Creating a System Image to an External HDD for Backup Purposes using Windows Backup

[ReligousTruth]

This is NOT a clone, this is a backup. If you can take the drive out of the enclosure and replace the HDD in the computer, then that's a clone. This is simply a "Backup & Restore." You can make a clone using Apricorn EZGig software.

[CubeComputerChannel]

@ReligousTruth It serves the same purpose. Once you restore the image to a new hard drive, you get a clone of the disk that you imaged. I changed the name of the video anyway.

[ReligousTruth]

@CubeComputerChannel

Thanks. I found" Acronis Migrate Easy" software which actually clones the drive. The reason for a cloned drive is to have virtually no down-time. If my HDD crashes, I simply pull it and place the cloned drive in its place, hit the power button and keep computing, no "restore" necessary.

[iphonepunker]

hey im switching my OS from a HHD to a SSD and it seems like it would work but iv was hopping for some thing less time consuming

[No1Chriz]

i didnt get the install disk with my computer do i make a "utility disk then"

[CubeComputerChannel]

@No1Chriz When you create a system image for backup, Windows will give you the option to burn a startup DVD which has recovery and troubleshooting tools(including the tool to restore the backup image).

[darthmal]

Can I use the destination drive (in this case K:) as a bot drive in case my C drive dies?

[CubeComputerChannel]

@darthmal No, it must be a different drive, otherwise you are blowing the purpose of the system image.

[darthmal]

@CubeComputerChannel I meant after the backup image is completed to the K drive.

[CubeComputerChannel]

@darthmal No, you must have an alternative drive to restore the backup image to. The image is a compressed package of what your hard drive would normally be, and you cannot boot directly from the image. To access and restore the image, you will need your Windows 7 Install disc.

[prosperow]

cheers simple and you didn't try and sell me somthing :) just got 7 the other day that wasn't in the manual ..oh wait what manual ?

[darthmal]

@prosperow The manual is only included with the GatesBill edition for an additional $1,100.