Easy back up options for a non-tech person

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  • Bastet
    PCHF Member
    • Aug 2016
    • 1515

    #16
    The best way to backup is to use a disk image. This will save a snapshot of your pc as an disk image, then should a problem occur you can use recovery media or the program’s recovery drive to restore the image.
    Windows has its own backup & restore but this is a deprecated feature so may have problems.
    Microsoft recommend using third party software:
    “System Image Backup (SIB) Solution
    We recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.”

    [URL unfurl="true"]https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features[/URL]

    If Windows 7 backup & restore is not working for you in windows 10/11then you may have to consider moving to third party solutions or use File History & OneDrive which just backs up certain files & folders.
    Of the two I would recommend disc imaging software.
    I use Macrium Home but there is a free version still:

    [URL unfurl="true"]https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/macrium_reflect_free_edition.html[/URL]

    AOMEI backup free: Free Backup Software for Windows | AOMEI Backupper Standard
    EaseUS backup free: EaseUS Todo Backup - Best Free Backup Software for Windows 11/10/8/7

    File History only saves default folders/files so isn’t useful imo unless you wish a secondary way to just save documents, music, photos, desktop folders.

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    • Bastet
      PCHF Member
      • Aug 2016
      • 1515

      #17
      The best way to backup is to use a disk image. This will save a snapshot of your pc as an disk image, then should a problem occur you can use recovery media or the program’s recovery drive to restore the image.
      Windows has its own backup & restore but this is a deprecated feature so may have problems.
      Microsoft recommend using third party software:
      “System Image Backup (SIB) Solution
      We recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.”

      [URL unfurl="true"]https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features[/URL]

      If Windows 7 backup & restore is not working for you in windows 10/11then you may have to consider moving to third party solutions or use File History & OneDrive which just backs up certain files & folders.
      Of the two I would recommend disc imaging software.
      I use Macrium Home but there is a free version still:

      [URL unfurl="true"]https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/macrium_reflect_free_edition.html[/URL]

      AOMEI backup free: Free Backup Software for Windows | AOMEI Backupper Standard
      EaseUS backup free: EaseUS Todo Backup - Best Free Backup Software for Windows 11/10/8/7

      File History only saves default folders/files so isn’t useful imo unless you wish a secondary way to just save documents, music, photos, desktop folders.

      Comment

      • PeterOz
        PCHF Technical Response Team
        • Mar 2021
        • 4190

        #18
        @YogaProf Have you made a decision?

        Comment

        • YogaProf
          PCHF Member
          • Aug 2025
          • 12

          #19
          Hello Bastet

          Thank you for writing all that. Apologies for the delay in responding, it’s the return of classes and registration at the moment.

          So, in fact, I do just want a copy of my files, music and photos. I don’t want to use OneDrive though (it’s that Bill Gates thing, bad enough having Windows 11), so I think I will go the File History to an external hard drive route.

          Many thanks. :folded_hands:t2:

          Comment

          • YogaProf
            PCHF Member
            • Aug 2025
            • 12

            #20
            Hello Peter

            Yes, I think so. I would like to do what I did for the Lenovo, but in reverse.

            So to save all that is important on to an external hard drive.

            What size do I need? That pink one, 1TB 500 GB, is it enough?

            Comment

            • PeterOz
              PCHF Technical Response Team
              • Mar 2021
              • 4190

              #21
              It is hard to say what size. If you can afford 1TB then yes.

              500GB can also work. It depends on how much data you have and how you are going to back up.

              As mentioned I have not used file history so I do not know how it does what it does.

              Normally backup programs will use the disk space they have efficiently.

              They create backup sets, so when you start to run low on space they delete the oldest backup to make room for a new backup. 500GB could be more than enough.

              Comment

              • Bastet
                PCHF Member
                • Aug 2016
                • 1515

                #22
                I’ve used File History in the past when I was able to choose my own folders but File History now automatically chooses Microsoft folders - Pictures, Video, Music, Documents & Desktop. Also there’s a bug when it comes to cleaning up old files - it fails with an error every time no matter which option you choose hence why I believe a full disk image is more beneficial.

                Comment

                • PeterOz
                  PCHF Technical Response Team
                  • Mar 2021
                  • 4190

                  #23
                  If you are going to use File History.

                  Have a read of this. It should be the same for Windows 11.

                  Many users hit a wall when trying to use File History to transfer data files between Windows 10 installations. Learn how to avoid common stumbling blocks and make the process successful.

                  Comment

                  • PeterOz
                    PCHF Technical Response Team
                    • Mar 2021
                    • 4190

                    #24
                    @YogaProf Do you still need help or will I close this thread?

                    Comment

                    • YogaProf
                      PCHF Member
                      • Aug 2025
                      • 12

                      #25
                      Hello Peter

                      My apologies, a new term, lots of students, lots of admin to do.

                      I hope that you are well.

                      I have just looked at the article briefly, and even though using File History seems problematic based on reviews, I think I will give it a go.

                      The article says”… use File History to restore files in a new Windows 10 installation”. I’m not using it for that, I’m just transferring files to an external hard disk drive. I hope that it will work.

                      I have ordered the hard disk drive, delivery in a few days. Is it possible to leave this thread open for one more week, just in case I get stuck? I will read the article in full, and once the hdd arrives, I will give it a go.

                      I have another question on a different topic, about boosting WiFi reception, so I will look where to post that question.

                      Have a super weekend.

                      Comment

                      • PeterOz
                        PCHF Technical Response Team
                        • Mar 2021
                        • 4190

                        #26
                        Sorry I did not get an email that you replied.

                        No worries we will keep this open.

                        What is your wifi issue ?

                        Comment

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