Clone disk or image backup?

Sorry if the thread is a bit redundant as I just read a few threads that I think have answered my question.

Basically what I want is a base system image with my OS/common apps ready to go. I like to start from a relatively clean slate every so often. No need to backup system changes like driver updates etc. I can always create a new base image from scratch when that becomes necessary.

From what I can tell the best option for what I want is to clone my OS. Please let me know if I am mistaken.

 

No! Clone is when you want to copy your present operating system to a brand new drive that you will then install in place of the present drive, and it will boot and run.

You want to make an Image backup of your drive, that is in effect a snapshot in time, and will let you restore you system to that point any time you want to. An image is a file and it can be stored wherever there is room. I recommend an external hard drive.

You can make images as often as you have room to store them.

Whenever I am going to install any new hardware, I make a fresh image just before. Windows restore points don't always undo the mess. The image, when restored puts the machine back in time to before I messed it up.

Good luck

 

wandering2 is correct, As soon as I make a fresh install of windows with all the drivers and programs I want I make an "image backup" of the the c: system partition. This is my "baseline" image. If I ever want to go back to it, I just restore it.

I also do a weekly backup, if that doesn't recover me, I can always go back to the baseline. Whenever you restore back to the same hard drive/partition it always boots up (no drive letter problems etc).

A clone is a waste of a hard drive, because the clone drive cannot be used. You have to save it until you need it. With a clone you also have to open the computer to swap out drives.

 

Perhaps this might help.

Clone or Restore using Resize comparison
https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1299861&postcount=9

 

Well apparently I cant do a clone of a partition anyway, which is what I wanted to do.

I went ahead and ran an image backup as you all suggested. Stuck the image in the secure zone. Will stick a second copy on an external drive since the image was so small, under 7gb with max compressioin. Thats with VistaUltimate MS office, Itunes etc, surprised me. I did a test restore and everything works great.

So far so good.

I backup my files seperate so no need to re-image again, now that I have a baseline image.

I have a little terminology to learn.

Still cant wrap my brain around incremental and differential, ive tried to really. lol

Thanks for all the reply's and information. Rep+++