can someone tell me what's the difference between doing a system image or a backup? Which is better?

Basically a system image includes on the system programs and settings not your data. A backup is primarily a copy of your data. It not as clear as this, especially as you can include a system image when making a backup. but basically that is the difference. Which is better? You should really have both as without a system image you cannot get your Windows back without reinstalling. With out a backup you lose all your valuable data, possibly this is harder to recreate. G North MMI

Of what? The word backup should never be used without a specification of whats backed up. Renee

On Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:38:51 +0000, whatnext wrote: can someone tell me what's the difference between doing a system image or a backup? Which is better? A system image is a kind of backup. A plain backup usually just backs up data files, while a system image backs up everything on your drive. Which is better? It depends on you and how you work. If you lose the entire drive and have a system image, you can restore everything.But if only your data is backed up, you have to reinstall Windows. With a simple Windows installation, having to reinstall it may not be a hardship, but if it is complex, with lots of programs installed and lots of customization, an image would save you a lot of time. Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP