Backup
Your Windows restore system doesn’t work, your PC will no longer boot and there is nothing you can do to fix the problem meaning that the only solution is to reinstall the system and there is no guarantee that your data will be safe. Such problems exist and it is for this reason that emergency backup programs for your system exist. Less expensive then RAID, these programs will reinstall all of your programs with just a few clicks.
To store the image, it is highly recommended using an external storage medium. You have the choice between CDROM, DVDROM/RAM, Zip or jazz with the image being divided into the size of multiple disks if you need. The size of the image file can quite easily reach the size of a few gigabytes, so you may need to have a few disks on hand. This is not a very practical method, especially if you regularly perform these backup operations or if you are storing numerous images.
To be prudent, it is recommended storing these backup images on separate disk to that containing the system and your data. An external hard drive or dedicated internal backup disk represents the safest solution.
You can also use a second hard drive, either internal or external. An FTP server is also an option depending on the backup method used. These two supports present a great advantage if your storage is split over multiple image files.
The only question now is the size, and the backup method to be used.
There is not really an instant miracle and there are a lot of different opinions on this subject. For our part, it seems wise to first create an image once the system has been completely installed. This includes any eventual updates, third party applications, and all setting desired. You should finish by cleaning the disk (temporary files, recycle bin, etc), and perform a complete system scan to be sure that everything is safe and sound. You shouldn’t forget defragging the system will also better organise your files and reduce the time required for the creation of the image file.
Limited to 4.7GB per layer, the DVD has become a backup support that is a little limited. It depends on the size of your system and data to backup, but HD-DVD and BluRay can also change all this…
Once they become more affordable to everyday users.
As an extra security measure, you should think about keeping two copies of the files, especially if you are looking to use incremental backups which are more risky. This allows you to keep a copy of the complete safe image, as well as the incremental backup. In the event of problem you have a safe image you can use to restore your system.
To be prudent, it is recommended storing these backup images on separate disk to that containing the system and your data. An external hard drive or dedicated internal backup disk represents the safest solution.
The only question now is the size, and the backup method to be used.
There is not really an instant miracle and there are a lot of different opinions on this subject. For our part, it seems wise to first create an image once the system has been completely installed. This includes any eventual updates, third party applications, and all setting desired. You should finish by cleaning the disk (temporary files, recycle bin, etc), and perform a complete system scan to be sure that everything is safe and sound. You shouldn’t forget defragging the system will also better organise your files and reduce the time required for the creation of the image file.
Limited to 4.7GB per layer, the DVD has become a backup support that is a little limited. It depends on the size of your system and data to backup, but HD-DVD and BluRay can also change all this…
Once they become more affordable to everyday users.
As an extra security measure, you should think about keeping two copies of the files, especially if you are looking to use incremental backups which are more risky. This allows you to keep a copy of the complete safe image, as well as the incremental backup. In the event of problem you have a safe image you can use to restore your system.
 Previous review
|
Next review 
|
|---|---|
| Test: Diskeeper 2007 Pro Premier | Windows SteadyState: Manage, protect and secure your PC |
May 20th, 2013 - 12:54 PM ET
Join now
Login
