Dear friends, today we will consider a very important topic: data backup and recovery. Why do these two concepts go together and not separately? What are their features, what are they for? We will answer all these questions now, and then we will proceed directly to active actions.

So, let's start with backup: it allows us to save all files, documents and other information from a device or program to an external storage medium. Please note that the latter may be cloud storage on the Internet. But not all data can be stored in this way. We'll talk about this a little later.

But it makes it possible to return everything that we saved earlier, with the subsequent exploitation of the files. For example, if you saved photos from your summer vacation in the cloud, then you can not only view them later, but also upload them back to any supporting device. Now that you have a little replenished your luggage with these two concepts, we can move on to an active discussion: how to back up data, what programs exist for this, on what devices it can be done, and so on. As you can see, our little discussion is slowly getting bigger. To make it easier for you to work, we will immediately show you the blocks that will be illuminated. You can immediately select the one you need and get to work:

• Information from a computer
• Information from tablets and smartphones
• Recommendations to the user

It is worth noting that in order to create a copy of files or a system, you will need an external storage medium on which your data will be stored. Plug it into the USB port on your computer or laptop. Make sure the volume available space on the disk or flash drive was more than your files occupy. Also, make sure that there is no failure during the recording: if someone accidentally touches the cable and it disconnects, then you may lose data.

If you want to create a copy from a smartphone or tablet, it is advisable to use original cable to connect to a PC. For cloud storage users, a fast unlimited internet connection is recommended. For example, if you have limited traffic, and you exceed it, then you will have to shell out a certain amount to cover the resulting debt.

Information from a computer

Since computer data occupies the first line in the ranking of importance among other devices, we will begin our work with them. First of all, it is worth noting that here there is also a small division of the backup by the type of information stored: it can be full copy operating system, a copy along with files, or separate storage of files. For convenience, consider an example for Windows 7, 8.1 and 10.

Windows 7

• We go to the computer control panel using the Start button or any other navigation tools.
• Click on the "System and Security" menu.
• Next, a window with tabs will open in front of you, where you will need to click on " Backup and data recovery.
• So, in a new window you will see a menu with archiving settings. Click on "Backup and Restore".
• Next, we need to set up backup using the blue button of the same name.

Click on "Set up backup"

• Then you will see a dialog box with archiving settings. Select your hard drive and click on the "Next" button.

Choose the location of the archive

• In the next window, the system will ask you to clarify what exactly should be archived. It is recommended to use the first option (“Give Windows selection”) as it saves everything and updates the data regularly. Please note that here the second option allows the user to choose what exactly needs to be saved. That is, you can put your own folders or separate directories if you do not need a full backup along with operating system files.

Selecting objects for archiving yourself

• Next, we check set parameters. Here you can set the schedule for automatic creation copies using the Change Schedule button.

• When everything is installed and verified, click "Save settings and start backup".

Process in progress

• Wait for the process to finish, then check your external hard drive to see if your data has been written to it.

Windows 8.1

• Launch the toolbar on the right side of the screen. To do this, move the mouse to the right top corner then click on Search.
• Type the phrase "File History" without quotes from the keyboard and press Enter. In the results, click on the folder of the same name.
• You will be taken to a window where you will need to click on the "System Image Backup" link, which is located in the lower left corner of the window.

• We select the location for storing the archive (as we agreed above, it should be an external hard drive). Click "Next".
• The next window will show you the amount of memory you need. Check all the data and click the "Archive" button.
• Wait while the system creates a backup a copy of Windows on the external media information. This process may take some time, so do not rush to panic.

Windows 10

• Launch "Settings" using the Start button on the taskbar.
• Now open the Update & Security tab.
• In the left column with parameters, click on the "Archiving service" item.
• Use the button of the same name to set up an automatic backup system.
• Please note that you can easily adjust the folders that will be copied there without any problems. This will make your work much easier.
• If you want to create a full backup along with the operating system, and not individual libraries and directories, then use the instructions for Windows.

To restore data, repeat the steps until you find the backup settings. BUT now just select the tab or item "Recovery" and just follow the instructions in the dialog box on your monitor screen. There is nothing difficult in this. Naturally, we have considered regular funds Windows OS from Microsoft. There are also special programs for similar operations. They may be more convenient, but in terms of safety and reliability, they may be inferior to these. Therefore, it is still recommended to use standard utilities OS.

Information from tablets and smartphones

Here everything is somewhat simpler, since they are also used standard programs(for example, for iPhone and iPad, we will work with iTunes). For all gadgets of any operating system, the backup procedure will be the same:

• Connect your device to your computer or laptop. Wait for the appropriate drivers to be installed.
• Run the program that is designed to synchronize with your device. That is, if you have an iPhone, then open iTunes app on your PC.
• Find the tab or item "Synchronization", or "Backup". Click on it and follow the prompts on the screen to create a copy.

• To restore data in the same window, find the button of the same name and click on it.
• Do not disconnect the device from the USB while the computer is performing these steps. This may result in a software failure of the device.
• Please note that you can simply transfer some files from your smartphone or tablet to your PC. This is especially true for owners of gadgets running an operating system. Android systems: available here full access to all files and folders.
• iOS device owners can only store photos and videos the same way: go to "Computer" and click right click mouse on your device. Click on Import Photos and Videos. Following the prompts on the screen, you can not only import, but also customize it.

Cloud storage

Today, this type of data storage is quite popular on the market: no flash drives, cables, or other peripherals are needed. All you need is an active high-speed Internet connection, and all your files are in your hands. We will not consider their settings (there is a separate topic for this), but we will simply talk about each storage for a specific OS:

• OneDrive for Windows
• iCloud and iCloud Drive for iOS and MacOS
• Google Drive for Android

It is worth noting that there are also universal ones that are installed on any device, regardless of the installed OS:

• Cloud Mail
• OneDrive
• google drive

As you noticed, from all repositories, only Apple company made its product available only to its system. Good or bad - you decide.

• When using an external hard drive or flash drive, make sure that it has enough free space.
• Please note that most cloud storages have limited memory for free access. For example, in iCloud Drive, five gigabytes will be available to you. To expand it you will need to buy a subscription. If you don't have many files, then you don't need to buy anything. You can also use multiple cloud storage.
• Check the creation of copies: if the memory on the disk or in the cloud is over, then the copy will not be created. You risk losing some data, which will be a very sad consequence.
• If you are just copying some files, then it is advisable to delete them from the copied device to free up memory on it.
• If you want to keep very important documents it is better to make two copies. For example, you can make one on an external hard drive, and the other with a cloud storage program.

Summing up

Dear friends, today we discussed a very extensive and important topic: data backup and recovery. Particular emphasis was placed on computer information, then we considered general principle creating copies of smartphones and tablets, and also got acquainted with cloud storage. At the end, we gave some recommendations to make your work as productive as possible. Remember: timely saved data is the key to saving your nerves. If you lose your files thesis, which you have been doing for weeks or months, it will not be very fun, right? Tell us in the comments which archiving services you most prefer to use and why.

In this article I will tell you how to back up data: work files, multimedia and operating system (make an image of it). Backup (data archiving) is essential, because as a result of a breakdown hard drive, or a virus, you can lose important documents, photo archives, works created in various programs. Maybe you just want to reinstall clean copy OS with all programs. When this happens, this situation will be easy to correct.

The most common case for users is the failure of the operating system. In order to restore the computer to its previous state (programs, settings, etc.), you need to spend from several hours to several days to install and configure Windows, but installation takes the most time. additional software. Often not advanced users store their data in system drive without thinking about transferring information to other sections of the hard disk, not to mention external HDD.

Backup (archiving) and recovery methods

Windows 7: built-in backup and restore tool

It is quite easy to use and even allows you to perform this procedure automatically on a schedule. Location on the system of the backup tool: «Start | All programs | Service | Archiving and Restoration». Menu in the column on the left - "Create System Recovery Disc" and "Creating a system image".

Create a system image. You must specify the location of the future archive: select another disk partition, external HDD or optical disc(DVD, Blue Ray). It is also possible to save a backup to a network drive. It is not practical to use optical media, so use a logical drive with sufficient storage space to store the backup, or external HDD. Select a location and click the "Archive" button. The entire system partition will be archived. This procedure can be carried out on a schedule, while Windows updates the previously recorded system image without creating it again, which saves time.

If you select the "Archive" tool, you can set up regular backups of important user data. To do this, select "Set up backup", specify which drive will be saved to, click "Next", in the next window select "Give me a choice" and then mark the objects for archiving. To restore the contents of a backup, select one of the three suggested actions: "Restore my files from this backup", "Restore files for all users on this computer” or “Manage the disk space occupied by this backup”.

To restore the system, in case it does not boot or gives an error that you are not able to fix, you may need a disk disaster recovery. To create it, select "Create a system recovery disk" from the menu on the left and specify on which media it will be organized. Unfortunately only supported laser discs, which is not suitable for owners of laptops without an optical drive.

This tool built into Windows is not without drawbacks, such as for a long time creating an archive and the lack of a compression function. However, there are other, more functional products.

Backup and recovery using Acronis True Image Home 2013

For Windows XP users, where there is no built-in backup tool, as well as users with higher requirements for the functionality of the backup program, I recommend using Acronis True Image Home 2013.

Acronis True Image Home uses 3 backup methods.

Full image - archiving absolutely all data, including MBR (if the partition is bootable).

Differential - only the data that has changed since the backup was created by the first (full) method is included in the backup.

Incremental method - allows you to supplement the backup with files that have changed since the last backup procedure.

backup system partition easy to do: in the main window of the program, select the first option - "Backing up disks and partitions", then specify a partition or drive, specify a location for saving the archive and, if necessary, change the archiving parameters (for example, set the archive compression level on the tab "Performance" or protect the archive with a password). At the end of the process, a file with the extension *.tib. Acronis true image Home 2013 allows you to connect a backup copy as a logical drive and work with the necessary data. Thus, you can extract from a pre-created archive desired file, which you accidentally completely deleted from your hard drive.

In addition to backing up partitions and disks, you can back up (including on a schedule) individual directories and files, as well as address windows book, contact list and correspondence Microsoft Outlook. For recovery in the most severe cases, you can use boot version programs ( boot disk or boot disk), and it is possible to create such a solution both on optical and USB media.

It happens that when experimenting with installing several operating systems, the master boot record (Master Boot Record) turned out to be corrupted, you can try to “revive” it by ticking “MBR” when restoring from an image. Also, Acronis True Image Home 2011 can convert backups from its "native" format to VHD format (these are backups created system tools Windows 7 and images at the same time virtual disks, that is, they can be connected to almost any virtual machines) and back.

In most cases, recovery comes down to selecting the desired archive and partition, in which the contents of the backup will be deployed. It is worth noting the extremely long installation time and low speed Acronis works True Image Home in Windows XP.

Paragon Backup & Recovery Professional: Advanced Backup

Pro Paragon program Backup & Recovery Professional, which provides file backup and restore I told in, however, with a view Windows Migration on another PC. Unlike the Acronis product, in addition to archiving operations, it also allows you to perform some actions with partitions - for example, changing the label, formatting, hiding, and deleting. However, for this you will need to switch to "Advanced User Mode".

Before backing up, it is recommended to create a rescue disk to restore data from the image. To do this, go to the "Utilities" section and select "Create rescue disk". Here you can also select either optical or external hard disk or USB flash drive.

To create a backup copy of your data, go to the section "Data protection and recovery | Intelligent archiving”, without forgetting to prepare reliable storage. You can choose what to back up: "Disks or partitions", e-mail ( emails, Accounts and targeted Outlook books, Outlook Express and Windows Mail), "Media Files" and "Documents" (texts, photos, videos and music stored in the "My Documents" directory) or "Other Files or Folders".

Next, you can make Extra options copying - selection of the degree of image compression, password protection and sector-by-sector copying mode (all sectors of the disk are processed "as is", including unused ones). You can also assign an FTP server as an archive storage, if you have one. If you prefer optical media, the program will warn that it will be impossible to save the main boot record disk.

For advanced users, Backup & Recovery has a professional tool for working with images of virtual Machines Virtual PC, VMware Workstation and VMware Fusion. Thanks to him, you can convert the image real hard disk, such as a system partition, and then open it along with all data and programs in virtual machine even on a different computer.

Hello, friends!

Despite all your efforts to keep your PC in working order, sooner or later you will have to deal with such a phenomenon as a failure of the Windows operating system.

And the most terrible result of this can be the loss of the information contained in the computer.

On a PC, as you know, in addition to photos and all sorts of things downloaded from the Internet, all kinds of documentation is often stored. In addition, you, like most other users, probably have special programs, customized according to your preferences, which you would not like to reinstall. You don't want to lose all this, do you?

In order not to regret lost data and not waste time recovering them using special applications I advise you to back up. This is the only way you can save the files you need from a sad fate.

In today's article, we will look at the most effective programs for backup.

Acronis True Image Home

Among the backup utilities, this application is the most popular. Although it is primarily designed to work with logical drives, however, this program can also copy certain files and directories.

The application has large quantity all kinds of settings to perform any kind of backup. So, for example, in the options of this program, you can select the type of backup, set up the creation of copies according to the schedule, etc.

There are three concepts in Acronis backups:

1. incremental,
2. differential,
3. complete.

A full backup contains full image logical drive.

During the creation of a differential backup, only those files that have undergone any changes since the full backup were archived are archived.

Incremental refers to adding changed files to a full backup starting from the moment of the last backup.

Acronis also allows you to choose the level of data compression and set a password for the backup.

Acronis True Image Home can be downloaded free of charge from any computer software resource.

Norton Ghost

This comfortable and functional product allows you to create backup images logical drives and carry out the system recovery process.

Application Norton Ghost very similar to the software described above. Here you can create incremental, differential and full archives, but in Norton Ghost you can create archives with high level compression, which saves disk space and minimizes the duration of the recovery process.

In addition, the program provides filters that allow you to copy files certain types, including driver files.

The program is great, but paid. Free version only available for 30 days.

A very powerful and easy to use tool that is free to use. It includes a built-in wizard that allows you to make backup step by step. This approach makes it possible to use the utility even for complete "dummies".

From huge amount The functions of this application, I would highlight the archive protection system by setting a password and encryption, increased filtering options, the ability to check the status of the copied, an excellent task scheduler. With this software you will be able to:

• write backup data to an optical or hard disk;
• send them to an FTP server or Comodo's online server.

File Backup Watcher Free

A free utility with a step-by-step wizard that helps novice users complete all the steps correctly. It has a convenient scheduler with a clear interface.

File Backup can not only backup, but also work with ZIP and write data to any optical media.

The Copier

Another excellent free app, focused on copying to automatic mode according to the given schedule. Makes copies in the form of ZIP-archives and writes them to the hard drive. Allows you to create multi-volume archives.

FBackup

With this utility, you can back up all the data you need in a matter of minutes. The auto-backup feature allows you to set up scheduled backups, so you don't have to manually back up your data.

It is more convenient and safer to store copies on an external hard drive. Of course, you can use a flash drive for this, but this method appropriate only when backing up a small amount of information, since a flash drive large capacity is quite expensive.

To store the reserved files on the hard disk, you should allocate some space for them. separate place to minimize the risk of accidental deletion.

Reservation is a rather complicated matter, requiring the user to have special knowledge and skills.

Sincerely! Abdullin Ruslan

Data backup is one of the most important operations that any PC user needs to perform. Data backup can be done both manually and with the help of special programs. You will learn the main methods and recommendations for backing up data in this article.

What is data backup

- the process of creating copies of important information that are stored on other data storages (flash drive, HDD, DVD, cloud service etc.). Data backup is very important operation, which any user must produce after a certain period of time.

Why you need data backup

Each user stores on the computer various information. Almost every user has stored on the computer important information, the loss of which can at least upset the user (personal photos, music collection, work documents, etc.).

Unfortunately, information cannot be absolutely securely stored on a computer. Hardware failure (hard drive) or virus attack and even the carelessness of the user himself (accidental deletion of information) can lead to the loss of important data. To protect important information, you need to back up your data.

Backing up files and information will allow you to protect this data in the event that the main storage medium (for example, a computer hard drive) fails or a virus attack occurs.

What are the backups

Many users think that it is possible to make a backup from several folders or from several files, but in reality there are a few more types of backups.

What backups can be made:

Operating system backup

Highly useful thing, which many, even experienced users, neglect. You only need to install the operating system, drivers and necessary programs. Then a backup copy of the configured operating system is made and if something happens (virus attack or just cluttering up the system), then you need to spend 10-15 minutes to restore the backup, instead of spending more than one hour on new installation and system setup.

As a rule, special programs or Windows tools are used to back up the operating system.

Backup copy of a disk (partition on a hard drive)

Let's say that you have a hard disk partition (for example, drive "E"). It stores your music and photos. All this data is important to you and their loss is unacceptable.

You can make a backup copy of this entire disk and if data loss occurs, you can restore everything as it was.

Disk backup can be done either with the help of special programs or manually.

Backup individual files and folders

The most common backup method. Basically, users store photos on one disk, documents on another, and favorite music on the third. In addition, these disks may contain not very important information, the backup of which is not necessary.

In this case, only a backup copy of these same files and folders is made, with different disks, and not a copy of the whole disk, and even more so the entire hard drive of the computer.

Typically, the user makes such a backup manually, although you can use special programs or Windows tools.

One of these utilities is Exiland Backup, which is very easy to learn, but at the same time has great opportunities. It will take care of automatically creating backup copies of the most important data, archiving them in ZIP, and saving the archives on various media: local, removable, network drives or FTP server. In addition, the program supports another type of copying - folder synchronization (mirroring), which makes it possible to create exact copy source folder.

As practice shows, it is better to automate the backup process in order to eliminate such human factor like forgetfulness.

Backup using Windows

In the operating room Windows system 7 has the means to create a backup of both the system itself and certain data.

To go to the backup Windows copy open the control panel, then “System and Security” and “Backup and Restore”.

You will be prompted to set up data archiving (indicate where the copies are stored and what to archive). In addition, you can create an image of the operating system and configure the frequency of backup, as well as create a disk for backup recovery systems.

Data backup software

There are a number of programs that will help you quickly and easily set up a backup of all the necessary data.

Acronis True Image Home

AcronisTrueImageHome is the leader among backup software. It has all the necessary functions and capabilities for backup, ranging from separate folder to an entire disk or operating system.

The program has a very simple and intuitive interface. Working with her is easy and pleasant. The only minutes of Acronis True Image Home – paid program. You will have to pay a little less than two thousand rubles for it or download pirated version(here is a matter of your conscience).

FROM Acronis True Image can save certain data (files and folders), entire disk partitions or make an image of a partition with the operating system, all programs and configuration. All of these actions can be configured to run automatically and periodically.

Even if your operating system badly damaged and won't boot, you can boot Acronis True Image from a flash drive or any media and restore the backup.

Reserve copies of Acronis True Image can be transferred to any digital media information, and even if you cannot download a backup from your hard drive, you can download it from a USB flash drive or DVD.

In general, I recommend this program as the best paid option to set up data backup. But there are also free analogues of Acronis True Image, although they do not reach the functionality of Acronis.

Free analogues of Acronis True Image

As free analogues Acronis True Image can be used:

• clonezilla
• Comodo Backup
• Cobian Backup

All programs cope with the task of backing up data, but each is inferior to the paid Acronis True Image to one degree or another. Each user needs a certain type of backup, and one will only need, for example, Cobian Backup, while the other needs the full functionality of Acronis True Image.

Just test these programs and see which one suits your needs best.

Manual backups

Not all users need to back up the operating system (although this is convenient) or the entire disk. It is enough just once a week or a month (depending on the frequency of replenishment / change of information) to copy important data to other media. For example, copy personal photos after each trip on vacation or vacation, and copy the quarterly report every 3 months.

When backing up, be sure to follow the tips for backing up your data.

Regardless of how and what you back up, be sure to follow these recommendations.

Periodicity

Make backups periodically. Depending on the type of data, you can make backups after a period of time (every week, month, etc.) or on an event (the appearance of new photos or a report change.)

If you do not follow the frequency, then in case of data loss you will restore old version a backup that will be missing the recently changed data.

Many copies

The more copies you make, the more likely so that you can recover the lost information.

Backup protection

You are making a copy of important data and you need to protect it from strangers. If you are backing up private photos, they should never be opened by other people.

It is best to combine encryption and password protection of data. You can create an encrypted container to store any type of data, or create a password-protected archive.

Backup storage

Do not store backups, even on different media, in the same place (drawer or closet) or in the same apartment (if a fire occurs, all copies will be destroyed).

Take one copy to work and put it in your safe or locker and upload the backup to the cloud in the same way. You can even give the media to a friend for safekeeping, but in any case, do not forget to protect the copy from unauthorized access.

Conclusion

Backing up data is very important procedure. It is necessary for any user. As you can see, creating a backup is not that difficult, and you can even set up automatic backups, which will make your work easier. It is up to you how exactly to back up your data, but most importantly, do not forget to do this and use the recommendations from this article.

Good day to you, my dear readers. Frost hit well, so you won’t get out for a very long time, although it’s great there, to be honest. But not the point. In the last article, I talked about that. But it turns out most people don't want to work with standard means operating system.

Well, they are right. The built-in tools have not very successful functionality, although they are quite good, but the programs are made specifically for certain needs, so the developers are trying to make it so cool that people use this particular application. Well, that makes sense, right?

And there are sooo many such applications and the eyes run wide from abundance. I will show you a few of these applications, which I consider the best, but you yourself decide which one is worthy of the title " Best Program backup? ”, Because no one will give you a specific answer, but will only express their opinion. Well, if you do not mind, then I will express my opinion.

An excellent program for backing up the system, files, folders, messages, the entire disk and other important information for you. This is a really powerful thing thanks to which you can protect your information. AT this application you can set the frequency of copying yourself, and only those files in which changes have occurred. This greatly simplifies your work and in the event of some “Oops”, you can return to almost any point in time. The schedule is set up simply and clearly.

In addition, the program has a very wide functionality and an excellent task scheduler. You can find a specific file in the image and isolate it from it separately without affecting the image itself. And a huge plus of the program is that it has its own remote space. There is of course a fly in the ointment. Firstly, paid, and secondly, some people began to complain about the last few versions.

Aomei Backupper

Good and free software. And this is already an important factor. The backupper has a number of useful features for backup, such as a simple interface, encryption and compression of backups, speed increase, copying individual files, partitions and even disks, etc. But what about without cons? Of course they will always be. I will focus on only one, but the most important one is the lack of a schedule. Those. you can only backup manually and cannot set the time for automatic image creation.

EasyUs Todo Backup

Another good free backup software. Like other programs, this one is able to archive not only all hard disk and system images but also individual files and folders. The system also has the ability to change and replace any file that has undergone changes. Well, among other things, the program automatically overwrites the old image, but the schedule is already just a classic. It's a shame that the program does not support the Russian language, but in principle it's easy to figure it out.

Macrium Reflect FREE

Great program. I am simply delighted with her. With it, you can quickly create an image of the system, the built-in scheduler works like clockwork, the simplicity and convenience of the interface, a high degree of security. And it's far from full list all pluses. But it turns out there is one downside. Here you can only create a system image, but to create a backup copy of individual files and folders, you will have to purchase paid version. That's it.

Cobian Backup

Another pretty good one free program which I would single out among others. There is, in principle, everything that is needed for backup: both copying individual files and folders, and good encryption, and good planner schedule and much more. This program suitable for any user, though for beginners it may seem a bit difficult to use.

Here I have shown you five of my favorite backup programs. I do not advise you to choose at random. To get started, look at the reviews of each program, compare the functions, but the most important thing is to test it for yourself, since one of the programs failed to restore from a backup with a bang, when everything went fine for another person.

There are many factors due to which some will do well, while others will not. Everything can depend on the computer itself, and on your system, etc. So, if you didn't get something with one, it doesn't mean that the app is crap. Although many will disagree with me. But I expressed my opinion, and you can express yours.

Of all these programs, I personally like Acronis and Macrium Reflect the most. And I would recommend using one of them, although, as I said above, with Acronis latest versions people had problems. But on the 11th version, I did not notice anything bad. Everything was going great for me.

But what I recommend even more is to watch the stunning backup course. Here you will get the most comprehensive information on this topic and you will quickly learn how to protect your files from loss without a hitch. No, seriously, the course is built so great that just anyone can handle the backup. No water, just business.

Well, on this cheerful note, I end my reviewer. I wish you to protect and protect all your necessary data from any circumstances.

Well, I say goodbye to you today. I was very glad to see you on my blog and really hope to see you again. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog updates to stay up to date. interesting information. See you in the next articles. Bye Bye!

Sincerely, Dmitry Kostin