To Backup Haters - 17 Mins for restore of entire W8 system

jimbo45

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Hi there
This is just a note to people who think it's too much hassle to backup their systems.

Just recently I needed to swap from a SAMSUNG 830 128 GB SSD to the newer 840 250 GB SSD on my laptop.

Plugging the new SSD into a USB2 (not even USB 3) slot I restored a previous system image that I'd backed up to a bog standard external passport drive. Time taken for restore -- 17 Mins for 54 GB. This system had Office, Photoshop and quite a few other applications installed.

This laptop was only an i3 powered device but I like it because it's really portable and powerful enough for my requirements - especially when used with a decent external monitor so more powerful machines will complete the operation faster than the 17 mins mine took.

Opened the computer and swapped the SSD's -- Booted fine first time (and faster SSD too) -- although the old one wasn't that bad either -- I'm now using the old one as my Windows to Go system !!.

If I'd have to restore Windows again and all the applications I probably would have spent the best part of at least half a day -- certainly several hours -- plus probably some time on re-installing updates for the OS and the applications - SP1 for office 2010 contains a LOT of fixes !!! if you have to do it again.

So there is really NO EXCUSE for anybody to avoid backing up their systems --keep the OS and applications separate from your USER DATA -- separate partitions or preferably on separate drives.

I used Acronis 2013 but any type of decent imaging / backup software should work -- IMO it's worth paying for a decent backup solution -- the time and hassle it saves is just beyond calculation.

I see many people trying to remove viruses / repair systems on these Forums and they get into hideous trouble because they don't take backups. ALWAYS TAKE REGULAR BACKUPS -- it's easy and quick these days and will save you endless trouble.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

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    1 X LG 40 inch TV
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    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
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Hi there
This is just a note to people who think it's too much hassle to backup their systems.

Just recently I needed to swap from a SAMSUNG 830 128 GB SSD to the newer 840 250 GB SSD on my laptop.

Plugging the new SSD into a USB2 (not even USB 3) slot I restored a previous system image that I'd backed up to a bog standard external passport drive. Time taken for restore -- 17 Mins for 54 GB. This system had Office, Photoshop and quite a few other applications installed.

This laptop was only an i3 powered device but I like it because it's really portable and powerful enough for my requirements - especially when used with a decent external monitor so more powerful machines will complete the operation faster than the 17 mins mine took.

Opened the computer and swapped the SSD's -- Booted fine first time (and faster SSD too) -- although the old one wasn't that bad either -- I'm now using the old one as my Windows to Go system !!.

If I'd have to restore Windows again and all the applications I probably would have spent the best part of at least half a day -- certainly several hours -- plus probably some time on re-installing updates for the OS and the applications - SP1 for office 2010 contains a LOT of fixes !!! if you have to do it again.

So there is really NO EXCUSE for anybody to avoid backing up their systems --keep the OS and applications separate from your USER DATA -- separate partitions or preferably on separate drives.

I used Acronis 2013 but any type of decent imaging / backup software should work -- IMO it's worth paying for a decent backup solution -- the time and hassle it saves is just beyond calculation.

I see many people trying to remove viruses / repair systems on these Forums and they get into hideous trouble because they don't take backups. ALWAYS TAKE REGULAR BACKUPS -- it's easy and quick these days and will save you endless trouble.

Cheers
jimbo

That's because you are backing up from an SSD to another SSD. It will take 10X longer or more backing up from one spinner to another.

Thanks for the reminder. I need to use my HD "toaster" again soon.

What do you think about the SSHD (solid state hybrid disk)?
 
Last edited:

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    Main PC - 2x Sony PS3 3D LED Displays + 1x 22" Philips; HTPC - 47" HDTV w/ 17" LCD secondary display
    Hard Drives
    Internal- 1TB on each system; 1x120GB SSD on main PC
    External (network attached)- 1x2TB Seagate backup; 1x1TB ext. storage; 1x500GB,
    Other Info
    http://tinyurl.com/br4uxrk

    http://tinyurl.com/cwj93pj
It's because he restored 50gb, not hundreds. The result of keeping data and os on separate partitions/drives.

Of course it makes sense to do that. I expect all forum regulars do.

Joe public mostly don't. They are not generally aware of what an image is - and they often have everything mixed up on one drive like a dog's dinner.

When they come to a forum in trouble - they often don't have an image.

I am amazed how many don't make an image before trying an in place upgrade to 8.

I addition to things going wrong, the chances of them wanting to get rid of 8 when they realise how ghastly it is - are pretty big.
 

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It's because he restored 50gb, not hundreds. The result of keeping data and os on separate partitions/drives.

Of course it makes sense to do that. I expect all forum regulars do.

Joe public mostly don't. They are not generally aware of what an image is - and they often have everything mixed up on one drive like a dog's dinner.

When they come to a forum in trouble - they often don't have an image.

I am amazed how many don't make an image before trying an in place upgrade to 8.

I addition to things going wrong, the chances of them wanting to get rid of 8 when they realise how ghastly it is - are pretty big.

Or at least people should know how to create and use system restore points, too just in case. :)
 

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    Win 8 (64) : Win 7 (64) : Vista (64) : Android JB 4.2 : iOS 6
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    Acer AX Series & HP i-5 2400s
    Screen Resolution
    Main PC - 2x Sony PS3 3D LED Displays + 1x 22" Philips; HTPC - 47" HDTV w/ 17" LCD secondary display
    Hard Drives
    Internal- 1TB on each system; 1x120GB SSD on main PC
    External (network attached)- 1x2TB Seagate backup; 1x1TB ext. storage; 1x500GB,
    Other Info
    http://tinyurl.com/br4uxrk

    http://tinyurl.com/cwj93pj
Good advice, jimbo. :thumbup:

One of the first things taught to me by my IT Pro friend > Backup, Backup, and Backup! As you mentioned, it's a whole lot easier and faster these days.

Coming from the old tech like floppies and older spinners is different than learning in the new tech we have nowadays. Even we start to think sometimes that it's far more reliable and nothing will go wrong. BS! Murphy's law of engineering > If anything can go wrong, it will. Computers are dual curse machines so far as this is concerned in that they have both hardware and software.

Another thing I want to mention that I was fortunate in learning was that if a program started to act up is to save work, close everything out, and reboot. Most times a system will repair itself or rather set itself on the right course. A lot of times I read of users tampering with settings or using 3rd party fixit programs when in fact it makes it worse. A simple reboot will do.
 

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Restoring backups from spinners to spinners is much faster than rebuilding from scratch and 0 effort on your part. I just migrated from a nearly full 1TB drive at work to a new 2TB drive at work. In just a couple of hours, I was moved. Meanwhile, I was doing other things to stay productive.
 

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And not just backup, but ideally keep off-site backups, so in the event your house is burgled or catches fire, you won't lose the backups as well. If keeping them on-site, at very least store them in a certified water and fireproof safe.
 

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The old adage applies to backups. "Backups are not for IF they are ever needed, they are for WHEN they are needed".
 

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As per Jimbos reminder, I ran my "toaster" today and made a back up of my Win 8 system. 65GB at 22mins from spinner to another spinner on USB 3.0 hard drive dock. Not bad...

bakcup.jpeg.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 (64) : Win 7 (64) : Vista (64) : Android JB 4.2 : iOS 6
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AX Series & HP i-5 2400s
    Screen Resolution
    Main PC - 2x Sony PS3 3D LED Displays + 1x 22" Philips; HTPC - 47" HDTV w/ 17" LCD secondary display
    Hard Drives
    Internal- 1TB on each system; 1x120GB SSD on main PC
    External (network attached)- 1x2TB Seagate backup; 1x1TB ext. storage; 1x500GB,
    Other Info
    http://tinyurl.com/br4uxrk

    http://tinyurl.com/cwj93pj
Hi there
This is just a note to people who think it's too much hassle to backup their systems.

Just recently I needed to swap from a SAMSUNG 830 128 GB SSD to the newer 840 250 GB SSD on my laptop.

Plugging the new SSD into a USB2 (not even USB 3) slot I restored a previous system image that I'd backed up to a bog standard external passport drive. Time taken for restore -- 17 Mins for 54 GB. This system had Office, Photoshop and quite a few other applications installed.

This laptop was only an i3 powered device but I like it because it's really portable and powerful enough for my requirements - especially when used with a decent external monitor so more powerful machines will complete the operation faster than the 17 mins mine took.

Opened the computer and swapped the SSD's -- Booted fine first time (and faster SSD too) -- although the old one wasn't that bad either -- I'm now using the old one as my Windows to Go system !!.

If I'd have to restore Windows again and all the applications I probably would have spent the best part of at least half a day -- certainly several hours -- plus probably some time on re-installing updates for the OS and the applications - SP1 for office 2010 contains a LOT of fixes !!! if you have to do it again.

So there is really NO EXCUSE for anybody to avoid backing up their systems --keep the OS and applications separate from your USER DATA -- separate partitions or preferably on separate drives.

I used Acronis 2013 but any type of decent imaging / backup software should work -- IMO it's worth paying for a decent backup solution -- the time and hassle it saves is just beyond calculation.

I see many people trying to remove viruses / repair systems on these Forums and they get into hideous trouble because they don't take backups. ALWAYS TAKE REGULAR BACKUPS -- it's easy and quick these days and will save you endless trouble.

Cheers
jimbo

That's because you are backing up from an SSD to another SSD. It will take 10X longer or more backing up from one spinner to another.

Thanks for the reminder. I need to use my HD "toaster" again soon.

What do you think about the SSHD (solid state hybrid disk)?

Hi there
I'd forget Hybrids -- Pure SSD technology is where its at -- the prices are dropping fast now as they become more mainstream. Even a CRUCIAL 1 TB (950 or so GB) SSD drive can now be had for around 485 USD -- OK not cheap compared with spinners but the price will drop even for these size capacities soon. a 250GB 840 SAMSUNG SSD - probably the fastest performer available for the domestic market can be had for around 170 USD. Performance on these is just STELLAR. If you can afford the PRO version -- well I'm not sure that extra is worth it as the 840 standard version will give you probably more disk performance than your computer is capable of handling - even with eSATA slots / connections.

@fourthofjuly

USB3 as well is pretty fast -- remember also my restore was done from a SPINNER (USB3 )to the SSD (attached via a USB2 cable) - had it been from INTERNAL SSD to SSD it would have been a bit quicker still. You won't regret that 22 mins -- Backup might only be needed once in several months - but when you've got it you'll be really glad you've made the backup. Don't forget also to have a copy of your DATA as well - this can be done at will and doesn't have to be done in one go especially if you have seveal TB to backup - but you SHOULD make a backup at some time.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
And not just backup, but ideally keep off-site backups, so in the event your house is burgled or catches fire, you won't lose the backups as well. If keeping them on-site, at very least store them in a certified water and fireproof safe.

Hi there
In principle I agree with you - but if your house was burgled or in particular catches fire I think you'd have a lot more concerns to worry about than whether you backed your computer up. !!! However I agree always have TWO copies -- preferably ONE set off site. Incidentally TEST the Backup restore process at least once to ensure its reliable --you don't want to find out when you need to recover your system that the backups you made were no good or otherwise defective.

(Fortunately here is one of the safest countries on earth as far as crime is concerned - the worst the Police ever have to deal with is a few tourists (usually from England - the Welsh and Scots seem to be OK) getting blind drunk at party weekends in the city's hugely successful and lively bars and vomiting in the street or doing some acts of petty vandalism - a night or two in an unheated cell generally sobers them up though !!!!).

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
USB3 as well is pretty fast -- remember also my restore was done from a SPINNER (USB3 )to the SSD (attached via a USB2 cable) - had it been from INTERNAL SSD to SSD it would have been a bit quicker still. You won't regret that 22 mins -- Backup might only be needed once in several months - but when you've got it you'll be really glad you've made the backup. Don't forget also to have a copy of your DATA as well - this can be done at will and doesn't have to be done in one go especially if you have seveal TB to backup - but you SHOULD make a backup at some time.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo, I also toasted an image (via Macrium) of my Win 7 system, 48GB @ 10mins (SSD to spinner on USB3 dock).

Cheers!
 

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System One

  • OS
    Win 8 (64) : Win 7 (64) : Vista (64) : Android JB 4.2 : iOS 6
    Computer type
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    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AX Series & HP i-5 2400s
    Screen Resolution
    Main PC - 2x Sony PS3 3D LED Displays + 1x 22" Philips; HTPC - 47" HDTV w/ 17" LCD secondary display
    Hard Drives
    Internal- 1TB on each system; 1x120GB SSD on main PC
    External (network attached)- 1x2TB Seagate backup; 1x1TB ext. storage; 1x500GB,
    Other Info
    http://tinyurl.com/br4uxrk

    http://tinyurl.com/cwj93pj
...However I agree always have TWO copies

Two copies might be overdoing it. In worst case scenario, you always have the recovery disk to start over again... :p

what is more important is to make back ups of the files that matter to you....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 (64) : Win 7 (64) : Vista (64) : Android JB 4.2 : iOS 6
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AX Series & HP i-5 2400s
    Screen Resolution
    Main PC - 2x Sony PS3 3D LED Displays + 1x 22" Philips; HTPC - 47" HDTV w/ 17" LCD secondary display
    Hard Drives
    Internal- 1TB on each system; 1x120GB SSD on main PC
    External (network attached)- 1x2TB Seagate backup; 1x1TB ext. storage; 1x500GB,
    Other Info
    http://tinyurl.com/br4uxrk

    http://tinyurl.com/cwj93pj
I make two copies. one made with acronis and the other with windows image backup. that way if one backup fails, I have the other.

I have 2 2tb backup drives. I keep the one image on one drive and the other image on the other drive.

for the acronis image I keep older backups. just in case I find out a unfixable problem with the system and it was imaged with the problem I can go back to and older image and the problem wont be there.

and this only take 15 minutes to do this. 80gb image normally. I dont keep my programs on my system drive.


I also have an acronis recovery cd and windows 8 recovery cd.

I remember when I had windows xp and ghost backup. I had the image on 4 cdroms

with windows vista and up I would need a blueray drive to that.

not a bad idea but time consuming seeing burning a backup takes time and the price of 1 disc. ouch..


oh and windows 8 filehistory works nice. I lost a file and it had it for me.

I also have some windows 7 backup. just in case I get mad at windows 8.
 
Last edited:

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