How to Back Up Windows 7

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Windows 7 features a built-in backup program called Backup and Restore that allows you to back up and save all personal data on your computer to a DVD, CD, or external hard drive. The backup program in Windows 7 saves image backups, file backups, and even backs up files automatically to save the latest versions of your documents. You can also use third-party backup software or an online cloud storage service to back up your Windows 7 computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Backup and Restore

PDF download Download Article
  1. ”
  2. ”
    Advertisement
  3. Microsoft recommends storing backups on hard disks separate from Windows 7, such as a CD, DVD, or external hard disk. [1]
    • Insert the device to which you want your backup saved, click on “Refresh” in the Backup and Restore window, then select your storage device.
  4. This will allow you to choose the items you want backed up on a regular basis.
    • Alternately, you can select “Let Windows choose.” If you select this option, Windows will not back up Program Files, items formatted with the FAT file system, items in the Recycle Bin, or temp files larger than one gigabyte.
  5. ” You can save photos, documents, music, contacts, favorites, and more.
  6. ”
    • Click on “Change schedule” if you want Windows to automatically back up your data on a schedule you specify. Otherwise, Windows will back up your data once per month by default on the date specified.
  7. The process may take up to several minutes to complete, based on the amount of data you want backed up. A progress bar will display on-screen to indicate the status of the backup. When the backup is complete, your backup folders and media storage will display in Windows Explorer.
  8. Your Windows 7 files will now be backed up.
    • If you set up the Backup and Restore program to run on an automatic schedule, Windows will prompt you to insert the storage media at the time of the next scheduled backup. [2]
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Alternate Methods

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are numerous free backup programs available online that allow you to manually backup your Windows 7 data to an external device. Examples of free, reputable backup programs you can use are AOMEI Backupper , EaseUS Todo Backup Free , Redo Backup and Recovery , and Cobian Backup .
    • Launch the software program and select the external drive to which you want your data backed up.
    • Select the Windows 7 partition or drive you want backed up, then select the option to run the backup.
    • Eject the storage device from your computer, and store your backup media in a safe location.
  2. This backup method is ideal for users who have an ample amount of network bandwidth that can handle the amount of data they want backed up. In many cases, online cloud storage services will charge between $50 to $100 per year to back up all files on your Windows 7 computer. Examples of cloud storage services you can use are Google Drive, SkyDrive, iDrive, Carbonite, and Mozy. [3]
    3. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I install Windows 10 on my PC?
    R. R.
    Community Answer
    To install Windows 10, go to the Microsoft website, look up your serial number on your computer under products, go to downloads, and there should be a Windows 10 download link. Follow the guidelines to download it on your PC.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
  • Question
    Can I use a flash drive to back up photos?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can back up photos to a flash drive as long as your flash drive has enough storage to do this.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • When selecting files to back up, consider saving any files you won’t necessarily be able to re-create later on, such as electronic tax and business documents, artistic creations, and personal memorabilia. Movies, music, and other media files can often be downloaded or obtained again in the event of data loss.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Don’t back up your data to the C:/ drive or another local drive on your Windows 7 computer. In the event your computer malfunctions or becomes affected by a virus or malware, you may not be able to recover or access your backed up data.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Windows 7 may display one of the following errors when using Backup and Restore: 0x80070001, 0x81000037, or 0x80070003. These errors usually occur when you allow Windows to choose files for the backup, and you are trying to save files formatted with the FAT file system. Instead of allowing Windows to choose backup files, select the “Let me choose” option and select the data you want saved. [4]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0


      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Activate Windows 7 Without a Product Key
      How to
      Add Album Artwork to an .mp3 File on Windows
      How to
      Find Your Windows 7 Product Key: CMD, Registry & More
      How to
      Set Different Wallpapers on Dual Monitors on Windows
      How to
      Print Screen on Windows 7
      The Complete Guide to Installing Windows 7
      How to
      Reset Windows 7 Administrator Password
      How to
      Restore a Computer to Factory Settings in Windows 7
      How to
      Change the Language in Windows 7
      How to
      Control the Brightness of Your Computer With Windows 7
      How to
      Repair Windows 7
      How to
      Boot from USB in Windows 7
      How to
      Bypass Windows 7 Password
      How to
      Add and Remove Startup Programs in Windows 7
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fixing computer issues, check out our in-depth interview with Spike Baron .

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.pcworld.com/article/186997/win7_backup.html
      2. ↑ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/back-up-files#1TC=windows-7
      3. ↑ http://www.pcworld.com/article/2065126/the-absurdly-simple-guide-to-backing-up-your-pc.html
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/973455

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 65,545 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 6, 2016

        "Very clearly enumerated, step-wise."
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement