There are a number of ways to perform a backup. This is how I do it on Windows 7.
Remember though, all backups can fail, especially external hard drives, so it's always good to make two backups of everything. Also, if you've got a major brand-name computer, they usually have Recovery Discs or a Recovery Partition that can bring the computer back to factory condition should the hard drive fail, or the drive get corrupted..
First, I use DVD's for simply making copies of all my Documents, Photos and Videos, etc.. Rewritable DVD's can be used over and over (erase when ready and then make a new copy) and I make a copy, each month, of all the items mentioned to such a disc.For example, I make a complete copy of "My Documents", and "My Videos", etc. In my case, that takes about four or five DVD+R discs. These discs can be viewed normally on your computer to verify whether all the necessary files are present. This type of copy/backup can be made using your onboard burning software and doesn't take very long to do. Therefore, you can make backups fairly quickly whenever you like and you can check the quality of the backed up files easily.
Next, instead of using the traditional "Windows Backup", I use the Windows 7 "Control Panel-Backup and Restore" section to "Create a System Image" and "Create a System Repair" disc. I usually only create a System Image every six months or so,.....or when I install a new program which I believe needs to be backed up. Basically, you only need to make the "System Repair" disc once but the System Image disc can be remade whenever you feel it necessary to make a complete image of the hard drive which can be used to restore everything on the computer, including ALL files, the operating system, drivers, Documents, videos, etc. and this will take it back to the same condition when the image was made. The system image can be copied to an external hard drive OR to DVD's depending on your preference.
Hope this helps.
Grifg
I am a new member and am a 68 year-old computer dinosaur. Some might say I am computer illiterate, but I think I am pretty sharp compared to some of my mates of the same vintage era!
I am using Windows 7 backup to a Seagate 2T external hard drive.
The settings on the backup are the pre-programmed Windows 7 settings.
How do I check that Windows7 is backing up my documents, photos, videos etc?
According to my last backup:
Data Files Backup - 32.5 GB
System Image - 80.0 GB
Other Files - 82.50GB
Free Space = 1.63TB
Total Size = 1.82TB
But I can't find what Windows 7 is actually backing up. Can I safely assume it is backing up my documents/photos/videos etc?
Cheers

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