I've been trying unsuccessfully to find out how to restore all of your Backup folders, files, and system files back onto the PC hard drive from an external harddrive.

All I can see is the option to restore the folders one by one.

There's got to be a way of restoring the whole lot.

It looks like I might have to go back to using Macrium Backup or similar.

I had hoped that upgrading from WindowsXP to Windows7 might solve my endless problems with backups ~ but I was wrong. 

Have you tried software like Beyond Compare and treesizefree?

If you're doing a full system disk restore then you should do it from System Restore - not from Backup and Restore.

You need a proper image backup to restore from - not a selective backup with all the boxes ticked.

Only an image backup will allow you to restore a fully functional system.

I'll be using Macrium Reflect.

I've had some success with it before.

******

I checked out 'Beyond Compare' ~ and I have no idea what they were talking about. It's also not free.

I have been using beyond compare for years now and not paid for it. You'll figure it out.

It probably isn't suitable for a system backup, but I prefer it to any windows crap for backing up files and copying, moving or deleting large amounts of data. Used in conjunction with treesizefree it makes a powerful tool. Treesizefree allows you to investigate and prioritise based on disk space usage, and beyond compare allows you to tell which files have been modified since your last backup. It is a bit like manually doing incremental backups.

freediver wrote on Nov 10^th, 2013 at 2:38pm:

I have been using beyond compare for years now and not paid for it. You'll figure it out. It probably isn't suitable for a system backup, but I prefer it to any windows crap for backing up files and copying, moving or deleting large amounts of data. Used in conjunction with treesizefree it makes a powerful tool. Treesizefree allows you to investigate and prioritise based on disk space usage, and beyond compare allows you to tell which files have been modified since your last backup. It is a bit like manually doing incremental backups.

It's got to be simple, basic, and on auto-pilot for me. And no words of more than two syllables in the HELP folder otherwise I get a migraine.

I have an irrational fear of 'Backup' software. I've tried a few, and all too often I simply don't understand the wording of the instructions.

I was supposed to do backups of both my PCs today ~ one with an OS of Win7 64-bit, and the other with WinXP ~ onto two external hard drives.

I chickened out. I assumed the foetal position in a corner of the lounge-room, with my thumb in my mouth.

Moses has long since learnt not to respond to this particular Cry for Help from me. Basket case.

But! I'll try Macrium Reflect tomorrow. Or even dig up Acronis off the 'net. Acronis Backup was okay for some years until it stopped working for me.

Thanks, FD.

I am actually interested in automatic backup software myself. Does it do incremental backups?

Freediver, I use 'EaseUS Todo Backup Workstation 5.8', and it does do incremental
backups, and you can schedule when they happen.

Note that this is the full, paid version.

There is a 'free' trial version as well, I think it may also do incrementals, but not sure.

Free or paid, it's a very good alternative to Acronis, Macrium etc.

LINK:  http://www.todo-backup.com/?gclid=CIfszvTE3LoCFc4bpQod23YALA

freediver wrote on Nov 11^th, 2013 at 8:02pm:

I am actually interested in automatic backup software myself. Does it do incremental backups?

Yes!

But I've downloaded Acronis instead of Macrium Reflect. I had good success with both of them in the past. Acronis is particularly good.

Incremental backup and other tweaks are there.

Don't look now ... but I think I'm in leeerrrvv.

Versatile!

Will work even if you can't boot into Windows.

What do you guys keep on your computer that is so important that you have to download some program to do a backup?

Something went wrong and I ended up downloading EASEUS Todo. I may as well stick with that.

Neferti ~ My Windows7 Backup turned out to be less than satisfactory. It compressed everything so that I can't see what I've got on my external hard drive except lists of WinRAR files. No use to me at all.

I need to see my files in .png or some file format that is the same as the original. That way I can choose individual folders and files to restore.

Jesus ~ what a tangled web.

Herb you may be looking for a file synchronization app.

FreeFileSync 5.23 Here

Lord Herbert wrote on Nov 20^th, 2013 at 5:45pm:

Something went wrong and I ended up downloading EASEUS Todo. I may as well stick with that. Neferti ~ My Windows7 Backup turned out to be less than satisfactory. It compressed everything so that I can't see what I've got on my external hard drive except lists of WinRAR files. No use to me at all. I need to see my files in .png or some file format that is the same as the original. That way I can choose individual folders and files to restore. Jesus ~ what a tangled web.

Easeus is OK, Herb, you shouldn't have too many problems.

All 'board bullshyt' aside, if you do have probs or issues, don't hesitate to PM me.

I'm more than happy to help.

Oh, BTW, with Easeus you can actually mount your image, and copy or restore files from it.

The files, if pics, are sometimes viewable in the mounted image, depending on their format.

You can choose to compress your backup images or not, and by how much.

Kat wrote on Nov 20^th, 2013 at 10:58pm:

Lord Herbert wrote on Nov 20th, 2013 at 5:45pm: Something went wrong and I ended up downloading EASEUS Todo. I may as well stick with that. Neferti ~ My Windows7 Backup turned out to be less than satisfactory. It compressed everything so that I can't see what I've got on my external hard drive except lists of WinRAR files. No use to me at all. I need to see my files in .png or some file format that is the same as the original. That way I can choose individual folders and files to restore. Jesus ~ what a tangled web. Easeus is OK, Herb, you shouldn't have too many problems. All 'board bullshyt' aside, if you do have probs or issues, don't hesitate to PM me. I'm more than happy to help. Oh, BTW, with Easeus you can actually mount your image, and copy or restore files from it. The files, if pics, are sometimes viewable in the mounted image, depending on their format. You can choose to compress your backup images or not, and by how much.

Thank you, Kat. You lost me with the word 'mount', but Google tells me this translates as 'to store'. eg ... "... mount your image" translates as to store your image.

It's weasel-words like 'mount' instead of 'store' that irritates and confuses people like me.

It basically means that you can 'open' the image like a file, and access all the files stored in the image. For example, you may have a photo or video clip backed up in the image, that you'd like to get a copy of. You can mount (open) the image, and find and copy the file(s) you need, without having to restore the entire image.

Kat wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 8:27am:

It basically means that you can 'open' the image like a file, and access all the files stored in the image.

'Image' here meaning the Backup ... as in "... all the files stored in the Backup".

'Image' = 'The Backup".

dear o dear o dear ... and Christ wept.


Kat wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 8:27am:

For example, you may have a photo or video clip backed up in the image,

(" .... backed up in the Backup, .... ").

Dear o dea....


Kat wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 8:27am:

...You can mount (open) the image,

'Mount = 'Store' or 'open'.  :o

Open or store to the Backup.

'Image' = 'Backup'
Kat wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 8:27am:

... and find and copy the file(s) you need, without having to restore the entire image.

'Image' = 'Backup'.

Thanks. I'm about to wipe my external hard drive and Backup my C:Drive.

One problem I've been experiencing is that my Trend Micro anti-virus has not been accepting my commands to unblock software activities when I tell it to.

Complete gibberish.



http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e150/ruffdiamond/January%202013/easeus1_zps2cd265c0.png



http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e150/ruffdiamond/January%202013/easeus2_zpsc75f10f8.png

Herbert, get a proper external hard drive. It will cost you perhaps $99 or less but will save headaches. I have a Samsung external hard drive that I was "sold" when I bought the Toshiba laptop (Win7) 18 months ago. I keep very little of importance on my laptop and (new) desktop (Win 8.1)but since I have 2 computers connected via wireless, I also have a USB drive with all the vital stuff saved so that I can do an "Easy Windows Transfer".

If you keep all your vital accounting and personal information on your computer you should spend the 100 bucks to get an external drive.  I keep nothing of monetary importance on my computers ...  the USB drive has all the email addresses/bookmarks, etc plus all the vital programs. However, I have also printed than information out.

If, Herbert, you have a lot of Family History type stuff ... do spend the extra on an external hard drive. They are not really expensive. If you are paranoid, buy 2 of them.

Neferti wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 6:37pm:

Herbert, get a proper external hard drive.

I have two. A 1 terabyte one and a 160GB one.


Neferti wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 6:37pm:

It will cost you perhaps $99 or less but will save headaches. I have a Samsung external hard drive that I was "sold" when I bought the Toshiba laptop (Win7) 18 months ago. I keep very little of importance on my laptop and (new) desktop (Win 8.1)

Win8? My condolences. I've had experts tell me what a dog this is.



Neferti wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 6:37pm:

but since I have 2 computers connected via wireless, I also have a USB drive with all the vital stuff saved so that I can do an "Easy Windows Transfer". If you keep all your vital accounting and personal information on your computer you should spend the 100 bucks to get an external drive.  I keep nothing of monetary importance on my computers ...  the USB drive has all the email addresses/bookmarks, etc plus all the vital programs. However, I have also printed than information out. If, Herbert, you have a lot of Family History type stuff ... do spend the extra on an external hard drive. They are not really expensive. If you are paranoid, buy 2 of them.

  ;D

Thank you for your efforts, Neferti.

I'll be okay as soon as I work out the difference between a 'Disk' Backup and a 'System' Backup ~ and a 'Disc Clone' and 'Partition Clone' ~ and the difference between a 'Disk' Backup and a 'Disc Clone'.

Quote:

Thank you for your efforts, Neferti. I'll be okay as soon as I work out the difference between a 'Disk' Backup and a 'System' Backup ~ and a 'Disc Clone' and 'Partition Clone' ~ and the difference between a 'Disk' Backup and a 'Disc Clone'.

Why so paranoid about "backups".  I have never bothered. Windows does it automatically. I print out anything that is really important.

Neferti wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 7:35pm:

Quote: Thank you for your efforts, Neferti. I'll be okay as soon as I work out the difference between a 'Disk' Backup and a 'System' Backup ~ and a 'Disc Clone' and 'Partition Clone' ~ and the difference between a 'Disk' Backup and a 'Disc Clone'. Why so paranoid about "backups".  I have never bothered. Windows does it automatically. I print out anything that is really important.

Over the years I've had a staggering number of PC crashes that needed a cheque-book at the computer repair shop to fix ~ and that was despite having good anti-virus software.

Then I started doing it all myself. The formatting of the hard-drive, the installing of the OS, and then restoring all my programs, folders, files, and bookmarks.

That was when my Acronis Backup was working.

Lord Herbert wrote on Nov 21^st, 2013 at 7:19pm:

Neferti wrote on Nov 21st, 2013 at 6:37pm: Herbert, get a proper external hard drive. I have two. A 1 terabyte one and a 160GB one. Neferti wrote on Nov 21st, 2013 at 6:37pm: It will cost you perhaps $99 or less but will save headaches. I have a Samsung external hard drive that I was "sold" when I bought the Toshiba laptop (Win7) 18 months ago. I keep very little of importance on my laptop and (new) desktop (Win 8.1) Win8? My condolences. I've had experts tell me what a dog this is. Neferti wrote on Nov 21st, 2013 at 6:37pm: but since I have 2 computers connected via wireless, I also have a USB drive with all the vital stuff saved so that I can do an "Easy Windows Transfer". If you keep all your vital accounting and personal information on your computer you should spend the 100 bucks to get an external drive.  I keep nothing of monetary importance on my computers ...  the USB drive has all the email addresses/bookmarks, etc plus all the vital programs. However, I have also printed than information out. If, Herbert, you have a lot of Family History type stuff ... do spend the extra on an external hard drive. They are not really expensive. If you are paranoid, buy 2 of them.   ;D Thank you for your efforts, Neferti. I'll be okay as soon as I work out the difference between a 'Disk' Backup and a 'System' Backup ~ and a 'Disc Clone' and 'Partition Clone' ~ and the difference between a 'Disk' Backup and a 'Disc Clone'.

I'd be questioning their 'expert' status, in that case.

Yes, it's different, and no, it isn't immediately intuitive.

But, a dog?

No. I've been using it for nearly two years now, and find it to work just fine, once you get to know it.

And Windows 8.1 fixes most of the problems with 8, anyway.

Kat wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2013 at 7:45am:

I'd be questioning their 'expert' status, in that case. Yes, it's different, and no, it isn't immediately intuitive. But, a dog? No. I've been using it for nearly two years now, and find it to work just fine, once you get to know it. And Windows 8.1 fixes most of the problems with 8, anyway.

Hey! Don't shoot the messenger.

Here's someone's opinion.

And here is someone else's opinion.

One problem I've been experiencing is that my Trend Micro anti-virus has not been accepting my commands to unblock software activities when I tell it to.

I used Trend Micro years ago when I was in business and it gave no end of problems like that. Ditch it.

I've recently ditched McAfee as well and now use System Mechanic Pro from Iolo, which not only has a great anti-virus with very very background updating but also a whole suite of tune-up and problem solving tools.

bogarde73 wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2013 at 8:07am:

One problem I've been experiencing is that my Trend Micro anti-virus has not been accepting my commands to unblock software activities when I tell it to. I used Trend Micro years ago when I was in business and it gave no end of problems like that. Ditch it. I've recently ditched McAfee as well and now use System Mechanic Pro from Iolo, which not only has a great anti-virus with very very background updating but also a whole suite of tune-up and problem solving tools.

Thanks. I'll make a note of that.

I've had a whole series of anti-virus apps. over the years and the one thing I found with all of them is that they are effective and useful for a few months, and then they simply go to sleep on you.

EaseUS Backup = garbage.

It won't let me see the individual files in My Documents or My Pictures so I can chose which ones to restore.

Back to the drawing board.

i.e. 'My Pictures' (right-click and click OPEN in the drop-down menu).

Doesn't open. Just a blank screen.

The free version of EaseUS doesn't allow the user to create an Emergency Disc.

If my PC crashes, what's the point of having a Backup if you can't reboot the computer?

I'm looking for a free backup that has it all.

**************


Quote:

Backing up your data is one of those things in life that you really won’t understand until disaster strikes, by which time it’s too late. For most people who haven’t experienced data-loss, the task of backing up just seems like such a good idea in theory, but so much effort in reality. But take my advice, use this incredible free Easeus Todo Backup software and it’ll be so easy you won’t even have to think about it.  And if the worst does come to the worst, and you do lose any data, then you will be covered.

Yeah, right.  ::)

Lord Herbert wrote on Nov 25^th, 2013 at 9:30am:

The free version of EaseUS doesn't allow the user to create an Emergency Disc. If my PC crashes, what's the point of having a Backup if you can't reboot the computer? I'm looking for a free backup that has it all. ************** Quote: Backing up your data is one of those things in life that you really won’t understand until disaster strikes, by which time it’s too late. For most people who haven’t experienced data-loss, the task of backing up just seems like such a good idea in theory, but so much effort in reality. But take my advice, use this incredible free Easeus Todo Backup software and it’ll be so easy you won’t even have to think about it.  And if the worst does come to the worst, and you do lose any data, then you will be covered. Yeah, right.  ::)

It does.

I have one in my BD-ROM drive as I type.

Go to TOOLS, then Create Bootable Disk.

Follow the prompts.

See below...

---

Thanks Kat ~ but it's not free.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e150/ruffdiamond/January%202013/burn2_zpsd3c5ef60.png

It's typical. They lead you down the path to thinking it's all free, and then when everything is installed, they whack you with the nasty surprise that a vital component isn't free.

My Quest continues .....

Lord Herbert wrote on Nov 26^th, 2013 at 7:05am:

Thanks Kat ~ but it's not free. It's typical. They lead you down the path to thinking it's all free, and then when everything is installed, they whack you with the nasty surprise that a vital component isn't free. My Quest continues .....

I thought you wanted to create a Boot Disk? You only need one of them ... for an Emergency.  ;)

I created a boot disk on my laptop (Win 7) by just inserting a blank DVD and clicking "create boot disk" .... think that option just comes up, but can't be sure.

Creating a boot disk for this Desktop with Win 8.1 hasn't been investigated yet. May involve a USB drive, rather than a DVD.  ;)

Oh, and no, Win 8.1 is not that much different to any of the other versions of Windows that I have had ... just takes a few days or so to get used to where they have hidden the stuff you used to automatically click. Keep mind busy ... use it or lose it, comes to mind so maybe Microsoft is doing people a favour?  ;D

If you have had computer crashes in the past, there must be a reason for that.  Whether it is sites you visit or, perhaps, the keyboard/mouse operator. :-*

Have you downloaded the various FREE programs that keep an eye on malware that one can get without visiting so-called malicious sites? Malware is more dangerous than virus' used to be.

Some FREE malware programs that I have used are:-

Spybot
Ad-Aware
Malwarebytes

I run all of those (together) without a problem, some pick up stuff that others don't.

I presume you have CCleaner and a good anti-virus (I have used AVG FREE for 10 years or so).

The other thing I paid for recently, after using the free version for years, is Registry First Aid. It cost me about $60 for a "family license" ... about $25 if you only have one computer. Gets rid of the rubbish that uninstalling programs and so forth leave behind.

PS.  Did you sort out the full backup thing?

Neferti wrote on Nov 26^th, 2013 at 3:36pm:

I thought you wanted to create a Boot Disk?

EaseUS Todo Backup calls it an 'Emergency Disc'. I've never yet had a Bootable CD disk actually work.


Neferti wrote on Nov 26^th, 2013 at 3:36pm:

If you have had computer crashes in the past, there must be a reason for that.  Whether it is sites you visit or, perhaps, the keyboard/mouse operator. :-*

torrential downpour. Say no more. wink wink.


Neferti wrote on Nov 26^th, 2013 at 3:36pm:

Some FREE malware programs that I have used are:- Spybot Ad-Aware Malwarebytes

In the past I've used them all, and a lot more besides. My PC repair manager advised me not to use any of them any more.


Neferti wrote on Nov 26^th, 2013 at 3:36pm:

I presume you have CCleaner and a good anti-virus (I have used AVG FREE for 10 years or so).

I have CCleaner, AVG Free always became ineffective after a few weeks or so.


Neferti wrote on Nov 26^th, 2013 at 3:36pm:

The other thing I paid for recently, after using the free version for years, is Registry First Aid. It cost me about $60 for a "family license" ... about $25 if you only have one computer. Gets rid of the rubbish that uninstalling programs and so forth leave behind.

'Revo Uninstall' does the same thing ~ for free.


Neferti wrote on Nov 26^th, 2013 at 3:36pm:

PS.  Did you sort out the full backup thing?

Yes and no. I've got everything backed up now, but I don't know if it'll all restore again. If the PC dies on me and won't boot-up, then it will only be a few files that I've saved to the external hard drive that I'll benefit from retrieving.

I bought the EaseUS Todo Emergency Disk today. It comes in a box in the post. You would think they would just download it to my system. Go figure.

You'll notice that just for the hell of it my EaseUS Todo Backup has spontaneously collapsed without any input from me.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e150/ruffdiamond/ruffdiamond021/easeus_zpsa8eb1af4.png

My quest continues ....

Herbert,

Try to explain, exactly, what you want to do, please.

1. Do you want to have a separate disk (CD/DVD/USB drive) to insert if your computer won't start properly?

2. Do you want to save certain files (say Genealogy research, pictures, music, etc) so that if your computer crashes you don't lose that vital information?

3. Do you want to "backup" the entire contents of the computer/s (including the Operating System - OS) so that you can just hit a key and everything magically reappears?

4. Do you want to do a full "backup" (as above in 3) and then just select which files you want to recover if the computer/s stop working?

Neferti wrote on Nov 28^th, 2013 at 3:27pm:

Herbert, Try to explain, exactly, what you want to do, please. 1. Do you want to have a separate disk (CD/DVD/USB drive) to insert if your computer won't start properly?

Yes. But in the past these have never booted up the PC.

I have now made two media discs ... one containing EaseUS 'WinPE Emergency Disc ... and the other containing 'EaseUS System Repair Disc'.


Neferti wrote on Nov 28^th, 2013 at 3:27pm:

2. Do you want to save certain files (say Genealogy research, pictures, music, etc) so that if your computer crashes you don't lose that vital information?

My ancestry files which are now huge and complicated is something I always burn to a multi-session ('Deepburner') disc the moment I make a new entry.


Neferti wrote on Nov 28^th, 2013 at 3:27pm:

3. Do you want to "backup" the entire contents of the computer/s (including the Operating System - OS) so that you can just hit a key and everything magically reappears?

Yes ~ I've now done that (to an external hard drive).

Disk/Partition Backup ... System Backup ... File Backup ... Directories Backup.


Neferti wrote on Nov 28^th, 2013 at 3:27pm:

4. Do you want to do a full "backup" (as above in 3) and then just select which files you want to recover if the computer/s stop working?

I've got it all done, but I'm wondering why the Backup icon has stopped showing.