Quick windows backup query

jgallcash

I’ve recently upgraded to Windows 7 and bought a 500gb external HDD to transfer all of my photo’s/video’s etc.

I then did a full clean install of Windows 7 and transferred all of the files from the external HDD back onto the laptop but leaving a backup copy on the external drive.

I tried to use the Windows 7 Backup to create a system image on the external HDD but there was some kind of error (not enough disk space perhaps?)

My main query is: Do I need an extra copy of all of my videos/documents etc on the external HDD or does a system image created in Windows 7 Backup include these documents?

Hammyman

An image file contains all files on the HDD HOWEVER retrieving individual files isn't really an option doing it this way.

jgallcash

So do both?

Hammyman

Yes because otherwise the only real way of getting back some files you've accidentally wiped is a full re-install and you may have installed applications, added bookmarks, got emails you want to save or added additional photos etc since the last image.

victor2

Make one system image as a backup, then regularly backup selected folders. The backup utility is pretty smart and only backs up what has changed. I backup my working folders and emails daily to another drive. Only takes minutes and I hardly notice it happening. I can (and have ) restore individual files if necessary.