backup entire computer to external hard drive windows 7

You will now be asked where you'd like to save the system image.Click Yes if you're prompted by the User Access Control dialog again. This time, you need to click the Create a system image link in the left part of the window.Once again, you're looking for Control Panel > Backup your computer in the System and Security section.Bear in mind, however, that come restore time, you can't restore individual files.

If you use a lot of different programs regularly and have customized Windows to your own needs, this is most likely the solution you want. The difference between a backing up files and backing up a system image is that in addition to your valuable data, with a system image, you also copy your settings and applications. Depending on the volume of data that needs to be copied, the process could take up to several hours. Now, everything's ready for the actual backup.When the schedule is set, click Save settings and exit. Set the day and time that suits you best and remember to keep the external hard drive unplugged unless a backup procedure is about to start soon. You'll see a window that gives you the option of changing the backup schedule.Select the radio button next to the option you want to choose and click Next. You can use the default settings which, many experts agree, are good enough, or you can set your own parameters. Windows will now ask you what you want to back up.You need to select it (you might need to click Refresh if it doesn't appear at first). At this point, you need to make sure that the external drive that you'll use for your backup is connected to the computer, and once that's done.Click Set up backup, and if you're prompted by a User Account Control dialog, select Yes.Open Control Panel and under System and Security, click Back up your computer.

Backup entire computer to external hard drive windows 7