Disk Imaging May Not Be the Best for You

Last week I discussed the importance of using Windows System Restore only as an expeditious attempt at a quick fix if you corrupt Windows’ System during an activity that involves adding to, changing or deleting Windows System Files. Activities such as installing, updating and deleting programs.

As I explained, the reason System Restore should only be used as a potential quick fix is that because Widows’ Registry is continually being updated you must restore the uncorrupted version as soon as possible after your current Registry is corrupted. Unless it’s an act of desperation, restoring a Registry that’s days and certainly weeks old can be counter productive, even fatal.

Why am I reiterating the importance of insuring you’ve a back up version of your most current Windows Registry if it becomes necessary for you to replace a corrupted Registry? It’s a lead in to a discussion of backing up a computer using disk imaging software. That for those who are and those contemplating using disk imaging software to back up their operating system, you must adhere to a philosophy of - if it isn’t current, it isn’t good.

Unlike System Restore that backs up only your Windows System, a disk imaging utility backs up your entire computer to include your operating system, applications, user settings and all data. In the event of a system or disk crash, virus attack or just about any fatal failure, you can use the image to restore your system.

Disk Imaging may seem to the novice to be a more user friendly alterative to having to reinstall Windows, then their programs and finally having to copy back their backed up data. But for the same reason your System Restore must be current to be effective, so too must your disk image.

This means unlike a periodic data backup, using a disk image as your backup requires you to update your disk image almost every time you do anything on your computer other than reading your e-mail.

Simply put. If in the event your system crashes, to restore it as it was prior to the crash your disk image must be as current as possible. A task you may find too inconvenient or demanding.

I suggest if you’re a novice you keep your Windows installation disk and your program disks in a safe but handy location and backup your data to an off computer device whenever you add, update and/or edit your data.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.