System Image Help

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

I just built a computer I updated all the drivers and installed a anti virus program. I am trying to create a system image but when I press create system image my hard disk option is empty and only my dvd drive is there. I am using windows 7.

Chicano · Jun 25, 2014

Well, most Windows functions/apps work like in Alpha stage... reason I never use them. Try DriveImage XML it will not fail. In backup type; "Raw Mode" backs up the entire partition, "Split Large Files" backs up only files and compresses them.

DriveImage XML V2.50 (freeware)
http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm

Some instructions

[video="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj6EGH-Qi8w"][/video]

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

Chicano :

But why is it not showing in easier to understand words.

Chicano · Jun 25, 2014

TXI_SOCOM :

What isn't?

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

Chicano :

The option to put my system image on my hard disk nothing is appearing there only my cd drive is showing as an option to create a system image.

ex_bubblehead · Jun 25, 2014

You cannot store the image on the drive being imaged, that's why you don't have an option other than the CD/DVD drive. You need a 2nd drive of equal or larger size to store the image.

Chicano · Jun 25, 2014

Have you created new partitions, is it a single unpartitioned hard drive? You have to backup to a different partition, USB Hard Drive or network drive.
Apparently your DVD drive is the only option available to save the backup... which btw isn't a bad choice.. IF the size is appropriate

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

Chicano :

Yes I made a partition But not sure if I used it correctly.

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

ex_bubblehead :

So where do I save it?

ex_bubblehead · Jun 25, 2014

TXI_SOCOM :

Note the bold text in my quote. You may also use the CD/DVD drive with appropriate media.

Chicano · Jun 25, 2014

You probably did not create the new partition with the appropriate size... I've never used the Windows backup program but what ex_bubblehead says makes sense if you want to save in Raw Mode which is apparently the only option in Windows... you can save files only with a third party program, and the OS image created is of the same size of your files in the system partition... or even less if you use the compression option.

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

Chicano :

So what is the partition anyways?

Chicano · Jun 25, 2014

The new created empty drive with a letter...

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

ex_bubblehead :

TXI_SOCOM :

Note the bold text in my quote. You may also use the CD/DVD drive with appropriate media.

So what do I do I don't have a 2nd drive.

ex_bubblehead · Jun 25, 2014

You obtain one

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

ex_bubblehead :

Thats bull why would I have to go out and buy another one. And do I need to make a system image?

Chicano · Jun 25, 2014

If your hard drive has enough empty space, you can create a new partition there, and save the backup in it.. just use the third party program with the "Split Large Files" option and using the compression option if the created partition is not large enough.

If you're having trouble understanding, take a screenshot of your Disk Management and post oit here, or tell us the size of your hard drive, the used disk space in the OS partition, and the available disk space.

Upload your screenshot here and post the link.
http://tinypic.com/

ex_bubblehead · Jun 25, 2014

Let's go easy on the language here. If you want to make a system image then you either need a sufficient quantity of CD's or DVD's, or a 2nd drive of equal size to the one being imaged. Those are your options. Do you need to make a system image? No, you don't. However, if you want the convenience of being able to restore your system without having to reinstall all of your software and restore your data from backups (you DO make backups, right?) then a system image is what you need. Your choice.

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

Chicano :

Will do once my computer is done updating.

ex_bubblehead · Jun 25, 2014

TXI_SOCOM :

ex_bubblehead :

when would I ever need to re install my stuff? (Sorry I'm a noob at this stuff)

Hard drives fail.

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

ex_bubblehead :

So I could just backup all my stuff and not have to create a system image. If so can I back up everything like my operating system or just smaller stuff like programs.

ex_bubblehead · Jun 25, 2014

If, in the event of a hard drive failure, you ever have to reinstall the OS you will also have to reinstall all programs, they cannot be backed up as you can data. That's what a system image accomplishes, it creates a snapshot in time of the entire system. It does not however eliminate the requirement that you back up your user created content (documents, music, videos, etc.).

Chicano · Jun 25, 2014

You can backup your files only, or the entire Operating System, but you can not backup programs separately.

TXI_SOCOM · Jun 25, 2014

ex_bubblehead :

Can you send me a link that shows how to backup my operating system on an external hard drive.

Chicano · Jun 25, 2014

Here's one.. will look for other tutorials.
http://www.aclasspc.com.au/tutorials/59-pc-tutorials/132-how-to-backup-to-external-hard-drive-in-windows-7

System Image Help

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