In the final part of our series, Jonathan Parkyn shows you how to back up all your data before installing the new operating system
Back up your files
To back up your files you’ll need a backup program and somewhere to store your backups. For most people this means an external drive of at least 500GB in size.
Windows 7 and 8/8.1 both come with built-in backup tools, but there are often compatibility problems between different Windows versions. Backups made in Windows 7 are not directly compatible with Windows 8.1, for example, and we expect similar problems when restoring older backups in Windows 10.
So it’s safer to use a third party backup tool, such as EaseUS Todo Backup Free (www.snipca.com/16844 - ignore the prompts to buy a licence). The latest version already supports Windows 10, as well as previous versions of Windows back to XP. Install and run the program before you upgrade, then click File Backup, choose what you want to back up and click Proceed.
Back up your entire system
Windows 7 and 8.1 include built in tools for saving a system image, a large backup file that contains your files, programs, settings and Windows itself (see the Microsoft website for more info: www.snipca.com/16942). With system image backups. there won't be any compatibility problems between Windows 7 or 8.1 and Windows 10.
In Windows 7, click Start, type backup and press Enter, then click ‘Create a system image’ on the left and follow the steps. You’ll need an external drive with enough free space to accommodate your local hard drive’s used space. You should also use the ‘Create a system repair disc’ option to make a DVD boot disc from which you can restore your system.
In Windows 8.1. type file history and click the File History link. In the window that opens, click the System Image Backup link in the bottom left hand comer and follow the steps. Click Start again and type recovery, then click 'Create a Recovery Drive’ to create a boot disc on a DVD or USB stick. Untick the option to copy the recovery partition, click Next and follow the instructions.
If you're using an older version of Windows you’ll need to use a third-party tool to make a system image backup. In EaseUS Todo Backup Free, click the System Backup option on the program’s main page and follow the steps. Once you’ve made your backup, click Tools, then Create Emergency Disk to make a bootable rescue DVD or USB stick.
WHY BACK UP BEFORE YOU UPGRADE?
Windows 10 will be easier to install than previous versions. If you're upgrading to Windows 10 from 7 or 8/8.1, the process only takes a few clicks using Windows Update, and should have minimal impact on your files and programs. It's much easier than the clean install you’ll have to do if you're upgrading from Windows XP, Vista or another operating system (OS).
So why should you bother backing up your data in Windows 7 or 8/8.1? It may seem unnecessary, but it’s still important because plenty can still go wrong. The Windows 10 installation process will rewrite key system files, so if it doesn't quite go to plan you could end up with a PC that won’t start, or with files you can no longer access.