Windows 10: Backing up Windows 10 OS

Hi ,I sucessfully upgraded my PC from Windows 8.1 to Win 10 home via Windows update, all went smoothly.I would like to back up the OS in case of trouble,if I use the "Create a Recovery Drive" option is this the same as using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to download Win 10 to a USB drive? If I use the MCT and leave the box ticked for "Use recommended options for this PC"will I be able to repair/reinstall Win 10 on my PC without the need for activation or Product Key.Regards,

:)

 

Backing up Nokia 6233 with Mac OS X

I've tried this with Windows on my Intel mac, but Windows now has started not recognising devices such as my little scanner and my phone.

I am without an income and very poor and can't afford to pay for software at the moment - does anyone know if there is any free software to do this (iSync is not compatible)?

Thanks in advance,

1111

 

Backing up Nokia 6233 with Mac OS X

Maybe you could find some third party plugin for your phone? I have found one for the N73. Try MacMonster's site

As I do not currently own a Mac, I cannot test operability for myself. But most users whom I know to have used the plugin reported no problems. This plugin enables you to sync your phone with iSync. As I said, I have found a plugin for my N73. Who knows you
might be lucky for your 6233!

Break a leg!

Edit: Click EDITED to download the suitable iSync plugin for your phone. Note that the site is in German. I'll provide the English installation instructions (which you can also find on the developer's site) below:

1. Protect if possible all data (contacts, notes, pictures and dates) of both devices

2. Delete your telephone from the device list of Bluetooth and iSync!

3. Switch Bluetooth off on Mac and at the mobile phone

4. Quit iSync, if this is opened

5. Copy the directory “PhonePlugins” (marked green) including contents with Apple (Command) + C and insert it into the highest LIBRARY on your hard disk

6. If the directory already exists, then only take the contents from my (the developer's) directory into the existing directory “PhonePlugins”

7. Pair the Phone with your Mac and start iSync

8. Have fun!
Message Edited by on 17-Jan-2007

01:47 PM

EDIT: I have removed the links from this post as they are to non-english sites and this is an English language discussion boards.
Message Edited by serenity on 17-Jan-2007

02:02 PM

 

Hi,

I wouldn't bother with this "Recovery Drive" but use Macrium Reflect Free instead to image the important partitions and have Macrium create a USB or DVD recovery medium.
No, it's not the same as using the MCT tool. The latter will just create universal installation media. Not sure what the optional settings will do exactly but that said, you're better off with the downloaded ISO file from MS Tech Bench which contains an install.wim instead of the highly compressed install.esd. The .wim file is of great value as a source in case system files end up damaged as they quite often tend to do.

No need to worry about activation here, the system will remain activated after a restore with Macrium.

Once the system has beren activated it will remain so generally speaking.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/techbench

Cheers, *Wink

P.S. On Tech Bench, International English = UK English.

 

You can make a disk image of your installation using W10's own built in tools. Go to 'control panel', change the view to 'icons' (top right of screen) and select 'backup and restore (Windows 7' from the list. At the top left of the next screen is 'create system image'.

You can store the image on an external drive or on another partition of your main drive (not recommended unless you have strict backup policy and move those backups somewhere remote for keeping).

In fact I see Shawn has done a tutorial,
System Image - Create in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

 

In the Windows\System32 folder there is a utility named RecoveryDrive.exe. This utility is not the same as earlier versions in that it is not trying to copy a factory image to the recovery drive.

I am not completely certain but it appears this utility, even with no OEM type Factory Image, will check a box to copy over System Files. It may be copying some special type of image but I get the impression it is using DISM to create an image of your current install. The only way for me to confirm exactly what is happening is to restore from the drive which I am not at this time able to do.

 

I suggest you take fdegrove advice on making your image backup. Using Windows for making a backup is a 50/50 shot of it working when you might need it. Where a program like Macrium Reflect does a much better job, and more dependable. Also making the Rescue Media Disk, which is an option in MR is almost a must have for someones toolbox. You can make this on a DVD or USB stick. This is a Free program.

 

Hi,

Yes, I think it does use DISM.
Should I have a dull moment ( not likely) I'll give it a shot, I've got a USB stick containing a recovery wim anyways.
Still, as OldMike65 points out, Macrium Reflect is such a great tool that never failed me so far that it seems a bit silly to take chances with W10's inbuilt tools really.
Not saying these are bad, it's just Macrium being a thousand miles ahead really.

Cheers, *Wink

 

If I'm not mistaken, Windows native image backup gets overwritten each time you run it. How would you go back to, say last Monday if you do daily backups using native? Not to mention it is slower than molasses running uphill in January!

Take some good advice, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use a good 3rd party, like Macrium Reflect (I do), spend $60-$70 on a decent 1TB USB external drive you can hide in your sock drawer, do regular backups (Full is preferred), and you will sleep better!

Just MHO... TC

 

Hi,

Exactly.
With Macrium you can keep as many snapshots of your system as you see fit (disk space permitting) and it just works. Not only that, it can do so much more.
Anyone remember the days MS used to incorporate external software from say Central Point, Diskeeper etc. ? Well, IMO, instead of buying stuff like Skype they maybe should consider something like Macrium as , in my book at least, this is pretty much an "essential" masterpiece software proggie. Brilliant stuff, British without the usual idiosyncracies. *Smile
No offense intended to anyone.

Cheers, *Wink

 

I have tested this (Windows Backup) extensively and up to now find it 100% reliable. I've also tested it both running from within Windows and using the recovery media (DVD/CDR) that it asks you to create. Its also quick, with images being created in around 2.5 minutes, and with only a minute or so more for a restore (that's with an SSD).

The only two disadvantages for me are that it only creates full images (no incremental possible) and you can not name backups at the time they are created. You can rename them afterwards but you must revert them back to the default name if you wish to restore the image. If you do not rename the backup then it gets overwritten the next time you create one.

 

Got a chuckle out of this. I feel same way, also without any offense intended. That feeling is reinforced by my second tier (primary for years) imaging software being Image for Windows/DOS/Linux, from Terabyte Unlimited, also British. I often wonder if the Macrium folks started up after having worked at Terabyte.

 

Thank all for your feedback,I will look into the Macrium option but please bear with me regarding the option of using the Microsoft media creation tool,if I download this on my current Win 10 PC in the event of a system failure would I be able to reinstall/repair Win 10 onto my PC,thanks for your patience.

 

This is a much better solution for install/repair. Tech Bench

May be obvious, but you will need to create a USB or DVD to boot from to install.

 

As far as I know the media creation tool allows you to create bootable media containing the installation files to reinstall the operating system.

With a backup, either Macrium or Windows own, you aren't reinstalling the OS from scratch you are replacing it with an exact image made at the instant you created it.

Macrium I assume has its own method of allowing you to create some bootable recovery media to use in the event that Windows will not boot.

Windows also allows you to create a bootable 'repair disc' that offers various repair options, and this disc also allows recovery from an image. Again, you only use this if Windows will not boot correctly.