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Post by Ratae on Nov 15, 2014 13:49:09 GMT
Yep, I'd like some advice on using the built in 'Backup' facility on my W7 machines. Because I already have Acronis back ups of my 2 Windows machines, I've never bothered to use the built in program. But, due to a recent problem I've had with my lappy (Hopefully now fixed)...I'm thinking that it might be a good idea to make a back up with this windows program So I've had a look at the options, and I'm wondering which of the 3 (system image, repair or full backup) any of you have used with success. Also, where did you save them to, an external drive, a disc or a folder on the puter? I'll obviously check it out via google, but I always like advice from someone who's actually used the program. Ta muchly!  |
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Post by calimanco on Nov 15, 2014 15:43:42 GMT
In W8 its been well hidden and for a good reason. Its notoriously flaky. It has a reputation of failing to restore the back up when required, a problem I've encountered personally, which is why I no longer use it.
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Post by fletch on Nov 15, 2014 16:21:39 GMT
Post sorted cal
I tried restoring from a W7 backup and that just said no backup found?
It's not trustworthy Dave
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Post by nob on Nov 15, 2014 17:58:42 GMT
I've used it with 7 saved a full backup to external 2Tb drive, no problem encountered.
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2014 20:09:25 GMT
Like Nob, I use it with W7 and back up to a portable drive which is only used for that purpose and is only attached to the pc when backing up.
However, I have not yet needed to use the backup, so I guess I'm on borrowed time.
Cal and fletch, have you any recommendations based on your own experiences ?
When I attach my portable drive, there are just 3 items on there, ALAN-PC, WindowsImageBackup and Media ID.
If I double click ALAN-PC, I get 3 options, namely -
Restore my files from this backup
Restore files for all users of this computer
Manage space used by this backup
Does this mean that I have a proper and useable backup ?
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Post by nob on Nov 15, 2014 21:00:08 GMT
Al you did image backup I did a full backup which is like Acronis it copies the whole hard drive not just files. I have restored the lappy with backup and IIR it searches for backup file on the PC then when you have selected it you restart.
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Post by fletch on Nov 15, 2014 21:47:54 GMT
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Post by banjo on Nov 16, 2014 0:42:16 GMT
The proof of any backup lies in a successful restoration. Anyone who makes backups should prove them, at least in principle by actually restoring. I use HyperOs and have said so before. I know its backup function works because I've used it many times. Trouble is that it's not free (unless you can find a torrent download...) The last thing anyone needs is a smug feeling that vapourises when their chosen restoration method doesn't perform when needed most. Unless you test it- you're on a wing and a prayer.
In fact I point my documents at a separate partition. (as I do with the swap file) In terms of personal data, I only need to copy that and my mail boxes to a backup. This is too easy to do. Although I can restore any OS on to any partition, I only need to restore a bare bones unused system and copy back the email files and my documents. It just saves a few minutes.
HyperOs is powerful stuff. You ought to see it clone a live running system despite Microsoft denying that it's possible! If you look at their client base, you'll see that along with the military and software design houses, Microsoft is a customer.
e&oe
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Post by Ratae on Nov 16, 2014 11:43:31 GMT
Hmmm...like BJoe sez, the proof of a backup program is how it works when you need it. In which case, the windows one doesn't appear to do what it's supposed to do! What's happened, is that suddenly my Acer lappy which has run on rails since day one, refused to boot up. I'd press the start button and all I'd get was either a blue screen, a revolving hamster wheel or the windows logo appearing 1 pixel at a time. All this time, I could hear the hdd working like mad.  I tried everything I know (shurrup Smudger) with repair starts, system restore etc etc etc. I'd occasionally, and eventually, get it fired up, and then everything ran normally. Eventually I ran the Acronis backup. TBH....I'm not sure what it did, but it did appear to do what it was supposed to do. However, the problem at boot up was still there. Eventually I thought 'sod it' and reached for my Linux Mint disc,that's when purely by accident I discovered what the cause of the problem was. Plugged into this lappy was a usb hub, plugged into the hub was my printer, a mini w/less usb adaptor for the mouse and a couple of logitech mini speakers plus a mini b/tooth adaptor. So, before I ran the Linux disc I unplugged the hub. Bingo!......the lappy fired straight up.  It appears that summat attached to the lappy via this hub was the problem, I suspect the printer. Anyway, the lappy is cooking with gas now, so Bill can breathe a sigh of relief that for the moment at least, another of his machines has not his o/s consigned to the scrap heap. I'm expecting a letter of thanks from him at any day now. I'll reinstall the hubs attachments one by one, and try to confirm which it was that caused the problem, still reckon it's the printer tho'. Regarding backups tho'.....tbh I'm not really that bothered 'cos when all all fails, linux will be my fixit!  |
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