Windows 8 Backup Software
The Windows 8 Backup and Restore utility allows you to create and restore backups. Backups protect your data in the case of a system failure by storing the data on another medium, such as a hard disk, CD, DVD, or network location. If your original data is lost due to deletion, corruption, or media failure, you can restore the data using your saved backup.
To access Backup and Restore, type backup and restore in the Start menu’s search box or go to Start > Control Panel > System And Security > Backup And Restore.
Creating a Backup
To set up a backup, choose the Set Up Backup link to prompt a wizard that will take you through the process of creating a backup. The Backup wizard will first ask you for a location to save your backup. This location can be a CD, a DVD, a removable or fixed hard disk, or even a network location (if you have Windows 8 Premium or Ultimate).
You are then asked to either let Windows 8 choose the files and folders to back up or let you manually select the resources you want to back up. If you decide on manual selection, you can choose just the data libraries of Windows 8 for you as a user, or other users. You can also choose to create a backup of the Windows 8 systems files. If you want to choose other files and folders, you can select any resources individually on your hard disk(s).
On the last page of the wizard, you are able to view the items you have selected as well as setup a schedule for your backups to happen. If you are satisfied with the setup, click the button for Save Settings And Run Backup. The backup begins and if necessary, you are able to restore the resources in the future.
Using Advanced Backup Options
In the main backup and restore window, the options in the left pane include Turn Off Schedule, Create A System Image, and Create A System Repair Disc. Turn Off Schedule option lets you take your backup out of the current backup scheduling. Create A System Image allows you to back up critical operating system files for restoration later should your operating system become corrupted. Create A System Repair Disc lets you create a boot disc that will store a limited setup, repair utilities, and if necessary, the ability to restore your backup files.
