Windows Complete PC Backup

[minimoose]

Anyone have any experience with this?  Does it work, does it back up everything... and also if I back up and then delete Windows 8.1 preview and fresh install Windows 8 will that work?

[mgsstar]

I would just clone the whole disk by using something like Seagate Disc Wizard and MBR using MBRWizard.

 

Links:

http://www.raymond.cc/blog/5-free-tools-to-backup-and-restore-master-boot-record-mbr/

http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/discwizard/

[minimoose]

I would just clone the whole disk by using something like Seagate Disc Wizard and MBR using MBRWizard.

 

Links:

http://www.raymond.cc/blog/5-free-tools-to-backup-and-restore-master-boot-record-mbr/

http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/discwizard/

I don't want to copy the os, because I am going to re install windows 8 I have the 8.1 preview, I want to keep my programs users settings etc, but then re install 8 and put those back

[mgsstar]

I don't want to copy the os, because I am going to re install windows 8 I have the 8.1 preview, I want to keep my programs users settings etc, but then re install 8 and put those back

I would backup using Windows backup or copy your files manually to an external drive.

[minimoose]

I would backup using Windows backup or copy your files manually to an external drive.

Can I drag and drop settings?

[simson0606]

i personally like to use macrium reflect free, it creates an image of the disk and you can explore it later or just restore it if needed, it has saved my bacon a few times now

 

EDIT: i see you don't want to copy the os itself...

 

why not do a simple file copy?

[dalekphalm]

I don't want to copy the os, because I am going to re install windows 8 I have the 8.1 preview, I want to keep my programs users settings etc, but then re install 8 and put those back

Eh... you can't really do that.

 

You're trying to do two different things:

 

1. Copy user files

2. Copy programs

 

#1 is easy to do, all you need to is drag and drop these files or copy and paste them onto another drive, such as an external HDD. This would be all your saved documents, pictures, movies, music, saved games, etc. You can also copy user settings and profiles for many pieces of software.

 

#2 gets a lot more complicated. Most programs store entries in the "Registry". I'm sure you've heard of it, but  basically the registry is how Windows knows how things work together. It also controls things like programs showing up in the "Programs and Features" section of the control panel.

 

You can easily copy and paste the program folder from the old install back to the new install. However, that won't copy the registry entries. Many programs also store anciliary data in places like the ProgramData and AppData folders.

 

Some programs will still work after being copied over (Ones that were either poorly written, or specifically designed as "Portable" installs). Some, however, will open, but certain functionality will be missing or broken. Other programs will simply not open or run at all.

 

You won't know until you try opening each one, or unless you find verification online of others successfully using said program after copying it.

 

The vastly better solution is to backup user settings for your programs, then reinstall the program itself after you reinstall Windows. You will of course need to find any relevant product keys for any programs that require them. Some keys can be extracted using software, but that's always a hit-or-miss solution.