Freeware Windows Backup Software

AirCooledHeaven

Knarf44 wrote: »

Some good choices already mentioned but for anyone who may be technophobic the user interfaces can be quite busy and possibly a bit intimidating if you've never tried a back up program before.

For complete novices at backing up using image files I generally suggest they start with AOMEI's Backupper program:

http://www.backup-utility.com/free-backup-software.html

It has a simple interface and can do everything the other programs mentioned do. Do note that the program comes in two download sizes, the bigger file includes the Recovery Program you'll need to create on a usb stick or dvd. In the event your HD fails after physically replacing it, you boot from the usb/dvd and the recovery program will start and allow you to reload your last image file (from an ext hd) to your new HD.

This is exactly what I was looking for Thanks !

searchlight123

Knarf44 wrote: »

Some good choices already mentioned but for anyone who may be technophobic the user interfaces can be quite busy and possibly a bit intimidating if you've never tried a back up program before.

For complete novices at backing up using image files I generally suggest they start with AOMEI's Backupper program:

http://www.backup-utility.com/free-backup-software.html

It has a simple interface and can do everything the other programs mentioned do. Do note that the program comes in two download sizes, the bigger file includes the Recovery Program you'll need to create on a usb stick or dvd. In the event your HD fails after physically replacing it, you boot from the usb/dvd and the recovery program will start and allow you to reload your last image file (from an ext hd) to your new HD.

i have downloaded this program (thank you for link). as a novice to this, which back up option do i choose please. i am presented with choices as follows:
1. system backup
2. disc backup
3. partition backup
4. file backup
5. file sync.

a. does selecting the 1st option cover everything (which is what i want to do in case of a catastrophic system failure) or do you need to back up all 5 options individually?
b. also after initial back up what would i select to back up just items that have changed?

c. when needing to restore is there an option so that everything will be returned to its state before the failure?

i appreciate you help.
thank you.

debitcardmayhem

Tonygold
I would do
i) a disc backup
ii) a system backup
then
do hourly/weekly/monthly etc., file backups depending how much you value your files, and store them on different media and cycle them on a weekly/monthly basis.
Every 1/2/3 months do a system backup and cycle those too.
But judging by the requirements of most forum users , don't bother or lose them or forget where you saved them or save them on the same disk as your system

If you feel brave don't forget to test out the possibility of being able to restore them before the sh*t hits the fan so you would ideally have a spare disk to test that on and make sure it boots ok:A

searchlight123

many thanks debitcardmayhem for useful advice

Knarf44

No probs

The AOMEI site has a complete set of easy to follow tutorials:

http://www.backup-utility.com/tutorials.html