Computer Backup !

Now that I have windows 10 I want to back up my computer with windows 10.. Now when I back up data will it include windows 10 ?

It all depends on what backup software you use. You can back files and data using the built-in File History option. If you want to create an image of your computer, you will have to purchase software that will do that. Keep in mind that an image is a snapshot of your system at the time the image was made. Some hard drive manufacturers have versions of backup software which can create an image... Western Digital is one and there may be others.

So Drac... What will it back up just the usual windows 7 back up and not windows 10..But I thought it would back up everything up to the date it was installed.. The AlienRespawn says I have to purchase a premium version for complete backup... So if I purchase that will it back up all files ?

In order to have software include the actual operating system in an image - this essentially takes a snaphot of your system at a certain point in time and includes the operating system - you have to make sure the word "image" is included or some indication that the OS is part of it.

I don't know anything about Alien Respawn - what does it say about the OS? Most backups are only for your files and documents and a premium version is required to include installed programs and the operating system.

So Drac, when I read.. do system image backup is this just files not the operating system too?

system image backup

From what I understand - not sure about this though - this system image backup did not work very well in Windows 7 and was then pretty much hidden in Windows 8.1. Backup normally includes just files and documents etc. An image includes the entire system including the operating system.

It was SUPPOSED to create a system image, but I've read a couple of blogs that said, it did not do it very well.

The key is the word "image." As I said, it's a snapshot of the system at a specific point in time. Obviously it will not include any subsequent changes to the system.

Ok ..AlienRespawn says backup will copy all files incase you have to put your computer back to its factory original setting. So I guess it won't image the windows 10 install..What I want is to backup everything to also include windows 10... Other then that the backup will only include windows 7 that came with the computer ...I guess I really don't know

You will probably have to purchase a backup solution if you want to image your entire drive. Do a little research on backup software that includes a system image. Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image are just two of them out there.

I use a combination .... Good Sync and Acronis .... and they have proved their worth

[However, I don't know if they are suitable for Win10.]

Ask Leo's newsletter on the 28th talks about this... he likes Macrium Reflect also....

Leo Notenboom has entire books on the importance of backups and everything you want to know about it.

Thanks Drac

The reason for my concern is : What happens after a year and windows10 is no longer free then what? You don't have a backup with windows 10 on it... Am I correct ?

Unless you downloaded and created an image of Windows 10, that's correct. I reimage my drive about once a month so I always have a recent one. I also use an on-line backup service and I also use the built-in File History.

Drac

Is this what you mean... If I do this will I have a complete backup with windows 10 ? How to Back up with windows 10

Yes, it says it will. If you read down a bit, it also says it has some issues. I'm hoping they have resolved the problems with Windows 10.

Thanks Drac

I will try it and see how it goes... Maybe I should do some more research first on this..