Creating an image for backup of fresh win7 install?

Forums › Microsoft Windows › Creating an image for backup of fresh win7 install?

TeaLeaf

6437 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1241

#180524 12-Sep-2015 11:01

I havnt done an image for a long time, but doesnt win7 come with a utility?

I use to use trueimage but would prefer to use windows if possible.

Ive basically installed win 7 and all my drivers and updates and want to make an image now before making any further changes.

My drive is only 56GB, not sure how much is used. When I use system image, will it literally need a spare external drive of 56GB or will it be smaller?

timmmay

20859 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1386103 12-Sep-2015 11:09

Do you want to create an image of your current OS, as backup, or do you want to create disks to help you reinstall Windows?

If you want a backup, use Macrium Reflect, ideally using a boot USB/DVD/CD. While I think Windows does have a utility the third party products tend to be better at it.

TeaLeaf

6437 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1241

#1386124 12-Sep-2015 11:20

Just an image to restore to its current point, have created a bootable repair disc.

My question is, how big an external drive will I need for the image? is it the same size as the data used (ie the os and all the drivers/programs)?

nathan

5695 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1630
Inactive user

#1386127 12-Sep-2015 11:30

TeaLeaf: Just an image to restore to its current point, have created a bootable repair disc.

My question is, how big an external drive will I need for the image? is it the same size as the data used (ie the os and all the drivers/programs)?

yes :)

TeaLeaf

6437 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1241

#1386129 12-Sep-2015 11:33

So in its current state it may fit on a 16GB thumb drive?

linw

2893 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1205

#1386131 12-Sep-2015 11:36

I use Macrium Reflect Free V6. My C: is around 80GB and the Macrium image is around 42GB.

This version of Macrium gives impressive compression rates.

YMMV but I wouldn't be surprised for you to only need 32ish GB.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80658 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41071

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#1386134 12-Sep-2015 11:41

Windows 7 provides an image backup utility, free. It's not as full of features like Acronis and others but will do the job. To restore you need to boot from Windows 7 media and follow instructions.

It will keep multiple versions and delete old ones if space is needed.

Instructions here: Windows 7 Image Backup.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

timmmay

20859 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1386135 12-Sep-2015 11:43

To make the image smaller:
- Move your data and media to another disk
- Run diskclean (both regular and hitting the "clean up system files" button)
- Reduce your system restore image size allocated (don't just turn it off - that doesn't delete the restore points)
- Manually clean up temp folders

My W10 image is usually around 20GB.

TeaLeaf

6437 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1241

#1386184 12-Sep-2015 12:49

This is a win 7 pro totally fresh install, absolutely no data or programs loaded yet. I thought it would be about 8GB?

Thanks all, Im not a PC IT guy so I realise these are noob questions.

TeaLeaf

6437 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1241

#1386216 12-Sep-2015 14:12

No win7 wont let me back an image to my 16GB USB. Dont have any more external storage HDDs free. dang it.

TeaLeaf

6437 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1241

#1386652 13-Sep-2015 15:27

windows tech support site says you can backup to USB flash, and i can select it, but it says i cannot use it and the next button is greyed out. its a 16GB stick. i formatted it NTFS. any ideas?

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80658 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41071

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#1386667 13-Sep-2015 16:02

I would say it won't fit on 16GB then.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

TeaLeaf

6437 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1241

#1386672 13-Sep-2015 16:12

Ok that makes sense, cheers for that. Surprised as its just a base install and updates, thought that was 7-9GB.

TeaLeaf

6437 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1241

#1386680 13-Sep-2015 16:18

Darn got that wrong, base install and drivers and updatedes windows 7 pro = 24GB