Backups

Hi,
I was wondering what is the best way to backup my system.
Should I use 'File History' or should I use 'Windows 7 File recover'.
What are the benefits of each and are there any difference??

I've googled but have most found articles on how to use windows 7 file recovery

Hello Mitchell,

File History in Windows 8 is basically a new and improved version of "Previous Versions" from Vista and Windows 7. File History automatically backs up files that are in your libraries, contacts, favorites, Microsoft SkyDrive, and on your desktop. If the originals are lost, damaged, or deleted, you can restore all of them. You can also find different versions of your files from a specific point in time. Over time, you'll have a complete history of your files. File History does not back up your entire system like a system image does.

A system image (aka Windows 7 File Recovery) is an exact copy of a drive. By default, a system image only includes the drives required for Windows 8 to run, and also Windows 8 and your system settings, programs, and files. You could also select to include any other drive in the system image as well. When you restore your computer from a system image, it's a complete restoration; you can't choose individual items to restore, and all of your current programs, system settings, and files are replaced with the contents of the system image.

However, this feature has been removed in Windows 8.1. When the Windows 8.1 Final (RTM) is released around October/November 2013, it is the free update for Windows 8.

If you like, you could also create a custom refresh image. When you create a custom recovery image, it will contain the desktop apps you've installed, and the Windows system files in their current state. Recovery images do not contain your documents, personal settings, user profiles, or apps from Windows Store, because that information is preserved at the time you refresh your PC.

Another create option is to use a 3rd party program like Macrium Reflect to keep your complete system backed up with.

Hope this helps,
Shawn