Hello lovely people 🙂
In past versions of Windows the backup utilities have not been too spectacular which has lead to a market in third party applications. Today, in our computer repairs blog we will look at what might be their best backup tool yet – the Windows 7 Backup and Restore.
To set the Backup
In Windows 7 to set the backup tool open up Computer and right click on your local drive. Select *Properties*. Click on the *Tools* tab and click the *Backup now* button.
In the Back up or restore your files window click the link to set up a backup.
Windows will now search for a suitable drive to store the backup on. Alternatively you can choose a location on your network. You may need to share a password if you backup to a network location.
Windows can choose what to backup or you can choose your own directories and files. For this how to we are going to choose what to backup, but it’s completely up to you.
Please note: If you let Windows choose it will not backup, files in the Recycle Bin, anything formatted with the FAT file system Programme Files, or any temp files that are 1GB or more.
Select the files and folders you want backed up, you can also select the option to create an image of your local drive.
Just review the backup job and make sure everything is correct.
You will be able to schedule the days and times the backup occurs.
Save the backup settings and start your first backup while it is running you can monitor the progress.
To see what is being backed up Click the View Details button.
Once the backup is complete you’ll see the two backup files and image folder – if you created one. We backed up 20GB of data which took approximately 15 minutes – that included the system image which came to a total of 11GB
If you double click on the backup file you can restore files or manage the size of the backup’s folder.
Restore Files from Backup
If you need to you can go back and restore a file from the backup clip – go to the *Backup and Restore Center* and click on *Restore my files*
You can browse or search the most recent backup for a file or folder you’re missing.
Then you can restore them back to the original location or choose a different spot then click Restore.
Depending on the size of the data and the location it is being restored from will determine how long the process will take
Manage Backup Size
There may be times you need to recover some disc space and Windows 7 allows you to manage the size of your backups. To do this go to the Backup and Restore section and click on *Manage Space*
You’ll be given a summary of the backup location and what is taking up space from the backup.
If you want to check the different dated backups; or delete older ones click on the *View Backups* button.
How windows retains older system images can be changed as well.
One of the most important and most overlooked tasks for a computer owner is to backup data. If you already have another backup app you probably wouldn’t consider letting Windows do it, but the new Windows 7 backup and restore utility is much better than it was in previous versions.
Now you are a total computer repair pro and can do your own back up and restore!
Over and out
MobileGeekette
