Creating a backup/image?

DampDog · 1 Feb 2015 at 12:09

Looks like I'm going to do a clean installation of Windows 7 to try and bottom some random reboots.

Not relishing a fresh install and hours of Windows updates to bring the system back up to date.

What is the easiest way to back it up, make an image of the system once I have it all back and up to date? I have used windows backup, is that sufficient or is there a better method. I'm not sure just what Windows backup actually copies/saves?

ED209 · 1 Feb 2015 at 12:12

windows backup is fine, can always do a few image backups using different software just to be safe.

some people use Macrium Reflect, guide below to it as well

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18576917

DampDog · 1 Feb 2015 at 12:40

Cheers.

My thinking was do a fresh install, reinstall Office (2010) allow windows update to bring everything back up to date and then create a backup, then use that as my baseline fresh install.

ED209 · 1 Feb 2015 at 13:45

yeah will save you doing all the updates.

I have created my own W7 64 bit pro with updates to limit down how much it needs doing on a fresh install.

get about 21 updates from a clean install instead of 200+!

quackers · 1 Feb 2015 at 15:26

I've used Clonezilla in the past for images, free as well

http://clonezilla.org/

DampDog · 1 Feb 2015 at 15:56

Cheers for the advice folks, got a few more things to try before I bite the bullet and do another install. Then I'll get on top of it for next time!!