Best Way To Backup PC

I'm novice, I wanted to know if somebody here has a guide on the best way to make sure my PC has it's files and setting backed up.

I have an external harddrive which I use to backup, but I don't do it often as I should because it's a pain in the *censored*.
I manually drag files from the PC to the disc folder.



1) I was wondering if there is an easier way to automatically update the external harddrive/sync it.

2) I also was wondering, I only backup My Documents/Pictures/Music...is that all I can back up/sync or are there other things?

3) Is there a way my settings and desktop can be backed up?  This way if the PC crashes, I have my browser bookmarks and know what programs I had downloaded on my desktop and c drive?

As it stands now, the only thing I know to do is drag c:/documents files (like word/excel/jpegs...and I can't help but thing there has to be a more easier, complete way to back up.

4) Oh...last...what the heck is system restore and should I do it?

Basically, we have a malware guide, does somebody have a "checklist" guide to ensuring a good backup?

Thanks!

The best way to back up your PC is to create hard drive image.

Acronis True Image: http://www.acronis.com/ - not free, but the best

Free alternatives:
- Macrium Reflect: http://www.macrium.com/ReflectFree.asp
- DriveImage XML: http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm (tutorial: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial160.html)
- SelfImage: http://www.excelcia.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=21
- Paragon Drive Backup: http://www.paragon-software.com/home/db-express/

The best way to back up your PC is to create hard drive image.
Acronis True Image: http://www.acronis.com/ - not free, but the best...

Free for Western Digital Internal hard drives.  http://support.wdc.com/product/downloaddetail.asp?swid=119&wdc_lang=en

[Moderator]

I'm with Broni on this.

Disk Imaging software takes a "snapshot" of your drive as it exists at the time you create the image. You can then restore the entire image or any file(s) or folder(s) you choose. It is a virtually foolproof way of backing up your system and providing a safe haven in the event of a catastrophe that requires you to blow away your system partition and restore it to a previous state. It also allows you to "test" various software and be confident that you have a the ability to return to the prior state any time you choose.

 
I use Acronis True Image. It is the best of breed, but it isn't free. The best free alternative is Macrium Reflect.


1) I create an image of my system partition once a week to a second hard drive and keep the 2 or 3 most recent images. I also image my other partitions about once a month. I always enable "verify image" in the options. It takes a little longer, but insures a valid image.

2) I also create an image before performing any drive level function (ie, changing the size of a partition) or making any significant change to the OS (installing a service pack, upgrading IE, etc). Also sometimes before installing new software.

3) Images may be created on any medium (cd, dvd, external drive, etc). For obvious reasons they should not be stored on the same drive you are imaging. The best option is a second internal hd if you have one.

4) Images may be created "in the background" within the OS. If you need to restore the system partition, that will need to be done before the OS loads. You can start the process within the application in the OS and it will then tell you it needs to reboot to finish the process. Alternatively, you can boot to a "recovery disk" which you can create when you first install the software (or to the application disk itself if you have one). Other partitions can be restored without a reboot.

This is not actually a disagreement. What Broni and Allen said represents the preference of most personal computer users. A snapshot image is a sure way to make sure you get everything back, including the system files needed to boot your computer.
But on the other hand, the backup utility divided by Microsoft is functional.Heck, should be called a industrial grade program. In a commercial setting it works very well. For most home users it seems rather awkward, even bizarre.
If you wish to learn how the Microsoft backup program works, you need to start practicing on a few very small files in perhaps a couple of small folders. The default backup device is the floppy drive. So, it's rather obvious why many people don't even want to try to learn how to use the MS backup. But back up device can also be a tape drive or even an external hard drive.
From time to time I use the Microsoft active utility for certain specific issues. If there is any interest in this I might make another post somewhere else and explain in more detail. Unfortunately, the documentation included is very, very thin.

Let's add EASEUS Todo Backup Free 2.5 to the list.

What I currently do is

-Put in my external harddrive (I have seagate)
-Go to my documents, drag it to the ex hard drive
-Go to my music/pictures, do the same


1) What advantages does creating an image have over what I do?

2) I also don't seem to understand, when you create an image, is that
-Just an image of your desktop icons
-Or an image of all your files/folders/programs

Meaning if your PC got destroyed and you had to re-format, you could just put in the ex hard drive, click the image, and all the software files, icons, documents, pictures, and music would be on?

3) I don't plan to use the "paid" version, so it using one of those free versions worth learning as opposed to my status quo?

4) In Windows Vista, is there a way to get it so the PC automatically back ups daily/weekly or if not, can you get it to remind you (if so how)?

5) Last, what about system restore?  What is that, I mean is that where your PC basically backs up on it's own C-drive, which is good unless the OS needs removed?

-How does system restore work and how is it best used or done?

Thanks!

Did your external HD not come with an excellent backup program?

Traditionally, backup is done by files and directories. Older  backup devices could not duplicate the file system of a hard drive. The backup device was a tap recorder.

Am image backup is a supplication of everything on your computer. Of course, the backup device is not a resubstitute for hour computer, but it does have all the information. So it is called an image. It is essence without substance.

Windows 7 has built-in backup tools. The Microsoft site has more information.
Windows 7 features. Backup and Restore

There is lot more to be sad about backup. but i don't want to 'snow' you with too much information. After reading the MS info. come back here and ask some questions.

So if I use one of these, and my hardrive goes kaboom

1) Can I get all my files (docs/music/pics) back?
2) Can I get all my software (MS Office/iTunes/Skype) back?
3) Can I get all my settings back (like what my username was and desktop background/time)?
4) Will this save automatically?

5) When I get my PC back, how can I restore it to the way it was?

So if I use one of these, and my hardrive goes kaboom

1) Can I get all my files (docs/music/pics) back?
2) Can I get all my software (MS Office/iTunes/Skype) back?
3) Can I get all my settings back (like what my username was and desktop background/time)?
4) Will this save automatically?

5) When I get my PC back, how can I restore it to the way it was?

1) Yes, thats why its a back up
2) The software is what YOU should install, so just re-install it
3) Yes, that whats backed up (except the time 'set' in the BIOS and does not apply)
4) Depends on what software you use
5) back from where / what ??

Well I got my PC back today, and I don't ever want this problem again.

Should I get something like carbonite/dropbox or would
Acronis True Image or Macrium Reflect be better?

Again, I want it where all my files (docs/settings/itunes) are automatically backed up.  I can access them from any PC or Mobile device and if my PC breaks again, I just can go to the site, and be able to restore my PC with all files and docs to the way it was.

I hear carbonite advertised all the time, never heard of acronis.

Would I be able to with acronis use this and transfer data to my iPhone, or if I switch computers, to a mac?

Can it backup my itunes music and playlist?

Wow, I think carbonite might be better, how come none of you recommended it?

Carbonite Ii a cloud server. About $60 a year.
Or you can buy a Seagate Go Flex for about $90 with a one year warranty.

So carbonite is the same thing, basically, as apple iCloud?
I think I am going with carbonite, unless you all think something else is better and cheaper!

Your choice. Carbonite has a proven track record.
http://www.carbonite.co.uk/

Again, I am looking for one which is:

-User friendly and VERY easy to use
-Backs up AUTOMATICALLY...so if my PC crashes at 2:55 PM on the 3rd, I can restore it as it was at 2:55 PM

Which works best for the novice user, like me?

WHat about this?
Is this any good?

http://redobackup.org/

The Windows internal tool of Backup is very much effective so....try it ......

Again, I am looking for one which is:
-User friendly and VERY easy to use
-Backs up AUTOMATICALLY...so if my PC crashes at 2:55 PM on the 3rd, I can restore it as it was at 2:55 PM
Which works best for the novice user, like me?

That requires RAID.
Local backup means you have at least two hard drives.
So RAID could be a solution.
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/132877/how_to_set_up_raid_on_your_pc.html

bluecountry, Having followed your post (and contributed) and your misfortunes with the computer/Staples experience. It occurs to me with all due respect you have either a hard time accepting suggestions or making decisions. Very early in this post very competent  CH members have given you very good advise on this post. You keep inserting your own suggestions of alternatives in spite of other recommendations. Do you really want our input when you ask your question or just confirmation of something you yourself suggest. I think without being disparaging that you lack experience and knowledge of computers (no issue with that -we have ALL been there) but you need to move on and actually do something. Given the potential for your vulnerability with what i believe is the same computer that you just got back from Staples time (excessive) spent on this topic may turn out to be to your greatest disadvantage for your intended objective.truenorth

[Moderator]

Hard drive imaging apps::

Acronis True Image....Paid

Macrium Reflect....Free.

These have as truenorth mentioned already been suggested...

bluecountry, Having followed your post (and contributed) and your misfortunes with the computer/Staples experience. It occurs to me with all due respect you have either a hard time accepting suggestions or making decisions. Very early in this post very competent  CH members have given you very good advise on this post. You keep inserting your own suggestions of alternatives in spite of other recommendations. Do you really want our input when you ask your question or just confirmation of something you yourself suggest. I think without being disparaging that you lack experience and knowledge of computers (no issue with that -we have ALL been there) but you need to move on and actually do something. Given the potential for your vulnerability with what i believe is the same computer that you just got back from Staples time (excessive) spent on this topic may turn out to be to your greatest disadvantage for your intended objective.truenorth

Absolutely, I am a novice with PCs and just do not know what to do.

I just want it where my PC is backed up with everything, files/pics/settings...that when the PC breaks I can easily restore it to the way it was.

I want something affordable, user friendly, and will do it automatically.

TN...which do you think will do it for me? 
Would redobackup work?

Hard drive imaging apps::
Acronis True Image....Paid
Macrium Reflect....Free.
These have as truenorth mentioned already been suggested...

That represents the general consensus.
Either your pay for something...
Or you get it for free...
Easy is a sate of mind.

Your belief in what a "back up" function is intended for is misplaced. "I just want it where my PC is backed up with everything, files/pics/settings...that when the PC breaks I can easily restore it to the way it was." A back up program (function) is primarily intended to ensure that important data is NOT irretrievably lost if for whatever reason the computer ceases to function. There are MANY reasons that can cause a computer to fail and your statement (quoted) will NOT be achievable. Such as a hardrive mechanical failure. Your backed up data will NOT get your computer functioning again until a replacement hdd is installed. This is but one example--there are many. You need to reassess the reasons you have for doing the back ups and an alter your expectations of what they will do for you accordingly.truenorth

truenorth, nice summary of a long thread.

Does history repeat itself?
The OP is heading in the direction of absolute redundant compute ring. Which is very expensive.
Here is a brief history of a company built on the idea.
http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/TANDEM-COMPUTERS-INC-Company-History.html

As a nearly anonymous division within Compaq and now HP, Tandem's culture is now just history.

Geek 9 PM...so what do you suggest?

TB-this is my expectation, reasoning, and desire.
Next time my PC crashes, and I have to start from scratch, instead of having to lose a few weeks worth of documents, instead of losing my iTunes libarary and having to redo it, instead of having to re-install all old software, and try to remember my old desktop programs/icons/and settings....I would like to be able to simply click a restore button (or download) and have the PC back to the way it was.

As of right now I have an EHD, but I sometimes forget to backup documents, and I get burned.
Further, it is a pain to have to re-install everything.

I would sleep better if I knew my PC was always going to be backed up in it's current state, and if it broke down, I could restore the files, docs, and settings in a flash.

Is this unreasonable?

I thought it was possible to get something which could automatically, and incrementially, remotely, back up my data and my settings.
This way if the PC breaks, as said, I can restore, but as well, I will in the meantime while it is in repair, have access to my data.

Can Marcium do it?

Can Marcium do it?

Macrium is very good and free. has a learning curve but not too steep.
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

Disk Imaging             
Disk Cloning             
Access images in Windows Explorer             
Schedule backups             
Linux Rescue CD             
Windows PE 3 Rescue Media (RAID support)             
Windows XP / Vista / 7 compatiblity             
File and Folder backup               
Email notification of backup status               
Differential and Incremental backups               
Technical support by email and forum access               
Commercial and Business use               
Disk Space Management               
Backup scripting               
Recovery from Windows boot menu               
Password protection and encryption               
Support for GPT and dynamic disks                 
Restore to dissimilar hardware                 
Windows Server 2003/2008/2011 compatibility                   
Windows Server cross-hardware restore                   
Integrated Windows event loggi

The free version does not have all the features.
I am no reason to buy the extra features, buy you might.
 Before I go to bed I start a new backup of my stuff onto an external drive and do an image, not a clone. The rescue CD will restore the image.

Rescue CD?

So Geek, is it unrealistic that I can get a free or cheap back-up source which automatically, incrementially, backs up all my files, allowing me to if the PC crashes quickly restore everything as was AND access files remotely on another PC?

Rescue CD?

So Geek, is it unrealistic that I can get a free or cheap back-up source which automatically, incrementially, backs up all my files, allowing me to if the PC crashes quickly restore everything as was AND access files remotely on another PC?

Basically, Yes.
The Rescue CD is the Linux CD your create using their Wizard. In case of a crash that renders the HDD uncountable, you boot from the Linux Rescue CD. The PC must have an attached storage device to recover the image. Unless the image you had placed on another partition  thate still has integrity. Actually, that works too. Often HDD a crash  does impact just the boot partition.

 But you have to do some configuration tasks. As mentioned, the free version does not have all features.  They have to have some way to make money from the project. The full scripting is not in the free version. So the free version asks you to point and click, and then walk away for an hour.

The free version does NOT given you free server space to store your backups. You have to provide a remote server.
Cloud backup is not going to be very effective until giga bit Internet comes to the user's  front door. Or back door.

This context is about a free, upgradeable software product for full backup.  If you wish to buy new hardwire, that is another topic. Seagate Seagate FreeAgent was in many other threads. The hardware comes with a full software solution.
Search CH for Seagate FreeAgent

NovaBackup actually got better reviews than trueimage...unlike acronis, it has virus scanning protection.  Just how big a deal is virus scan for backing up?  Critical?


Oh, and my EHD I use is a 4 year old version on Seagate, I wonder if then I will get their free remote off site backup?

Nova Backup actually got better reviews than trueimage...unlike acronis, it has virus scanning protection.  Just how big a deal is virus scan for backing up?  Critical?

No, not critical.
Better than?
Drinking water from a muddy river is better than from the ocean.
Nova Backup got wimpy review from By Edward Mendelson three years ago. Did they really fix it?
Read this:

"Doesn't work as expected"
September 19, 2011  |   By nealf01
Version: NovaBackup Professional 12.0.10
Pros
The user interface appears pretty good. I like the idea of being able to copy or backup files. It appeared to at least execute the actions on the right schedule.
Cons
It doesn't work right. I paid for it unfortunately and have to have a successful backup or copy action performed. I consistently get errors saying 'Access denied, cannot copy XXX file' which is garbage.
Read more: NovaBackup Professional - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com http://download.cnet.com/NovaBackup-Professional/3000-2242_4-10349.html#rateit#ixzz1bMoQfAWW

Of course that is just one man's bad experience. All products have out-of-the-box disasters.
And on-line backup is only useful for some limited scenarios. With local backup I can do over 60 GB in under an hour. Using Macrium.

[Moderator]

I tested it ...probably 7 months ago.
Since it's not on my machine currently you can reach your own conclusions...

thanks for the tips guys!

My hard drive crashed and I lost all my family photos and precious data. Thankfully I had my computer backed up online with MyPCBackup and I was able to quickly recover everything.