I think everyone should do this at least once.

[rodm177]

This can avoid so many problems, virus or malware.

Now I'm sure the people here at MT are much more knowledgeable than myself, and they probably have a much more delicate way of handling a bad situation.

BUT to avoid problems here is what I do.

Hopefully you have 2 Extra internal hard drives named D: and E: Plus a SSD to install your OS on.

Install Windows only...Get updates. Now create a folder named Windows Base in D: then make a full backup with Acronis, and AX64 Time Machine.

Install all your favorite software, and apps, register them. Now create a folder named Windows Base Plus Essential in D: make a full backup with Acronis, and AX64 Time Machine.

Install games, and Antivirus/Firewall/IS. Now create folder named Windows Complete, in D: make a full backup with AX64 Time Machine only, and do new backups when you make changes.

Now use Directory Opus and synch your D: and E: drives. I also synch to an external 2 TB Western Digital Drive. So I have 3 BU storage solutions.

Also use Flashboot, AX64 and or Acronis to make bootable USB's so you can do restores and or backups outside of Windows. Your AX64 Time Machine backups or restore can be done from your windows desktop.

Now if you have any problems or just want to try out a new Antivirus use your "Windows Base Plus Essential" backup from one of your drives.

Or if you decide you don't want some of your software and you want to start fresh use your "Windows Base" backup and start over.

Use either Acronis or AX64 Time Machine and in 4-8 minutes your restored with your backup.

Good luck and IF I've done something wrong, or you have a better procedure please pass it on to me.

 

[BoraMurdar]

Why don't just :

• Install Windows
• Update Windows
• Install and update all of your favorite software
• Defragment system partition
• Create a backup image of system partition and store it on external HDD
• If anything goes wrong, restore from a backup using bootable CD/USB
• Restoring process ~ 15min (on my machine, which is quite old)

Cheers

 

[rodm177]

Why don't just :

• Install Windows
• Update Windows
• Install and update all of your favorite software
• Defragment system partition
• Create a backup image of system partition and store it on external HDD
• If anything goes wrong, restore from a backup using bootable CD/USB
• Restoring process ~ 15min (on my machine, which is quite old)

Cheers

I understand your point....

BUT I do it in increments so at any point I can start clean.

I don't have to uninstall Norton and hope I got all it's junk off my PC so I can install Eset...

 

[rodm177]

My way does consume more hard drive space, but being standard hard drives are cheap it's not a problem.

 

[Ali80]

Well, that is your approach and it's ok. For me personally, @BoraMurdar approach is easier and save a lot of time and nerves. Windows is much more secure and reliable than before.

 

[Neno]

I do similar thing. Initial clean backup is the right thing to do (followed by incremental of full images when you need them). I can't imagine using computer without them . Though I find EaseUS and O&O solutions suites me better than Acronis.

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

I like reading about the different approaches (options we can choose) in order to get similar benefits, the greatest of which (for me) is understanding more clearly this area of concern & safety that has too often left me feeling ..well, like I've been missing the mark!!

 

[rodm177]

Try AX64 Time Machine version 1.4....You will like it.

 

[jamescv7]

Nothing wrong on any different approach of backup process or doing increments snapshot as long you don't leave the important thing at all: Bootable CD/DVD of the operating system in case of problem arise.

Since its a very essential at all matters, sometimes in order to restore something is by using any bootable storage devices.

 

[rodm177]

Nothing wrong on any different approach of backup process or doing increments snapshot as long you don't leave the important thing at all: Bootable CD/DVD of the operating system in case of problem arise.

Since its a very essential at all matters, sometimes in order to restore something is by using any bootable storage devices.

Yes that is why I make a bootable USB with Acronis and AX64 Time Machine. I can boot from bios with either one.

 

[donetao]

I agree with BoraMurder. I have used Macrium Relect to preform the actions he suggests for 10 years.
I always have at least 6 images on my 1TB seagate external drive. I save the oldest and the latest and delete some of
the ones in between. I can be back up and running just like the day I created the image. Macrium has bailed me out of trouble many times
Shame on you Cats. Surely you are backing up your OS. We talked about doing that many moons ago!

 

[Raul90]

Why don't just :

• Install Windows
• Update Windows
• Install and update all of your favorite software
• Defragment system partition
• Create a backup image of system partition and store it on external HDD
• If anything goes wrong, restore from a backup using bootable CD/USB
• Restoring process ~ 15min (on my machine, which is quite old)

Cheers

I use this approach and never had any issues. But I have an internal HDD specifically to house backups (File/Folder and partition images). A copy of that very same Acronis/Macrium/Paragon backups are on an external drive. To restore/recover I either use Yumi made bootable USB or the F11 Acronis Function.