Storing the System Image File

[Usy]

Hi there,

I have been looking at buying an external hard drive for storing system images as well as backing up files.

But the question I have, is that does the external hard drive, have to be an actual 'hard drive' like a SATA internal hard drive positioned in an external bay, OR could the Windows System Image Wizard save the system image to any random portable hard drive like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Slimline-Portable-Hard-Drive/dp/B008PABFX8/.

Sorry if that the above question is a stupid question!

Also another thing, say for example I do a system image of a single internal hard drive, which has a max capacity of 500GB, but in fact only 80GB has been used on it, does this mean I will need to buy a external hard drive of atleast 500GB or atleast 80GB?

Thanks for reading this and any help is much appreciated!

Cheers.

 

[Snipergod87]

Question 1: It doesnt matter.
Q2: depending on how you image it. If it a direct clone you will need 500GB if it is an image file it will use at most 80GB (images tend to do some compression)

 

[Usy]

Question 1: It doesnt matter.
Q2: depending on how you image it. If it a direct clone you will need 500GB if it is an image file it will use at most 80GB (images tend to do some compression)

Thank you for your reply!

By 'image file' do you mean using Windows own software to create the System Image and also what would necessitate a 'direct clone'?. Can Windows do that for you, or a separate third party program?

Cheers.

 

[Snipergod87]

An image file would well be a single file (or a few smaller files) which create an image of your hard drive. I believe the built in Windows backup will only do an image file. (I use EaseUS for my own backups)

A direct clone would literally be a direct copy from your main hard drive to a second one, it would copy all of the 0's and 1's like that are on your main hard drive. This would allow the cloned hard drive to be used as a boot device (if connected via SATA), as opposed to using a DVD or flash drive to boot your system and restore the files.

I would honestly recommend the system image method, its faster and much simpler.

 

[Usy]

Cheers for the help! I was looking into the system image method anyways, but good to know extra info too