Netbook Network

Backing up the files on your computer is simply essential in case your files are lost. In previous versions of Windows, you always had to download backup software such as Norton Ghost in order to create a proper system image as Windows did not have a built in backup feature. Windows 7, though, has a brand new backup and restore feature that rivals most paid backup programs. Here’s a guide on how to use Windows 7’s Backup and Restore for your computer.

Before I go on into how to use Windows 7’s Backup and Restore, I’d like to first talk about how it works. Backup and Restore will create what is known as a System Image, which is basically a heavily compressed archive of whatever files you selected to be backed up. By default, Backup and Restore will choose to backup the system (Windows OS), your libraries, desktop, and other personal folders. You can choose to change what you want backed up, but the default selection should be good enough for most users. If you want to restore a backup, it depends on how bad of a state your computer is in.

If your computer can’t boot at all, you’ll want to create a backup disc to boot from. The backup disc enables you to restore a backup without a fully functional version of Windows. Netbook owners will definitely need to have an external CD drive laying around. However, if you computer can boot up into the desktop (say, using Safe Mode) restoring is easy. We’ll get into that later.

To launch Backup and Restore, hit the Start Orb and search for “Backup and Restore”. The first item on the list should open up the Backup and Restore control panel.

To start backing up your files, simply hit the “Set up backup” button. The Backup and Restore wizard will appear.

It is highly recommended that you save your backup on an external hard drive, so in case that if files are lost on your hard drive, your backups are safe. After you select where you want to save your backup, you’re prompted with the ability to select what to back up. The default option (Windows OS, libraries, etc.) is good enough for most users. You can always choose what you want backed up. Note that Backup and Restore does not provide an option for choosing where you want the system image to go. It’s not that big of a deal, as backed up files will be stored in a folder called “WindowsImageBackup” (don’t touch it) and a file with your computer name will appear with a Backup and Restore thumbnail on it. Backup and Restore will automatically schedule a time each week to backup your system. It’s actually pretty convenient, but if you want to change the time or turn off scheduled backups, you can always do that later.

When you’re done selecting what to backup and where to backup your files, Backup and Restore should already start backing up what you’ve chosen.

Typically, backups will take about 30 minutes to even a few hours to complete. It depends on your processor, external hard drive speed, and amount of files that you’ve chosen to backup. While it’s backing up, feel free to use your computer. When you’re done, you’re good to go!

In the case that you need to restore a backup, simply double click the file that has your computer name on it (saved in the location you chose to back up – in my case, the file is called BRIAN-1215N) and a window will appear with various options.

Can’t boot up into Windows? Grab your Windows 7 Repair Disc (make one if you haven’t made one already), boot from it, and restore from there.

All options and settings for Backup and Restore can be found in the Backup and Restore control panel (basically the main window). If you’re not satisfied with the features that Backup and Restore has, you can always get special software (free or paid) which will also back up your computer, much like Backup and Restore.

Have any questions or comments? Leave a comment below!