Windows 10: Trying to Understand Backup/Recover/Restore Options

New to Windows 10, wanting to set up my backup routine(s). Although I have had Windows systems in the past( 95, XP, Vista, 8.1) still not quite understanding what the various backup options provide. What I have done:

• Activated File History to an external hard drive.
• Created a Restore Point.
• Created a 'System Image Backup' using the Windows 10 native procedure [to the same external hard drive].
• Created a 'Windows Backup' using the procedure in Control Panel| System and Security| Backup and Restore (Windows 7). [to the same external hard drive].
• Created an emergency Recovery Drive on a USB stick.

I have read the tutorials on these subjects and cannot get my head around all these options. I do understand the 'File History' only backs up my files and not any programs, etc. But what is the difference between #2, #3, and #4 above? Especially between #3 and #4?

I have read the various posts recommending using a 3rd party solution such as Macrium, but before I got that route I wonder if I am not adequately covered by the native Windows 10 options.

Any help appreciated.

John
P.S. BTW, in all those years I have been fortunate never to have had to do even a Restore from a Restore Point.

:)

 

issue with backup options Windows 10

Hi David,

I will certainly help with the issue you are facing with backup option.

To assist you better, kindly provide the information:

• 
  How exactly are you trying to perform back up? Is it from the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) or File History?
  
• 
  Which drive have you selected to back up? Is it an external drive or a network drive or a local drive of the system?
  
• 
  When you say 'only allows me to do another backup with the same options', which options are you referring to?
  
• 
  Are you unable to select a different drive for a backup from the backup destination list?
  

If you are using a Backup and Restore (Windows 7) option then, I suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below:

• 
  Type backup and restore in the search bar and press enter.
  
• 
  Click on setup backup option.
  
• 
  Click on refresh button to check if the drives are visible in the
  backup destination list.
  
• 
  Choose the drive which you want to back up and click on
  next.
  

If you are trying to use file history I suggest you to un-plug it and restart your computer. Re-plug the external drive and check if the file history options are available.

Please get back to us with the information to assist you further.

Thank you.

 

Free hard drive backup/restore program?

I am looking for a free (freeware) program that will back up and restore a hard drive. I'm looking to clone a few external hard drives. If the program will backup the used space instead of the whole drive this will be awesome! Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Backup Restore option not listed??

We just replaced my wifes Dell Axim with the Palm Treo 750 and all went fine setting up with Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1.6965 except the Backup/Restore option is not listed for the Treo, when I connected the Dell Axim it was there and even ran it
and all was fine, then I connected the Treo and the Backup/Restore option isn't even listed?? I thought maybe I had to end the partnership with the Dell for it to appear and did so but still there is not Backup/Restore option listed... Anyone have any idea
why this is?? I hate to have her Treo crash and not have everything backed up, she uses it for her research and reference material as a Hospice NP.