Full Backup Solution

ninjag · 2025-09-06T12:49:52+0100

After a number of issues with my computer, I really need to get a proper backup solution in place.

Current backup solutions in place:

SyncBak: for backing up a second internal hard drive with personal stuff and photos.
Windows Restore: to protect against OS corruption.

However, I don't have anything in place to protect against the primary hard drive or motherboard physcially failing.

I've heard about creating a system image to duplicate the entire drive, but I have a few questions and would really appreciate any insight or alternative advice with this please.

1. Will it also backup all the programs and what's in them, such as email drafts saved, login creditentials etc such as Steam, VR setups etc?
2. Will this system image work if I have to change the motherboard, as presumably many of the drivers are specific to the motherboard?

Many thanks in advance

bledd · 2025-09-06T19:29:02+0100

Veeam Agent for Windows. You have to sign up for it, but it's free

ninjag · 2025-09-06T20:45:55+0100

bledd said:
Veeam Agent for Windows. You have to sign up for it, but it's free

Thanks. Will the two issues I've listed be an issue?

Quartz · 2025-09-06T21:42:54+0100

ninjag said:
However, I don't have anything in place to protect against the primary hard drive or motherboard physcially failing

Windows Backup should work fine.

ninjag · 2025-09-06T21:49:28+0100

Quartz said:
Windows Backup should work fine.

Thanks. I'm guessing Windows 11 provides basic motherboard drivers. I just wasn't sure if doing so from a backup based on a different motherboard would confuse and corrupt it all? Or are the Win 11 basic motherboard drivers generic and work across all brands and models?

Quartz · 2025-09-06T21:51:30+0100

ninjag said:
Thanks. I'm guessing Windows 11 provides basic motherboard drivers. I just wasn't sure if doing so from a backup based on a different motherboard would confuse and corrupt it all? Or are the Win 11 basic motherboard drivers generic and work across all brands and models?

Windows should automagically sort itself out, though it would be prudent to have a USB stick with drivers.

ninjag · 2025-09-07T00:09:54+0100

Quartz said:
Windows should automagically sort itself out, though it would be prudent to have a USB stick with drivers.

Good idea. I've been looking into the Windows built in one, but I think I came across a Microsoft online forum type mod saying that it was a depreciated service and it would be better to use a third party one. I think I'll look into this Veeam Agent one.

Thanks all, appreciated.