Data Backup Digest

Windows 7 has an inbuilt feature called Backup and Restore that does what it says on the tin. To access it, simply search for the name of the program in your Start bar and it will be the top result. From here you will be able to schedule routine backups (it is recommended to do them at least once a week). This article features commonly asked questions about Window’s Backup and Restore facility to hopefully educate you about the program and make you understand why it is good to use.

How much additional storage space do I need for backup?
This will entirely depend on how big the files are on your drive that you want to be backed up. If you are looking to buy an external storage drive then it is recommended that you buy one at least 200 GB. If your files are skirting near that boundary (say they total 180 GB), then go for something like 300 GB. Besides, you are only going to amass more data and it is better to be future proof. Additional storage space doesn’t cost much more nowadays either and it will save you juggling multiple devices.

How do I manage the storage space that the backups are using?
Bear in mind that if you haven’t set up a backup then you will not be able to do this. If you have, load up the Backup and Restore tool and click Manage space. You may be prompted for a Windows security confirmation, so agree if you are.

From here you can select any backups that you wish to remove from the drive. This will free up some space. Deleting a backup from the list will not impact the others, nor will it remove any backup schedule that you might have implemented. If your system state was fine on the last backup, then it’s recommended to keep that one as priority.

If you wish to alter the amount of space that the system holds for backups, click System image and then Change settings. From here you will be able to choose whether to save older system backups or just the most recent one.

How do I see what is stored in a backup?
First, load up the Backup and Restore tool. You now have two ways to see all the contents of the backup.
Option one is to click Restore my files. This will then bring up a list of everything and, if you desire, allow you to proceed with restoring them in necessary.

The second option is to click Browse for files/folders. If you are browsing for folders then you won’t be able to see the files within it.
You can also search for specific files within a backup. Simply click Search and input part or all of the filename.

How do I restore my files?
You may wish to restore your files if they have become damaged or gone missing. Load up the Backup and Restore tool. Next, simply click Restore my files (or if you are restoring files from another computer, click Select another backup to restore files from). You will then be able to restore individual files, folders or everything. You can search for specific file names or types if you need to narrow the field down.