Good Boot Backup Nag Part 3 - Disk Imaging

Periodically a subscriber to our User Group bulletin board will become enamored with the idea of being able to create a disk image of their hard drive and should they experience the Blue Screen of Death or their hard drive fail, be able to restore their Windows system, programs and data files with a minimum of effort. The intrigue of being able to do so initiates enthusiastic postings until most discover the demanding rules for safe disk imaging and abandon the idea of using it as their backup regime of choice.

A disk image is an exact copy (a snapshot) of your hard drive which by default is the drive on which your Windows is installed. It includes Windows and your system settings, programs, and files. If your hard disk fails or all or part of your Windows is corrupted a disk image can completely restore the contents of your computer.

Note: When you restore your computer from a disk image it will be a complete restoration. You cannot select individual items to restore. All your current programs, system settings, and files are replaced with the contents of the disk image.

Although I caution novices about becoming involved in disk imaging, let me assure the more experienced user that properly administered it can be a valuable backup option.

My rules for safe disk imaging.

1. It goes without saying your initial disk image should be error free, but you must also be confident it’s virus and malware free.
2. Because your Windows Registry is updated almost every time you access your computer, if you want to be sure the disk image of your Windows system is current you must adhere to an almost daily full or incremental backup.

Note: Be aware that your Registry will reflect not only significant changes e.g., those associated with a program installation or a Windows update but will also reflect even the most minor changes to your system e.g., adding or deleting a Desktop shortcut.

3. It’s absolutely critical you verify a disk image backup. An ‘I think my disk image is error free’ is a potential recipe for disaster.
4. I recommend you perform a test restore from an image backup (outside of Windows) using your disk imaging software to insure everything works and that you’re familiar with the restore process. It’s far too easy to make serious mistakes while under the stress of trying to restore a bad drive.

Here’s wishing you a God Boot.