My OS is Windows 7. I used its backup program to create a system image (that contains a copy of Windows and copies of my programs, system settings, and files) onto my USB external HDD. It requires me to create a bootable CD separately, which I did.
My concern now is: what boot sequence should I set up in order to utilize the two - CD and external HDD - in the event of a recovery being needed. My current boot sequence is set to be CD/DVD drive first, followed by USB HDD.
How-To Geek Forums / Windows 7
Boot sequence
(12 posts)Your current sequence is fine. The sequence is to boot up the drive where your bootable rescue disc will reside -- in your case the CD / DVD drive. Once booted up, there will be a series of menus / steps for you to take -- to start the actual restore process from your external HDD (as well as various other options).
If your system boots up to Windows first -- and you want it to boot to CD -- you can always change that by rebooting and changing the boot sequence.
Your sequence is fine. Follow what previous poster said
If you wanted to you could try Macrium Reflect. It is another back up program that works far better than Window's built in one.
I use EaseUS and I'm very pleased with it. I do system backup's fairly regularly, and 've done complete system recoveries more times than I can remember. Simple, straightforward to use -- and no mishaps whatsoever.
For pure data backup's -- which I do nightly -- I still prefer Microsoft's freebie SyncToy. No shadow copying though.
The USB HDD does not need to be in the boot sequence. It has no function in terms of boot. It is only a data disk to which you have to refer during the recovery process. You did not say which imaging program you used, but in e.g. Macrium, you would navigate to the image on the external HDD during the recovery process.
I suggest you create a small 2GB partition for practice. Copy some data into that small partition and then image that small partition. After that, restore that small partition from the image. This is a fast and painless way to get familiar with the whole procedure.
Thank you all. If I switch to Macrium Reflect, do I still have to make a separate bootable CD/DVD?
But if Macrium Reflect can clone the whole of the internal HD including the bootable part, then do I have to change my boot sequence to make USB external HDD the first on the list?
For Macrium, you want the WinPE recovery CD (not the Linux version). You can do that yourself (will take over 2 hours) or you can download the ready made .iso from my Skydrive site. That takes appr. 8 minutes. Burn this .iso to a CD - suggest ImgBurn for that.
And here is a tutorial on how to deal with Macrium.
Thanks whs. I will download the iso and check out the tutorial as I am going to give Macrium a whirl on my lappie just to test it out for imaging. Currently use clonezilla for imaging and rsync for back up on a desktop tri-boot with Sabayon X, Ubuntu 12.10 & Windows 8. Always looking to increase knowledge and add to my arsenal.
