Windows 7 BackupThe Windows 7 Backup and Restore feature will help keep your files and precious photos safe from a hardware failure or virus attack. As you may have figured out, I'm a big believer in backing up your files and photos. I've seen too many people lose files and precious photos because they did not backup their computer contents. Computers and hard drives can, and do, fail. Even new computers can crash. You just never know when it is going to happen. With that in mind, let's take a look at the new and improved Backup and Restore utility that is included with Windows 7. To get to the Windows 7 Backup and Restore feature click on the START button, then Control Panel as shown below.
Once in Control Panel, click on "Backup your Computer" inside the System and Security section.
In the Backup or Restore Your Files window, shown below, you'll see a message that says "Windows Backup has not been setup" if this is your first time using the utility. If that is the case, then click the "Setup Backup" link to the right of the message.
The next window will ask where you want to save your backup. I believe the best option is an external hard drive, but you can also choose a CD/DVD drive or a even USB jump drive if it has enough room for the backup file.
The next window will ask you "What do you want to backup?". Here you have a choice. You can let Windows decide what to backup, or you can choose the files and folders that you want to backup yourself. If you decide to let Windows select which folders to backup, it will also create a "system image". This image is like a snapshot of your complete PC at backup and can be very useful if you ever need to restore your system due to hardware issues or virus attacks. This image is also available as a choice in the "Let me choose" section and I highly recommend it. You can also setup a regularly scheduled backup on the day and time of your choosing.
The next window is a review of your backup choices.
The next window shows the progress of your backup.
The "Show Details" button will display an additional window which will show you which files and folders are being backed up at that moment.
Please make it a habit to backup your PC regularly. If you can't seem to remember to backup your PC on your own, take advantage of the scheduled backup feature built into this new Backup and Restore Utility. A regular backup will guarantee that your next PC crash will just be a minor inconvenience. Return From Windows 7 Backup to Windows 7 Tutorials New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
