Solved Back up software

[alwrmc]

I have a computer with a 2TB internal HD. I also have a 4TB external HD.
Is there any software that will allow a full system backup to the external HD so that should anything happen I can simply copy the backup from the external HD to the internal (OEM) HD and continue as though it were my "prior to the problem" arrangement?

 

[Johnny b]

Acronis will do that.

Free versions are available from Seagate and WesternDigital to owners of those hard drive makes.

https://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/discwizard/

https://support.wdc.com/downloads.aspx?p=119

 

[Noyb]

True ... but ...
It will take many hours for acronis to backup ... and then recover a 2 TB HDD.
An Acronis backup will be compressed and occupy about 70% of the "used" file space the a HDD.
But, Acronis can clone a HDD Much Faster than backing it up.

How many HDDs could you install internally ???
I can backup or recover my Operating System (disc 0) with Acronis in about 5 minutes.
My Data Drives (Twins) can be cloned in about 15 minutes if one fails

 

[alwrmc]

Let me further explain:
My current computer/system is slowing down somewhat. It used to boot up in just under a minute. It now takes closer to 2 minutes and a few seconds.
I am considering doing a reformat and a clean install. I would like to copy/clone/image my current bootup HD to my 4TB MyBook external so that should anything go awry I can use that as a fail safe.
If I do a reformat & clean install (Win 10 Pro) would I then be able to simply recopy all my folders/files from the external back to the OEM internal HD. I attempted something similar a few years ago and found that some of my folders could not be found by Windows. Apparently in the process they were assigned new/different "locations". Which meant I had to copy the contents of the folders into new folders. Not a major catastrophe, just took some extra time.
Edit addon: I also have a 256GB solid state drive that I removed from the computer. Can I reformat that like I would a platter HD and reconnect it?
Hope I am making myself clear, terminology does vary from person to person (smile).

 

[Noyb]

If my Computer/SSD boots faster than I can pour my morning coffee …. I’m happy
My W7 OS has no data stored … ALL my data is in my Data Drives - including a 3rd USB external ... Z:

The advantage of the SSD speed for me … I can load/open Photoshop from the SSD and several Pictures from anywhere at the same time (with 2 Clicks) in about 1 second.

An Acronis Image would work, but it’ll be huge …. So I’d suggest just Cloning a Backup Drive.

Don’t know about W10 … But a fresh load of W10 to a SSD (or a temporary HDD) is a good idea.
Then I’d make an Acronis backup .. should be relatively small.

I almost never Image/backup a Working OS … Just never know what junk/problems it’s collected.
Each recovery, I restore the last fresh drive backup … update it .. and save a new fresh backup.

My OS is heavily loaded … and a 250-256 GB SSD leaves me more than enough spare room to operate in.

I’d suggest to fresh load the old SSD, check it out … Then get a new Samsung 860 EVO ..
Clone the OS to it and run the new 860.

The new SSDs are much more reliable … won’t wear out as fast.

I’m currently testing a Western Digital Blue SSD … I’m beginning to like it as much as the Samsung 860
The only question ... Which one is more durable ??

 

[Johnny b]

.....................
If I do a reformat & clean install (Win 10 Pro) would I then be able to simply recopy all my folders/files from the external back to the OEM internal HD. ....................

Whether the backup is a drive image, a clone or even a copy and paste, if you are referring to folders containing installed apps, no. There wouldn't be any reference in the registry concerning them in a new Windows install.
Data files, yes you could.

Management is usually considered easier though, when data is stored to a separate partition from the os. Few worries about losing data if you have to do a fresh install or an install from a drive image or clone.

And of course, multiple data backups( edit: to different sources) are a good concept if you have data you value.

 

[Johnny b]

..............
Edit addon: I also have a 256GB solid state drive that I removed from the computer. Can I reformat that like I would a platter HD and reconnect it?
...................

Apparently a little different but much the same.
Here's a guide from Crucial:

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/learn-with-crucial/about-ssd/how-to-format-a-solid-state-drive

 

[alwrmc]

Replies noted, thanks to all. Reviewing and considering what and how I want to proceed.