Windows 10: backup tutorial/advice needed

i need to backup my complete pc as i am going to install the windows 10 preview. the trouble is that i havent got a usb hard drive. so how do i do this and what software do i use to do this?

:)

 

windows backup to usb

In addition to the advice, I would like to let you know that Windows backup features are deprecated and are planned to remove in future versions of Windows. I would suggest you to switch to Macrium Reflect:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/61026-backu...

 

Windows 10 Backup doesn't recognize HDD

Even if you somehow correct this error, backups made using the in built backup utility can be useless in future as Microsoft plans to remove them in the future release. You need to switch to a 3rd party backup instead:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/61026-backu...

 

Get your hands on a WinPE 4 of 5 iso and create a disk. The disk will boot to a windows command line. At the command line is a tool called DISM. With DISM you can create an image of your hard drive to your hard drive. Then you can boot back into windows and copy the image file where ever. You just need to have enough hard drive space to capture the image.

Warning it is not a GUI point and click kind of deal. Check out this.

Capture Images of Hard Disk Partitions Using DISM

 

Hi

You can also create a partition on your hard drive if you have the space, then back your C:\ drive up to the partition.

When you restore it will only replace the backed up part of the drive.

I like EaseUS TODO backup, it's free.

It is really easy to use, open it up, select System Backup, (it has a Windows logo on the button) check to make sure what it is backing up, tell it where you want to back it up, and select Proceed.

That's all there is to it, I've already used it twice to restore my Windows 10 installation.

It has a utility under tools that makes a bootable restore disk.

I'm dual booting if this is the computer you are using everyday I'd caution you against replacing your Windows install with Windows Technical Preview.

Dual booting it not hard to do, and your old install should be left alone so you always have something to fall back on.

I'd also recommend that you do buy an external USB hard drive.
They are pretty cheap now and it's a lot safer then having all you stuff on one drive.

Mike