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Forum Discussion
Windows 7 System Image backup questions
Hi Forum Folk,
New to the forum and I’m new to Netgear products, with a limited amount of self–taught pc knowledge.
I’ve started configuring my ReadyNAS Duo, basic configuration, and upgraded it to the current FW 4.1.8 with Raidar updated to 4.3.4.
I have two computers on a Home network both running Windows 7 Home Premium, and my main interest is in 1.) making full System Image backups of both HD on the Netgear Duo (2 X 1Tb Drives) and 2.) storing some large picture files and other documents on the Duo rather than keeping them on the pc HDs.
Not wanting to forge ahead without a bit of knowledge, I’ve been hunting through the forums for information before I start into the unknown. I quickly discovered that there apparently are some issues with full disc HD backups and now I’m really confused.
My questions are:
1. Can I make a System Image (full HD) backup using the backup program in Windows 7 Home Premium or do I need a 3rd party app. for this? I suppose an obvious answer would be ‘try it’ but even if it appeared to work it might be flawed, so I thought I better ask.
2. If a 3rd party app is needed, any suggestions for something that will accomplish what I want to do reliably and simply? I don’t mind buying an app if it's required.
3. My understanding from the forum is that file/folder backup is not a problem with the above platform…??
Thanks in advance for any and all help!
And any other advice is welcomed...
New to the forum and I’m new to Netgear products, with a limited amount of self–taught pc knowledge.
I’ve started configuring my ReadyNAS Duo, basic configuration, and upgraded it to the current FW 4.1.8 with Raidar updated to 4.3.4.
I have two computers on a Home network both running Windows 7 Home Premium, and my main interest is in 1.) making full System Image backups of both HD on the Netgear Duo (2 X 1Tb Drives) and 2.) storing some large picture files and other documents on the Duo rather than keeping them on the pc HDs.
Not wanting to forge ahead without a bit of knowledge, I’ve been hunting through the forums for information before I start into the unknown. I quickly discovered that there apparently are some issues with full disc HD backups and now I’m really confused.
My questions are:
1. Can I make a System Image (full HD) backup using the backup program in Windows 7 Home Premium or do I need a 3rd party app. for this? I suppose an obvious answer would be ‘try it’ but even if it appeared to work it might be flawed, so I thought I better ask.
2. If a 3rd party app is needed, any suggestions for something that will accomplish what I want to do reliably and simply? I don’t mind buying an app if it's required.
3. My understanding from the forum is that file/folder backup is not a problem with the above platform…??
Thanks in advance for any and all help!
And any other advice is welcomed...
2 Replies
Replies have been turned off for this discussion
- Windows 7 Home built in image backup does not *easily* permit backup to a network share. This feature is more easily available in Win 7 Pro or Ultimate. Nevertheless, the built-in image tool is fairly basic. It does full images only and may not easily be restored to dissimilar hardware.
I recommend you consider a more professional image solution. I typically recommend Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery Desktop (now known as System State Recovery). Another excellent image tool is Storagecraft Shadowprotect Desktop. For those on a budget I recommend Macrium Reflect Pro. All of these will also do either incremental and/or differential backups so its not necessary for you to do a full image each time you backup.
Given the not so fast r/w speed of the Duo I suspect you'll appreciate incremental/differential options. In addition I think you'll find any one fo these 3 tools easier to restore a failed system.
My 2 cents. - Thanks, Claykin, for the candid opinion and advice which I will follow. I was starting to think that 3rd party was the way to go but I wanted some confirmation.
I'll check those out. Price isn't a big issue but simplicity would be nice as I don't want a big learning curve for this project...I have other pc apps I'd rather spend my time on... :)
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