a backup task, you can refer to the detailed User's Guide, which describes all the steps for creating tasks and using the functions of the Handy Backup application.
Storing a backup copy of the operating system
An unencrypted system backup is stored as a disk image - a VHD file. This file can be connected as a virtual disk to a Windows system to view its contents, used as a virtual machine disk, or restore a system backup to a hard disk.
HBDR - external system backup tool
For Professional, Office Expert, Network and Server Network users, Handy Backup provides an external Windows or Linux system backup utility, Disaster Recovery (HBDR), free of charge.
- HBDR creates a complete backup of the system on a flash drive, and subsequently allows you to restore it to a hard drive, including from scratch, completely cloning a copy of the system to a new drive or a new machine.
Using Handy Backup, you will provide a reliable and convenient system backup. Try it right now
by downloading a free 30-day fully functional trial!
With the control panel element, you can:
- backup specified folders on a schedule and restore them from a backup
- create a full system image
- create a bootable recovery disk for Windows 7
This article will focus on the backup capabilities of Windows 7 - creating file archives and disk images.
On this page:
Backup features in Windows 7
Windows 7 allows you to create both backup copies of folders and a full image of hard drive partitions.
| Backup type | Technology and Opportunities |
| User Files |
|
| Partition image |
|
This functionality, combined with the ability to boot into the recovery environment without an installation disc, is able to satisfy the needs of most home users. Now they can do without third-party backup programs.
User interface changes
Changes in the Windows 7 backup capabilities have affected not only technology, but also the user interface. In particular:
- redesigned interface of the main window of the control panel element
- a new user interface has been created to manage the space occupied by backups
- simplified file recovery using the wizard
- Implemented integration with the support center for timely notification of users about the need to create a backup
The archiving user interface elements are described in the action below.
Configuring Regular Backup Options
By default, backup is not configured. Click the link Set up backup in the main control panel item window to set archiving options.
Options for placing a backup copy of files are given in the table.
| Accommodation | Comments |
| Internal hard drive | You can place archive files on:
|
| External hard drive | If scheduled backup is configured, the external hard drive must be connected at the time of the backup. Note. Windows 7 does not support imaging on USB flash drives. |
| The local network | Backup is supported only to network computers running Windows 7. Of course, you will need credentials to access the computer hosting the backup. |
You can place file archives on partitions formatted in both NTFS and FAT32 file systems. When archiving to a hard disk, the files are placed at the root of the partition. You cannot specify a subfolder for the archive, but nothing prevents you from placing other files and folders on this disk.
The rest of the article discusses how to save a backup to an internal hard drive partition. Having decided on the location of the archive, you must set the archiving parameters. You can provide this solution to the operating system, or you can choose the folders yourself.
With your own choice, you can create backups:
- user files, including libraries
- local drive folders
- full system image
At the end, Windows 7 displays a summary of the backup options.
The schedule parameters you set are saved in the task scheduler, which is responsible for the timely start of archiving.
When you finish configuring archiving options, you return to the main window of the Control Panel item.
Backing up files
Now the main window displays all archiving options. Click the button Archive to start the backup process.
The progress of archiving is displayed using a progress bar, but you can view the details by clicking the button View details.
After completing the backup, you can view information about the used disk space and proceed to managing archives.
Creating a system image
Unlike file archives, a system image can only be saved on a drive formatted with the NTFS file system. This is because the images are VHD files that can be larger than 4 GB (the file size limit for FAT32).
The first system image is a complete snapshot of the partition, and subsequent ones are incremental, that is, they include only changes compared to the previous image. This feature, which saves disk space, is implemented using shadow copies. This principle of creating images is applied when saving them on internal, external and optical drives. For internal and external drives, this principle works as long as there is enough space on the drive. When space runs out, a full image is created and all previous ones are deleted. As for network drives, a full image is always created on them, and the old image is overwritten with a new one.
Let's look at creating the first image. In the item's left pane, click the link Creating a system image. A window will open with image placement options.
In the next step, you will be able to select partitions to archive.
The image automatically includes the service partition with the recovery environment (Windows RE) and the system partition. You cannot exclude them from the backup. If there are other partitions in the system, you can select them at this step. Once you've made your selection, click the button Archive to start the backup process.
All the following images are created in exactly the same way. As I said above, they contain only changed blocks. In order to create a full system image again, you need to delete the existing images or move them to another partition. You can also move them from the root of the drive to subfolders, but please note that in this case, the system recovery program from the image will not see them. The location and contents of the backups will be discussed further.
Space Management
In the control panel item's main window, click the link Space Management. A window will open that displays information about the location of the archive, a summary of disk space usage, and links and buttons for viewing and managing archives.
Backup locations
In addition to viewing detailed information about the space used, you can open the backup storage location - click the link Overview, and the files will open in File Explorer.
Windows 7 recognizes the archive folder and provides easy access to recovery options, which can also be opened by double-clicking on the folder.
Of interest, of course, are the folders:
- %COMPUTERNAME% (in this case ADMIN-PC) - file archive
- WindowsImageBackup - folder with partition image
The contents of the file archive
You can open the archive folder using the context menu. The contents of the archive are transparent to the user - inside are ZIP archives, and if desired, files can be extracted from there directly from Explorer.
However, it is more convenient to restore files from the control panel, for example, thanks to the built-in search.
Image content
The backup image of the system is created in VHD format and stored in the folder Windows Image Backup along with supporting files.
You can see its contents using the new Windows 7 feature - connecting virtual hard drives in the Disk Management snap-in ( Start - Search - diskmgmt.msc - Action - Attach virtual hard disk).
You might be wondering if you can add files to a virtual hard disk. Technically, this is possible, but from the point of view of recovery using Windows, this will not work. It is better to make a new image - changed blocks are added incrementally based on shadow copies, which saves disk space.
Viewing and deleting backups
From the space management window, you can delete file archives and backup images.
Click the button View archives in the space management window to see the list of archives.
Windows 7 finds all archives and displays the backup period and disk space used. In this window, you can delete unnecessary archives.
To delete backup images, click the button Change settings in the space management window. The image storage options will open.
The system prompts you to delete absolutely all images, or all images except the last one.
Everyone knows that you need to regularly back up, but not everyone does it. Given the rich backup options in Windows 7, the only time you'll regret losing important data is if you don't set up regular backups.
A separate hard drive is ideal for storing backups - internal or external, connected via USB or FireWire. If you have a network drive at your disposal, you can also use it. Storing backups on a different partition on the same disk where the OS is installed is not a good idea. In the event of a disk failure, you will lose both your system and your backups.
Since backups take up a lot of space, I can only give general recommendations that you need to adjust depending on the free disk space you have.
System partition images
- First image. Install Windows 7, then all updates and drivers. After making sure that the OS and devices are working properly, create the first backup image. If you "kill" the system during further configuration and installation of the software, you can return to the original state faster than with a reinstall.
- Second image. Install all applications and customize the system as you wish. Since finer tuning of the OS is usually done as you use it, work in Windows 7 for a couple of weeks. After making sure that the OS is working properly, create a second backup image. If you delete the first image first, you will have a complete image of a fully updated and customized system with your favorite set of applications.
- Subsequent images. Depending on the free disk space you have, create follow-up images monthly/quarterly. If a problem occurs that requires recovery from an image, you can revert to a relatively recent system state.
User File Archives
How often you archive your files is determined by how valuable they are to you and how often you add or create new files. In general, I recommend backing up weekly or twice a month. Combined with monthly system imaging manually you will have an excellent backup set that allows you not only to return the system to a recent working state, but also to restore all your data and files acquired by overwork. You can always free up disk space by deleting old archives if you need disk space for other purposes.
It is not possible to set different schedules in the GUI for imaging and archiving data. So if you want at different times automatically create an image and archive files, use the wbadmin command line utility and the task scheduler.
