Windows 10: Macrium Reflect backups external or internal drive?

I been using Macrium Reflect Free for a few weeks now and it already saved me from reinstalling Windows three times already. I want to know for backup images is it better to get a dedicated external drive for image backups or just to use an internal drive like I am using now. I have a SSD my C drive so my D drive has all my portable apps, photo's videos etc so I have been putting the backup images on there.

:)

 

full backup of Windows 10 to restore entire image

PV you can make a system image with Macrium reflect. But what I do is use Macrium Reflect to backup then use the Windows 7 backup as per Andre, to make a system image just in case I need it. Both on external hard drive.

 

Windows 10 Backup Question

This can be debatable as far as safety is concerned, however backups on external HDD are more reliable. Two reasons:

• Hard drive failure would lead to loss of the backup as well.
• Infections like ransomware would surely render the internal HDD backup useless.

Macrium Reflect Free is a better tool to backup if you want to go for a 3rd party.
Hope that helps.

 

It is best to backup to an external drive. MR has saved me about 40 + times over the last 3 years. I bought it, best investment I ever made. It is a great product. When I bought it the free version was not as good as it is today , so you are good with that.

 

External hard drive definitely, if the internal drive fails & you’re also using it for backup you’ll lose the backups.
MR has image guardian so I keep mine permanently connected.
I’ve lost count on how many times MR has helped me out.

 

If a back up drive is hooked to your computer and your computer has a bad time you could loose your backup also.
It could be a Windows 10, hardware, or ransomware problem or what ever.

My method is simple. After making a backup, remove your Backup/Clone drive and put in a safe place.


Jack

 

I just turn mine off.

 

I used to unplug the drive with the free version but since I won a free key I no longer do that due to image guardian which is supposed to prevent problems with ransomeware attacking the drive.

 

Thanks. The only thing I am concerned about is if my computer will see the external drive when running the recovery method. It works fine using the USB recovery stick.

 

Thanks Virginia.

I didn't know that because I use the free version.

*image guardian*

Jack

 

I see no reason why it won't. An external 1TB hard Drive in a case with an on/off switch would be great. That way you can keep many backups , comes in handy if you are in The Insider Program. I use a Rockwell External HD Case and about every 6 months I clone it to another Hard Drive.

 

Another easy way is Hot Swap bays.
I use it all the time.
Just pop the ssd/hard drive in. Make your Backup/Clone and pop it out.
Done.

Jack

 

@reddice

Tony,
Macrium will detect your external drives when they are plugged back in. Never had an issue there. *Smile

(It is safer to keep them disconnected when not in use. Not just from the "bad guys" out there, getting zapped by a machine failure, power surge, goblins or such.)

 

+1 on disconnecting or turning off an external backup HD when not actively backing up or restoring. I've done that for years, like the others here *Smile

 

Totally agree. I use 2 external eSATA drives and alternate images between them, then turn them off. I have never had a problem getting Macrium recovery to see the external drives and have used it numerous times. *Redface