system vs. disk backup
I know this has been discussed many times before, but I STILL can't figure out whether I should be using a disk or system backup on a regular basis. I want to be able to restore the entire system along with applications, files and settings, should anything go drastically wrong. I also want to be able to restore individual files if need be. Do I need to do both kinds?
Comments
If you want to backup all data-->Disk Backup.
If you want to backup only system-->System Backup.
If you only have a C: drive on your disk, there is no difference.
Thanks, but I'm still confused. You said if I want data, then I need a disk backup. A system backup doesn't include data?
I don't know what you mean when you say "If you only have a C: drive on your disk". Are you talking about only having one partition on the disk?
Maxine, System backup means all the partitions needed to boot and run the OS. So including the whole C: drive with everything in it.
Some people place their documents, music and images etc on a or E: disk. That is pure data. An OS will boot without your documents, music and photos. So or E: etc. is not part of a System backup. It is however part of a Disk Backup. That one includes all partitions.
Your
*: 882 mb
*:Image 10.04 gb
*DELLSUPPORT 1.08gb
partitions are not user data. I guess they are no part of the OS. I also guess they are not necessary per se.
These 3 partitions are only included in the Disk Backup not in the System backup. As I suggested in another topic, you can try a System backup/restore on the old SSD and see if that boots. Then you can decide if you can live without these 3 partitions.
B.t.w.: If you would ever decide on reinstalling Windows 10 from scratch, using a downloadable DVD/USB (iso) from the Microsoft website, then these 3 partitions wouldn't exist either.
Thanks, Johnnyboy! Great, clear explanation. Is there any down side to using only a disk backup?
Is there any down side to using only a disk backup?
Only that the backup is a little bit bigger.
Oh! In that case, I'll stick with disk backup from now on. Thanks again.