Windows 7 has even simplified the process of creating a system image and restoring backed up files. This is a primary and important function you need to do as soon as a new Windows 7 has been installed on your computer. Since it not only saves you money when you computer unexpected crashes but also helps  you from not loosing the most important files.

System Image

What system image does is create a duplicate copy of your entire computer system in a specific drive of your choice. The system image has all the necessary drives, like system settings, programs and files that is necessary for you to run Windows on your PC or laptop. Therefore by saving a copy of your system through system image on a drive, you can use it anytime when the hard disk or your computer crashes or stops working.

Creating an image

From the Control Panel choose System and Maintenance, from here select the Backup and Restore option. On the left hand corner of the Backup and Restore window, choose the highlighted link ‘Create a system image’, this will bring up a new wizard window and then follow these steps:

  • Begin by choosing how and where you want the system image to create and save a new image.  You can choose between an internal/external drive on a DVD or even your local area network server. Once you choose the drive, click Next.
  • Now select the drives in your computer to be imaged, and click Next.
  • On this confirmation screen, it will tell you the total space it will occupy in the target drive, ensure your target drive has enough space for the image. Click Next
  • This will begin the process and could take between 20-45 mins depending on the total image size.  Once the process is complete a pop-up box allows you to choose if you would like to also create a system repair disc. I would recommend you say YES, unless you had already chosen to create the image on a DVD rather than a internal or network drive.

Restore

In any case your system crashes you can restore your Windows by either inserting the System Repair disc or restoring your files back from the system image created on the external /internal drive or Network server where it has been saved.

You can also restore the backed up files, which was used to backup files of your choice. Backup works similar to System imagine, but it is primarily to backup files that you have saved on your computer and can set it to periodically backup files and application as a scheduled time. This is especially handy if you have accidently deleted an important file, then go the backup folder and choose the file and restore it back to your desktop or folder.

System Image is life saving feature, and ensure you do this as the first step after having your Windows 7 setup and all application installed.  Restore function complements both system image and  backup functionality in windows 7.