Thread: restoring after backup

8 or 8.1. If you are still on 8 it looks like you can. 8.1 is apparently much harder.

http://m.winsupersite.com/windows-8/...m-image-backup

I have 8.1.
I have an old desktop pc that is vista or xp that stil works I was thinking I could do it on that and then just get what ever programs etc I want off it on a usb

My windows 7 laptop died last week also and I had to buy a new one, with windows 8.1. I could not get the windows 8.1 backup program to recognise the windows 7 backup files. I ended up having to restore the backed up data onto another computer running windows 7 and then copy the files onto my new laptop. Hope you have more luck.

BTW, the windows 8 backup program is rubbish compared to the w7 "backup and restore" program. I've had to go to a 3rd party program to get close to what I had with windows 7. I'll be interested to see how you go.

Cheers,

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

...BTW, the windows 8 backup program is rubbish compared to the w7 "backup and restore" program. I've had to go to a 3rd party program to get close to what I had with windows 7. I'll be interested to see how you go...Cheers,

Actually, the 8.1 backup program, file history, is great. But it's only great for files, not programs.

The issue you are going to have with restoring using the older format backup is not going to be files, but programs. The files and folders are one thing, but its all the stuff installed in other locations and in the registry that will create the hardship. How many of your programs don't you have (or can't get) the setup program?

Whenever I purchase or download software I always keep a copy of the installation files (or disk image) on my server, although any large capacity drive will do). That way if I have to recover from a disaster I can just copy the data files across and reinstall the software. Over time thats proven to be the most reliable form of backup/ recovery.

Just tried it on an older pc and it didnt work. Couldnt read the files etc.

Originally Posted by theresanothersteve

Actually, the 8.1 backup program, file history, is great. But it's only great for files, not programs.

My main issue with the w8.1 "File History" program is that will only backup the My Documents, My Photos etc directories. You cannot custom select any file directories outside of these for backup. This is useless when you have files and data stored in data directories elsewhere on the C:/D: drive etc., let alone the Program Data directory etc.

Cheers,

That's what I mean about fine for files, not programs.

In essence any backup is a balance between ease of recovery and time to recover.

The majority of users are more likely to suffer from a loss of data (ie files) than want to restore their system. Indeed, with the app model now in use across many platforms you can wipe your system and go back to the app store (whatever Apple/ Microsoft/ Android call it) and download your apps again without charge. Even Windows 8 is going down this path. So, the vendors are saying they will provide a form of software backup (you just download again) while you are responsible for your data.

If you want to have a system backup you can use windows 8/ 8.1 System Image Backup facility. Its on the file history dialog at the bottom of the dialog box.

System Image is a complete backup, you can't use it for restoring individual programs or files. And, if you have your file history on one of the drives you are restoring from an image you will probably overwrite the history files.

What people need, and most don't have, is a backup plan. You need a backup of the complete system, with smaller incremental backups regularly scheduled. When the time taken to restore a complete backup, followed by all the incremental changes becomes too long, or too complicated, make another full backup. It doesn't matter what software you use, provided you have a plan. (As an aside I use a couple of batch files, I find it quick and easy, but you need to understand the command line to create the batch files and ensure you backup everything you want.)

I'm also a fan of backing up the software I buy, in case something happens to the disks. Usually if I need to do a system restore I prefer to format the PC and do fresh install. Then I restore my data. This has the advantage of cleaning out all the garbage and you get a PC that's as fast as it was when you first bought it. If you restore from a backup you will restore the garbage as well.

I know, a long winded post basically saying have a backup plan using software you are comfortable with. And, you don't have to spend a rocket on backup software either!

I've been using Cobian backup for a while now, and just back up a native copy of all my data files as well as my 'users' folder and a few others at the same time.
It is getting to the stage of needing bigger drives though, once backup is done, and I backup to alternate drives, and the most recent one goes to my office as 'offsite backup'



Martyn