Win 7 64 bit Backup

[Memsahib]

Since I bought this laptop I have been using the built in Win 7 backup system to an external WD 2TB hard drive without any problems. It still has 882 GB free but has recently started to take more than 24 hours to complete the back-up. I also have Carbonite backup but I have always paused it when the Win 7 backup is scheduled. I use Microsoft Essentials but have always done so. Only changes have been updates as per Windows updates. I use CCleaner (free), Malwarebytes (free) and Advanced system Care Pro (paid) and have used these as long as I have had this laptop. I have tried disabling MSEssentials when backup scheduled but it makes no difference. I have done a disk check on the WD HD no problems. I have uninstalled the WD and reinstalled using a different USB port - no difference. I have looked online and see others have also had a problem but none of the fixes have worked for me. HELP, please!. While I do have the Carbonite backup I want to have a local backup as well as I have lots of precious photos.

 

[TrainableMan]

You are not alone. The built-in back-up stinks.

If you delete your old images then it will likely work for a while until it bogs down again.

Consider switching to a better back-up or imaging software. Check out our Freeware DB for some ideas.

 

[Memsahib]

Win 7 Backup alternatives

You are not alone. The built-in back-up stinks.

If you delete your old images then it will likely work for a while until it bogs down again.

Consider switching to a better back-up or imaging software. Check out our Freeware DB for some ideas.

Can't delete photos so will check out your suggestions, thanks. Pity as it was working so well for a long time!

Would love to know what caused it to stop working after so long. If anyone has any other suggestions.

Have used Acronis True Image - in fact own an old paid-for copy - may be able to upgrade it cheaply.

 

[Digerati]

Well, I am not sure I would say the built-in backup program "stinks" because for the vast majority of users, it works fine. But clearly, it is as it is intended to be - a "basic" backup program. And while a basic program is more than most users need - and certainly MUCH BETTER than nothing, there are several, more advanced programs available for those wishing for something more.

If me, I would try that external drive on another machine. There are certainly more reported issues of external drive problems than there are with Windows Backup. I might consider reformatting the external drive (after ensuring a good backup is still available) and starting over with it.

 

[Memsahib]

Well, I am not sure I would say the built-in backup program "stinks" because for the vast majority of users, it works fine. But clearly, it is as it is intended to be - a "basic" backup program. And while a basic program is more than most users need - and certainly MUCH BETTER than nothing, there are several, more advanced programs available for those wishing for something more.

If me, I would try that external drive on another machine. There are certainly more reported issues of external drive problems than there are with Windows Backup. I might consider reformatting the external drive (after ensuring a good backup is still available) and starting over with it.

I will try on another machine that also runs Win 7 if it still doesn't work and as I have a Carbonite cloud backup, I will do a new System image to DVD and format the HD as you suggest. I will report results.

 

[TrainableMan]

I can assure you there is nothing wrong with my back-up drive and after several weeks of doing just fine Windows Back-up just stopped functioning properly (one week it finished in 30 minutes and then the next it ran over 24 hours until I finally killed it) and I, too, had lots of free space. I deleted all the back-ups and it worked a couple weeks before it ran non-stop again.

IMO Windows Back-up is a piece of garbage software. Sure you should scan the HD for issues but I would just find a new back-up software not totally format your HD and loose everything. I believe it far more likely it is the software than your HD.

My hunch is that Windows back-up needs far more freespace then it should and will swallow the whole HD and try to keep going. And it is so poorly written that it doesn't even stop with a message it needs more space, instead it goes into an infinite loop of some sort.

 

[macnab]

I use FreeFileSync. Clean the backup drive first. Copy the whole source drive over before first use. I know it takes time with USB! Then use FreeFileSync in Mirror mode. It makes the backup disk look exactly like the source drive. Deletes files you have deleted, adds new files, updates modified files.

 

[Eugine]

The Windows 7 64 bit blue screen error is closely related with your system registry. System Registry contains very sensitive information for the working of your computer. Any junk entries or outdated entries in the registry may result in severe problem. To avoid these problems you need to fix and clean the junk and outdated information in the registry.http://www.outertech.com/en/how-to-speed-up-your-computer

 

[TrainableMan]

Blus screens can be related to registry problems but not usually. The most common causes are a virus or driver issues. And if it is a registry problem then it is highly unlikely a registry cleaning utility could fix it.

If you want to clean your registry, stick with proven freeware like ccleaner.

 

[Digerati]

Blus screens can be related to registry problems but not usually. The most common causes are a virus or driver issues. And if it is a registry problem then it is highly unlikely a registry cleaning utility could fix it.

If you want to clean your registry, stick with proven freeware like ccleaner.

I agree with this and not the previous comment that junk or outdated Registry entries result in severe problems. Junk entries are typically ignored and I have no clue was an "outdated" entry is, but entries that don't reflect current status don't suddenly cause new problems either.

Also, I concur with the comment about CCleaner (the only Registry cleaner I trust) but a cleaner should never be used to fix a broken computer - IMO, only to maintain a computer in good order.

In ANY case, always backup the Registry first.

 

[BearPup]

As long as people are putting forward free backup software, I'll put in my 2 cents for EaseUS Todo Backup Free Edition. Download from here: http://download.cnet.com/EaseUS-Todo-Backup-Free/3000-2242_4-10964460.html?tag=mncol;1 . Besides doing backups, its also my go to cloning software for replicating my system drive. Works flawlessly for both functions.

Let me know if this helps you out.

Regards,
BearPup

 

[TrainableMan]

Bearpup, I also copied your post to our Freeware suggestion thread and if we get someone to second your recommendation I would be happy to add it to our Freeware DB.

 

[Digerati]

and if we get someone to second your recommendation

I can't second the recommendation for that product, but I can for the company that makes it as EASEUS Partition Master Home Edition – formally Partition Magic is an excellent product too.

 

[TrainableMan]

Yep, Partition Master is already in the Freeware DB

 

[BearPup]

I agree as well, EaseUS Partition Master is my partitioning / formatting software. Their Todo Backup software is the same high quality.