So, How good is W7's built-in Backup utility?

[Joel]

I'm currently setting up a server for general home tasks such as backups, file storage, downloads etc.. And trying to find a simple program to backup my Win 7 machine to the server. Is the in-built program fine for this? I also want the server to backup the data backed up to a portable HDD, as you know how things can just decide to seize working.

Or has anyone got any ideas of other software that does it easier then the Win7 Backup?

Cheers,
Joel.

[Tinderbox (UK)]

Never used Windows 7 backup, I use Acronis True Image Home 2010 , but i use to use the free Paragon Backup & Recovery.

Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Overview

[jackluo923]

The built in one is very good. You can back up disk image through wifi/network/usb/or whatever you want.

To restore, all you have to do is to select "repair computer" or choose restore from image from control pannel, then everything is almost automatic. Very easy to use.

[WaR]

+1 for W7's disk image. I never use the backup feature but always use the disk image option. It's fast and reliable with no extra 3rd party software.

[Rockfella]

Why do u have to back-up stuff? Almost everything is backed-up on the world wide web.

[ScuderiaConchiglia]

Why do u have to back-up stuff? Almost everything is backed-up on the world wide web.

If you have to ask... Oh never mind...

Gary

[Sphinx]

Good. I have used it since day 1 and it has saved my butt a few times.

[Pirx]

If you have to ask... Oh never mind...

What you said....

[Joel]

Thanks for all the replies, I'll give the built-in one a shot, and see where that takes me!

[metril]

Built in imaging is really good. I find it better than Acronis. However, the restore takes extremely long depending on your computer hardware. I don't think the restore environment is optimized for the latest hardware and defaults to using very generic drivers. Thus, restores can take as little as 1 hour or as long as 2 days.

If the restore is going to take a long time, then I boot with my Acronis Rescue CD and use it to restore from the Windows 7 builtin utility made image. Acronis can read VHDs.