Problems using the Back up and Restore (Windows 7) feature in Windows 11


Who's bashing Microsoft? We are just following Microsoft's own recommendation, first announced in 2017. Surely you'd agree the average user should follow Microsoft's recommendations?

FeatureDetails and mitigationDeprecation announced
System Image Backup (SIB) SolutionWe recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.1709

As far as I'm aware Microsoft have not recommended any third party anti-spyware, AV, Media Player, encryption or VPN.
My (awkward) remark about some people bashing windows on this forum was not directed at you Bree!
File History (I never got it to work) was depreciated at the same time as W7 Backup & Restore but is still present in Windows 11. With the early W10 versions (2015-2016) having only MS Defender running as AV you would get a stern warning after booting that the system was unprotected and that you should immediately install 3rd party AV software: I always ignored that and never had a virus or malware attack but did get a few warnings from MS Defender that it had disabled/deleted malware. Look up the other apps that I mention and you will find some 3rd party recommendations for those as well.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 22H2 build: 22621.1928
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer/Aspire5 515-54G-70AG
    CPU
    Intel i7-10510U CPU 1.8 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium, firmware version 3.2
    Memory
    8 GB 1333.3 MHz Dual channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD + NVIDIA GeForce MX250
    Sound Card
    RealTek ALC255 chipset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Full HD TN 16"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 220 NITS
    Hard Drives
    SATA mechanical 1TB TOSHIBA HDWL110 X1UGPHELT 5600 rpm
    PSU
    Murata battery AP18C4k (31CP5/81/68) Li-Polymer Battery Pack, full capacity 46620 mWh 11.4V
    Case
    Polycarbonate with a metal panel lid
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    15 mb/s
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2022 Intel diplay driver: gfx_win_101.3413_101.2111.exe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3374
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Keyboard
    With backlight
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. K3502ZA.307, 08/09/2022. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz
Well, your instructions worked like a charm.

The only problem I ran into was the fact that after going to "Other Tasks" and "Create Rescue Media", I never had the option to choose CD/DVD burner. However, I had a spare 8GB Kinston USB stick. So I just stuck that into my PC and I then had the option of choosing my spare USB stick to create the bootable rescue media. Perhaps a lot of CDs don't have enough space; and therefore can't accommodate the creation of the media? But the USB stick worked great; and I am sure it's a better choice anyway. And, as you said, faster to create the media on a USB device versus a CD/DVD. Btw, the creation tool defaulted to "WinRE" so I just left it at that since I don't know the differences anyway.

I did test the bootable media; and it works (F8 key in my case) to access the boot menu on my PC. Now, my "last task" will be to simply ensure that I understand how to correctly use an image backup from Macrium Reflect, in the event I ever need to reinstall Windows 11 from a backup image. I've done it before using Window's built-in software, but not using Macrium Reflect. I see there's TONS of information about Macrium Reflect in the manual. But I really only need to become familiar with the basics of doing imaging and separately file/folder backups and restores for home use.

Macrium Reflect does appear to be a very popular program choice for backups; and I see there's a paid version too. Although I am not entirely sure I need a paid version. My trial is for 30 days before it reverts to the free version without payment.

Thanks again :)
Hi,
I usually create both cd and usb recovery winpe media

Not sure what all the fuss is about winpe recovery media has always been reliable restoring and creating system images so why switch to winre when winpe is not broken.

Think the fuss was about adding the winpe recovery boot option and relying on it because it might get corrupted but that is why you always create the cd/ usb recovery winpe

I use usb winpe primarily to create system images as well while the os is not active might as well get used to the boot media environment one day you will need it and you'll be more familiar with it if you use it a lot.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-7-10-11Pro's
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 17" Nitro 7840sn/ 2x16gb 5600c40/ 4060/ stock 1tb-os/ 4tb sn850x
    CPU
    10900k & 9940x & 5930k
    Motherboard
    z490-Apex & x299-Apex & x99-Sabertooth
    Memory
    Trident-Z Royal 4000c16 2x16gb & Trident-Z 3600c16 4x8gb & 3200c14 4x8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Titan Xp & 1080ti FTW3 & evga 980ti gaming
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek x3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1-AOC G2460PG 24"G-Sync 144Hz/ 2nd 1-ASUS VG248QE 24"/ 3rd LG 43" series
    Screen Resolution
    1920-1080 not sure what the t.v is besides 43" class scales from 1920-1080 perfectly
    Hard Drives
    2-WD-sn850x 4tb/ 970evo+500gb/ 980 pro 2tb.
    PSU
    1000p2 & 1200p2 & 850p2
    Case
    D450 x2 & 1 Test bench in cherry Entertainment center
    Cooling
    Custom water loops x3 with 2x mora 360mm rads only 980ti gaming air cooled
    Keyboard
    G710+x3
    Mouse
    Redragon x3
    Internet Speed
    xfinity gigabyte
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    mbam pro
I've been using Macrium Reflect since I posted this thread in May. It's very easy to use, and just works! I would highly recommend Macrium Reflect to others. Of course, as cereberus said, best to also have another backup method as well. And Cloud storage is good these days.
Hi,
Cloud is for stuff you don't care what happens to it is not for critical personal files.
Mainly because terms of use/ space or in the latest example amazon is ending free storage

Only secondary backup worth beans is a second/.. system image or simple copy/ paste of personal files to another hdd in another location on the extreme otherwise just a second would suffice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-7-10-11Pro's
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 17" Nitro 7840sn/ 2x16gb 5600c40/ 4060/ stock 1tb-os/ 4tb sn850x
    CPU
    10900k & 9940x & 5930k
    Motherboard
    z490-Apex & x299-Apex & x99-Sabertooth
    Memory
    Trident-Z Royal 4000c16 2x16gb & Trident-Z 3600c16 4x8gb & 3200c14 4x8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Titan Xp & 1080ti FTW3 & evga 980ti gaming
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek x3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1-AOC G2460PG 24"G-Sync 144Hz/ 2nd 1-ASUS VG248QE 24"/ 3rd LG 43" series
    Screen Resolution
    1920-1080 not sure what the t.v is besides 43" class scales from 1920-1080 perfectly
    Hard Drives
    2-WD-sn850x 4tb/ 970evo+500gb/ 980 pro 2tb.
    PSU
    1000p2 & 1200p2 & 850p2
    Case
    D450 x2 & 1 Test bench in cherry Entertainment center
    Cooling
    Custom water loops x3 with 2x mora 360mm rads only 980ti gaming air cooled
    Keyboard
    G710+x3
    Mouse
    Redragon x3
    Internet Speed
    xfinity gigabyte
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    mbam pro
If the macrium buffs eventually manage to scare enough people away from using sib, then MS might remove it. They have renegged before, so it is hard to tell. Users that want to make vhd(x) images can do so with wbadmin and continue to have all the advantages of the format, and though it is a bit fiddly doing restores via cmdline it also adds flexibility.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i
  • Operating System
    win7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    pentium g5400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    1x8gb 2400
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
Hi,
I usually create both cd and usb recovery winpe media

Not sure what all the fuss is about winpe recovery media has always been reliable restoring and creating system images so why switch to winre when winpe is not broken.

Think the fuss was about adding the winpe recovery boot option and relying on it because it might get corrupted but that is why you always create the cd/ usb recovery winpe

I use usb winpe primarily to create system images as well while the os is not active might as well get used to the boot media environment one day you will need it and you'll be more familiar with it if you use it a lot.
With regards to Reflect, WinRe is the recommended (default) method now for W10/11.
Its key plus is it enables backup over wifi (a feature I use with my travel laptop), and avoids 1 GB downloads of wadk files.

It is also better in identifying drivers needed for a Rescue drive. On my pc, WinPE has to manually add the dreaded Intel IRST drivers to a Winpe Rescue drive whereas the WinRe Rescue drive picked it up automatically.

In the end, it does not matter which you select so long as it works for you.

Of course, as you say you still need a physical backup drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
With the early W10 versions (2015-2016) having only MS Defender running as AV you would get a stern warning after booting that the system was unprotected and that you should immediately install 3rd party AV software
Frank,

Something non-Windows was generating that warning.
WD would warn you if it was turned off but it soon restarted itself anyway when people tried that and would not have recommended 3rd party software in any case.
Malwarebytes can generate warnings similar to yours when it starts but would have recommended upgrading to their full package.

Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
Frank,

Something non-Windows was generating that warning.
WD would warn you if it was turned off but it soon restarted itself anyway when people tried that and would not have recommended 3rd party software in any case.
Malwarebytes can generate warnings similar to yours when it starts but would have recommended upgrading to their full package.

Denis
Hi Denis,
Windows Defender (Spyware protection only) replaced Microsoft Security Essentials (W7 full AV) in 2015 (W8-W10). In 2016 Windows Defender evolved in Microsoft Defender (full AV). During this transition period, if no other AV installed, you would get a warning in W10 that your system was unprotected and you should download a 3rd party AV program. This message was not generated by malware while the Windows Security icon in the Notification Area would always stay red during sessions.

Frank
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 22H2 build: 22621.1928
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer/Aspire5 515-54G-70AG
    CPU
    Intel i7-10510U CPU 1.8 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium, firmware version 3.2
    Memory
    8 GB 1333.3 MHz Dual channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD + NVIDIA GeForce MX250
    Sound Card
    RealTek ALC255 chipset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Full HD TN 16"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 220 NITS
    Hard Drives
    SATA mechanical 1TB TOSHIBA HDWL110 X1UGPHELT 5600 rpm
    PSU
    Murata battery AP18C4k (31CP5/81/68) Li-Polymer Battery Pack, full capacity 46620 mWh 11.4V
    Case
    Polycarbonate with a metal panel lid
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    15 mb/s
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2022 Intel diplay driver: gfx_win_101.3413_101.2111.exe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3374
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Keyboard
    With backlight
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. K3502ZA.307, 08/09/2022. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz
Frank,

Windows defender [later renamed] has been a full anti-malware [including anti-virus] application throughout the life of Windows 10 from its Preview versions onwards.
The Windows 10 version of Windows defender was never just an anti-spyware utility.
The change from Windows defender to Microsoft defender was just a change of name not of capability.

My Windows 10 computers have never had any real-time protection other than Windows defender and have never had any MS-generated third-party recommendation.

All the best,
Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
Hi Denis,
This is 7 years back and perhaps I am confusing the issue from before I upgraded to W10 from W7. But Windows Defender in W7 was Spyware only, that is why I had Microsoft Security Essentials running on top of Windows Defender in W7. The evolvement to Microsoft Defender in 2016 was not just the name it became an AV platform, possibly you had an advanced version of W10 or this may all have happened during W8.1

Cheers
Frank
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 22H2 build: 22621.1928
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer/Aspire5 515-54G-70AG
    CPU
    Intel i7-10510U CPU 1.8 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium, firmware version 3.2
    Memory
    8 GB 1333.3 MHz Dual channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD + NVIDIA GeForce MX250
    Sound Card
    RealTek ALC255 chipset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Full HD TN 16"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 220 NITS
    Hard Drives
    SATA mechanical 1TB TOSHIBA HDWL110 X1UGPHELT 5600 rpm
    PSU
    Murata battery AP18C4k (31CP5/81/68) Li-Polymer Battery Pack, full capacity 46620 mWh 11.4V
    Case
    Polycarbonate with a metal panel lid
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    15 mb/s
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2022 Intel diplay driver: gfx_win_101.3413_101.2111.exe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3374
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Keyboard
    With backlight
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. K3502ZA.307, 08/09/2022. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz
Frank,

Windows defender in Windows 10 was a full AV utility from the start, including its 2013/4-2015 Preview period.
It was not well-regarded at first but it improved dramatically within a few years.
The change of name came later and was not associated with any advance in capability. It was not an evolution, merely a name change.

I never had Windows 8. I believe that Windows defender in Windows 8 became a full anti-malware utility at some stage but whether it was throughout its life I do not know.

Whatever was generating the warning that you referred to, it was not Windows 10.

I started using normal release versions of Windows 10 at its release in 2015. I left the Preview [Insiders] programme then. July 2015 I think it was. So my Windows 10 has never been 'advanced'.
Neither has my Windows 11.

All the best,
Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
I am not knocking Macrium or other BU software on the market other than Seagate's Dashboard 2018 (that was a disaster). But I find it a bit hollow that some posters on this largest (and best) Windows forum are plugging 3rd party apps (while bashing windows). IMHO if you have a Windows 11 PC (factory configuration) connected with W11 compatible devices you don't need any 3rd party software to use Windows 11 to its fullest extent (excluding gaming, technical or customized applications) and BTW VSS is working fine in Windows 11; as I stated before I never had issues with W7 Backup & Restore but had almost no need to restore from external image files either: I just used the internal System Restore app in Windows 10 a few times between 2015-2018 after editing the Registry, installing bad software or deleting a system file. When MS decides to discontinue W7 BU & Restore in Windows I may well buy a trusted BU licence like Macrium Reflect or use the Cloud like Apple is doing to backup and restore.
No offense to you, but Windows System restore and Windows 7 backup were always crap in my book. I never had so many problems trying to use them to restore system state. They just failed quite often. I turned away from them to third party backup software a long time ago and have never looked back.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Game/tinker build
    CPU
    Intel i9 1300KS
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z90 Dark Hero
    Memory
    64GB (2x32) G.skill Trident Z5 RGB 6400 MHZ 32-39-39
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio, Vanatoo Transparent One; Klipsch R-12SWi Sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730, ViewSonic VP2768
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme, Raid 0: 1TB 850 EVO + 1TB 860 EVO SSD. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EKWB 360 Nucleus Dark AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 1 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan
    Keyboard
    Glorious GMMK TKL mechanical, lubed modded
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    380 Mb/s down, 12 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect 8 ;-)
  • Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
I started using normal release versions of Windows 10 at its release in 2015. I left the Preview [Insiders] programme then. July 2015 I think it was. So my Windows 10 has never been 'advanced'.
Neither has my Windows 11.

All the best,
Denis
Denis
In 2015 I migrated (online) from W7 with MSE (AV) to W10 v. 1507 and maybe Windows Defender was not included (had to be downloaded separately). That would explain these warnings I was getting. When I upgraded to later W10 versions Microsoft defender was automatically downloaded and I now had AV protection (no more warnings). That is the only explanation I can think of, thanks for straightening me out on this.
Frank
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 22H2 build: 22621.1928
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer/Aspire5 515-54G-70AG
    CPU
    Intel i7-10510U CPU 1.8 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium, firmware version 3.2
    Memory
    8 GB 1333.3 MHz Dual channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD + NVIDIA GeForce MX250
    Sound Card
    RealTek ALC255 chipset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Full HD TN 16"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 220 NITS
    Hard Drives
    SATA mechanical 1TB TOSHIBA HDWL110 X1UGPHELT 5600 rpm
    PSU
    Murata battery AP18C4k (31CP5/81/68) Li-Polymer Battery Pack, full capacity 46620 mWh 11.4V
    Case
    Polycarbonate with a metal panel lid
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    15 mb/s
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2022 Intel diplay driver: gfx_win_101.3413_101.2111.exe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3374
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Keyboard
    With backlight
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. K3502ZA.307, 08/09/2022. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz
Hi Bree,

Likewise I can also share “horror” stories about non-Windows Backup software, plenty posted......

As you see anyone daring to mention Windows Backup and that it works is committing a great sin here worthy of the wrath you see. And if you aren't using, as well as pushing, Macrium and acknowledging Windows backup actually still works.... that's blasphemy.

On the serious (not that the above wasn't), there is some truth that Microsoft depreciated the program and suggests you look elsewhere; however, if you're not doing anything outside of the basic design of the app and it works good on you. All that said, it is an app no longer maintained, so....

Anyway, I myself use Acronis for my backup and recovery. Even though Acronis is also a bad name here :cautious:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3296)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon VII
    Sound Card
    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242w (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova I000 G2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    500mb Download. 11mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045.2130)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-7700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z270X-GAMING 8
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair Dominator Platinum (3333Mhz)
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R9 Fury
    Sound Card
    Onboard (Creative Sound Blaster certified ZxRi)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2415 (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    3 Samsung SSD drives: 1x 512gig 950 NVMe drive (OS drive), 1 x 512gig 850 Pro, 1x 256gig 840 Pro.
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova 1000 P2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Phantek Enthoo Luxe
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 710
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    This is my backup system.
No offense to you, but Windows System restore and Windows 7 backup were always crap in my book. I never had so many problems trying to use them to restore system state. They just failed quite often. I turned away from them to third party backup software a long time ago and have never looked back.
No offense taken, my experience with W7 BU & Restore is limited to restoring personal files and creating Image files only. In all those years I made maybe 1 or 2 complete System Restores from a backed up image file using the Recovery USB app. All my other System Restores were done with the internal Windows System Restore app (see picture below), so I have no way of knowing how reliable these W7 backups actually are. Judging from all the negative reactions and Microsoft's own recommendation to use 3rd party Backup software it would seem not very reliable. The W7 BU & Restore interface is straight forward and almost automatic once used (with a simple HDD only setup, no Dual boot and same external HDD used as before). I wonder why posters on this thread restore exclusely from USB/Safe Mode and not with the W11 System Restore utility, do people crash that often, W11 is one of the most stable OS I have ever used.
System restore.jpg
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 22H2 build: 22621.1928
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer/Aspire5 515-54G-70AG
    CPU
    Intel i7-10510U CPU 1.8 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium, firmware version 3.2
    Memory
    8 GB 1333.3 MHz Dual channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD + NVIDIA GeForce MX250
    Sound Card
    RealTek ALC255 chipset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Full HD TN 16"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 220 NITS
    Hard Drives
    SATA mechanical 1TB TOSHIBA HDWL110 X1UGPHELT 5600 rpm
    PSU
    Murata battery AP18C4k (31CP5/81/68) Li-Polymer Battery Pack, full capacity 46620 mWh 11.4V
    Case
    Polycarbonate with a metal panel lid
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    15 mb/s
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2022 Intel diplay driver: gfx_win_101.3413_101.2111.exe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3374
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Keyboard
    With backlight
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. K3502ZA.307, 08/09/2022. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz
As you see anyone daring to mention Windows Backup and that it works is committing a great sin here worthy of the wrath you see. And if you aren't using, as well as pushing, Macrium and acknowledging Windows backup actually still works.... that's blasphemy.

On the serious (not that the above wasn't), there is some truth that Microsoft depreciated the program and suggests you look elsewhere; however, if you're not doing anything outside of the basic design of the app and it works good on you. All that said, it is an app no longer maintained, so....

Anyway, I myself use Acronis for my backup and recovery. Even though Acronis is also a bad name here :cautious:
Thanks Dru2, I needed a bit of support:giggle:.
Frank
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 22H2 build: 22621.1928
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer/Aspire5 515-54G-70AG
    CPU
    Intel i7-10510U CPU 1.8 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium, firmware version 3.2
    Memory
    8 GB 1333.3 MHz Dual channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD + NVIDIA GeForce MX250
    Sound Card
    RealTek ALC255 chipset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Full HD TN 16"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 220 NITS
    Hard Drives
    SATA mechanical 1TB TOSHIBA HDWL110 X1UGPHELT 5600 rpm
    PSU
    Murata battery AP18C4k (31CP5/81/68) Li-Polymer Battery Pack, full capacity 46620 mWh 11.4V
    Case
    Polycarbonate with a metal panel lid
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    15 mb/s
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2022 Intel diplay driver: gfx_win_101.3413_101.2111.exe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3374
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Keyboard
    With backlight
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. K3502ZA.307, 08/09/2022. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz
No offense taken, my experience with W7 BU & Restore is limited to restoring personal files and creating Image files only. In all those years I made maybe 1 or 2 complete System Restores from a backed up image file using the Recovery USB app. All my other System Restores were done with the internal Windows Sytem Restore app (see picture below), so I have no way of knowing how reliable these W7 backups actually are.
View attachment 35451
Have to ask, but you are aware the image you present above has nothing to do with backing up a PC, right? :oops:

System Restore only creates a snapshot of the Registry and system files. It does NOT backup personal files and folders. Hope you're not thinking that as a "backup program" cause if you are, you have no backups!!!
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3296)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon VII
    Sound Card
    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242w (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova I000 G2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    500mb Download. 11mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045.2130)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-7700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z270X-GAMING 8
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair Dominator Platinum (3333Mhz)
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R9 Fury
    Sound Card
    Onboard (Creative Sound Blaster certified ZxRi)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2415 (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    3 Samsung SSD drives: 1x 512gig 950 NVMe drive (OS drive), 1 x 512gig 850 Pro, 1x 256gig 840 Pro.
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova 1000 P2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Phantek Enthoo Luxe
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 710
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    This is my backup system.
Have to ask, but you are aware the image you present above has nothing to do with backing up a PC, right? :oops:

System Restore only creates a snapshot of the Registry and system files. It does NOT backup personal files and folders. Hope you're not thinking that as a "backup program" cause if you are, you have no backups!!!
Apples & Oranges? Yes I get your point, just the Registry and some settings will be restored with Sytem Restore (my picture) and none of the other Windows controls (services, tasks, etc.). Ofice and all other programs will also not be backed up, so that explains why people make complete computer backups (that was dumb....). I do monthly backups after an update with W7 BU and hope it will restore 100% my system.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 22H2 build: 22621.1928
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer/Aspire5 515-54G-70AG
    CPU
    Intel i7-10510U CPU 1.8 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium, firmware version 3.2
    Memory
    8 GB 1333.3 MHz Dual channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD + NVIDIA GeForce MX250
    Sound Card
    RealTek ALC255 chipset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Full HD TN 16"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 220 NITS
    Hard Drives
    SATA mechanical 1TB TOSHIBA HDWL110 X1UGPHELT 5600 rpm
    PSU
    Murata battery AP18C4k (31CP5/81/68) Li-Polymer Battery Pack, full capacity 46620 mWh 11.4V
    Case
    Polycarbonate with a metal panel lid
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    15 mb/s
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2022 Intel diplay driver: gfx_win_101.3413_101.2111.exe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3374
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Keyboard
    With backlight
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. K3502ZA.307, 08/09/2022. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz
Apples & Oranges? Yes I get your point, just the Registry and some settings will be restored with Sytem Restore (my picture) and none of the other Windows controls (services, tasks, etc.). Ofice and all other programs will also not be backed up, so that explains why people make complete computer backups (that was dumb....)
Ok. Just making sure you know what app does what.

I do monthly backups after an update with W7 BU and hope it will restore 100% my system.
While it's always good to hope, it's not so good for backups!!! Here "hope" is a dangerous thing as it leaves "doubt". I don't need doubt when I'm trying to recover my critical files. I need to know the process works! Peace of mind is testing to insure it works. No "hoping" involved.

Good luck (y)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3296)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon VII
    Sound Card
    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242w (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova I000 G2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    500mb Download. 11mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045.2130)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-7700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z270X-GAMING 8
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair Dominator Platinum (3333Mhz)
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R9 Fury
    Sound Card
    Onboard (Creative Sound Blaster certified ZxRi)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2415 (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    3 Samsung SSD drives: 1x 512gig 950 NVMe drive (OS drive), 1 x 512gig 850 Pro, 1x 256gig 840 Pro.
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova 1000 P2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Phantek Enthoo Luxe
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 710
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    This is my backup system.
Hi Denis,
This is 7 years back and perhaps I am confusing the issue from before I upgraded to W10 from W7. But Windows Defender in W7 was Spyware only, that is why I had Microsoft Security Essentials running on top of Windows Defender in W7.
That is completely true....
The evolvement to Microsoft Defender in 2016 was not just the name it became an AV platform, possibly you had an advanced version of W10 or this may all have happened during W8.1
Defender became a full AV for Windows 8 and above. Since then the only real changes have been to the name given to it, and the extra layers on top of it like Windows 10/11's ransomware protection. See this article from 2013:

As a matter of interest, the only updates Win7 still gets to this day are for the AV protection, MSE and the MSRT. MSE in W7 uses the same scan engine and virus definitions as W11's Windows Security. Only the Client Version (the graphical user interface) is different.

1659439702247.png
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
Anyway, I myself use Acronis for my backup and recovery. Even though Acronis is also a bad name here :cautious:
You got me worried now and I am browsing software to quickly check the integrity of my BU image files, I reaf that AOMEI does that (not for creating backups, just to check my existing ones? I believe AOMEI is trusted by the windows community. MS states that the only way is to restore the image file: "by removing the drive (simply disconnect the SATA cable) and install a new (fresh out of the box) hard drive. Then restore the image to the new hard drive and see if you can boot the computer and Windows functions properly without any problems."
Thanks
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 22H2 build: 22621.1928
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer/Aspire5 515-54G-70AG
    CPU
    Intel i7-10510U CPU 1.8 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium, firmware version 3.2
    Memory
    8 GB 1333.3 MHz Dual channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD + NVIDIA GeForce MX250
    Sound Card
    RealTek ALC255 chipset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Full HD TN 16"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 220 NITS
    Hard Drives
    SATA mechanical 1TB TOSHIBA HDWL110 X1UGPHELT 5600 rpm
    PSU
    Murata battery AP18C4k (31CP5/81/68) Li-Polymer Battery Pack, full capacity 46620 mWh 11.4V
    Case
    Polycarbonate with a metal panel lid
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    15 mb/s
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2022 Intel diplay driver: gfx_win_101.3413_101.2111.exe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3374
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Keyboard
    With backlight
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. K3502ZA.307, 08/09/2022. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz

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