How to Backup Windows 7 Computer

Windows 7 is one of the most reliable operating systems available right now. However, not even this operating system is capable of avoiding data loss if a hard drive failure occurs. In order to avoid instances of data loss, Windows 7 offers a backup feature to you. This Windows 7 backup utility helps you in making backup copies of important files and folders and allows you to store them at a different location. When a system failure occurs, you can get back your important data simply by using the restore feature offered to you by this Windows 7 system backup.

• Part 1: Why you need Backup Windows 7 System?
• Part 2: How to Backup Windows 7 with built-in backup tool
• Part 3: How to Backup Windows 7 System with Windows Backup Tool

Part 1: Why you need Backup Windows 7 System?

All operating systems are stored on the hard drive of a computer and Windows 7 is no different. So, if the hard drive fails to boot up or endures a catastrophic failure due to a hardware issue then it becomes impossible for you to start Windows 7 and access your data. In such cases, you can end up losing all of your important documents and files and will have to reinstall Windows 7 after getting a new hard drive. However, if you backup Windows 7 then you can not only get back your important files and data but won’t have to reinstall Windows 7 all over again on your new hard drive.

Part 2: How to Backup Windows 7 with built-in backup tool

The following is a tutorial with step-by-step instructions on how you can use the inbuilt Back and Restore tool to backup Windows 7.

Step 1 Close down any programs that you are running and take a mental note of all the files and folders that are important to you and would be needed if your hard drive ever fails.

Step 2 Open the Control Panel by choosing its option from the Start menu. In the Control Panel window, choose the option labeled ‘Backup your computer’ which can be found under the ‘System and Security’ category.

Step 3 If you are backing up your computer for the first time, you need to set it up first. Click the ‘Set up backup’ option to start the backup wizard and follow its instructions.

Step 4 External hard drives are the most recommended locations for Windows 7 backup. However, DVDs and network hard drives can also be used for storing the backup file for Windows 7 as well.

Step 5 You can let Windows choose the folders to backup as it is the recommended backup method but if you have files stored away in a special folder somewhere then it is best to choose the files to be backed up yourself.

Step 6 You have the option of scheduling regular backups of your system. There are plenty of choices available to you in this regard. You can either choose to backup your files on a monthly, weekly or daily basis.

Step 7 Once you have setup the backup, Windows will start the backup process immediately. A full Windows 7 system backup can take a few hours to complete. Don’t turn off the computer while the backup is being done.

Step 8 Copy your first system backup and store it somewhere safe. It is better to store it in a different location than your home. This would ensure that even your backup is backed up and you will never have to suffer the consequences of data loss again.

Part 3: How to Backup Windows 7 System with Windows Backup Tool

Aside from the inbuilt Backup and Restore tool, there are various Windows backup tools available in the market that can be used for Windows 7 backup.

1. AOMEI Backupper

AOMEI Backupper is a free tool that can help you in backing up your Windows 7 PC. It has a simple mode of operation and can ensure complete data security. The following are some of its main features:

• It offers three different types of data backup.
• It can not only be used for data protection but for disaster recovery as well.
• It is compatible with multiple versions of Windows.

2. Easeus Todo backup

Easeus Todo Backup is another free backup tool that can be used to backup Windows 7. It is both secure and reliable and can be used to backup important files in a simple manner. It offers the following main features:

• It offers file-level backup and can help you in backing up individual files.
• It provides the option of disk imaging.
• It supports multiple types of data backup.

3. Cobian Backup

Cobian Backup is also one of the free backup tools available which can help you in performing a Windows 7 system backup. It has the following main features:

• It is extremely simple to use and does not require any expertise.
• It is compatible with multiple versions of Windows.
• It makes the task of data backup easier by providing information about every option.

4. COMODO Backup

COMODO Backup is a backup utility that is not only simple to use but is very powerful as well and can be used for protecting data by both domestic and commercial users. The following are some of its main features:

• Quick backup and recovery process.
• A built-in checker which ensures the integrity of a backup file before starting a restore.
• It has a de-duplication feature utilizes the storage space in an efficient manner.

5. FileFort Backup

FileFort Backup is also a data backup tool can be used to do a Windows 7 Backup. It offers the following main features to you:

• Quick install and setup process.
• Creates backup files in a number of different formats.
• Allows backups to be scheduled on a weekly or daily basis.

So, it is evident that Windows 7 system backup is extremely important from a data preservation point of view. It can ensure that you don’t have to deal with the issue of data loss if anything happens to your hard drive. However, if you don’t backup Windows 7 then there is every chance that you will lose the data that you haven’t backed up if your hard drive fails. The only option left for you in such circumstances would be to use a data recovery tool to get back the files that you have lost. Wondershare Data Recovery is a software program that can help you in this regard. It can recover lost files of multiple formats from a wide range of storage devices in a safe and efficient manner.