Backup Question...

Hi.

Windows 10 has achieved something no other OS has, it has caused me to want to start making backups.

I didn't backup before as there is nothing actually on my laptop I need to keep, it is all on the net, however I am fed up of having to reinstall all my apps and programs every time I need to reset windows.

So, please, what is the best tool, and what files/ folders do I need to select, to simply backup my programs/ apps and their settings?

I will be backing up to external hard drive and/ or cloud.

If you need more info just let me know.

Many thanks.

 

This should not be necessary. Three Win 10 systems here and no need ever to reset any of them. What is the problem that's causing you to have to do this?

There are several free system backup programs available but the one I prefer is Macrium Reflect which has the ability to create a system backup, i.e. a backup capable of recreating your Windows system from scratch, including all your installed software. You need a decent sized external hard disk to store the backups on.

 

Hi.

The problem is my external monitor constantly fails with Win 10 and what appears to fix it is resetting Win 10.

That said, recently even that has not helped, Win 10 simply does not recognise my external monitor any more.

This has been an issue since I first upgraded to 10 soon after it came out, some times monitor works, some times not.

I've updated drivers, rolled back drivers, rolled back win 10, swapped leads, mucked about in the BIOS, more or less everything but to no avail.

My next question would be will a system backup correct this problem, ie if I have a backup from when the monitor is working will reinstalling the backup make the monitor work again if it has stopped...?

 

I suggest you check whether the system manufacturer has a later graphics driver on the support section of their website. Problems with graphics drivers have been a real issue in Win 10.

 

Thank you Earthling.

I have today, again, downloaded and installed their support assistant which shows everything up to date. I have also browsed their site to no avail (HP).

I have to admit, I'm thinking of migrating over to Linux, but I know nothing about it.

I even disabled the ability of windows to update 3rd party drivers at a time my monitor was working, didn't help...

I'm open to any advise lol

 

Was this HP machine supplied with Win 10 or have you upgraded it from 7 or 8.1? If it has been upgraded your best course of action would be a clean install of 10 rather than a reset. The means to do so are readily available and there would be no issues with your product key. If it was supplied with 10 is it still in warranty?

 

Ok, all sensible advice.

Firstly, laptop was Win 7 when I first got it a few years back and is out of warranty. I want to add that the laptop is in tip top condition other than the problems I'm having, so there are no issues with it being a bit beaten up, it's not.

I'll try the clean install first,I've done it before but have reset it so often recently I'm not sure when the last clean install was and whether it solved the problem.

I'll download a backup program to a external drive and if the clean install works I'll take an image of it.

Thanks for giving me some direction.

Regarding Linux, I had it some years ago as a play thing, just wanted to try it. It was dual boot at the time but due to me knowing windows, and having 7 at the time, I never got to know it too well.

Sound advice and I will post back if I decide to go down that route, so thanks plodr.

If I don't post here in a couple of days or less I have beaten my laptop to death with the monitor and am reading a book.

 

FWIW has the monitor been tested on another Windows 10 laptop/desktop?
If not how can it be assumed that W 10 is at fault?

 

The monitor works via mini hdmi to hdmi via my daughters win 10 tablet.

 

Laptops and Desktops are my knowledge limit.....so...I can only presume that your tests confirm the monitor is working correctly.
However I'll leave it to those that know these things
As I said...for what it's worth.

 

It was a fair enough question, but the real proof would be whether the monitor was OK on the same laptop before it was upgraded from 7 to 10.

 

Didn't have the monitor at the time, but it has worked in the past on this laptops win 10 and only recently given up the ghost again (about 5 days ago). I'm currently working my way through all old compatible graphics drivers from the Intel website, of which there are around 13, but it is taking some time to do. So far I have done 2... The clean install didn't help btw, though the laptop is a bit quicker now This really is quite frustrating. Is there a way to run drivers in compatibility mode?

 

Unbelievable, it's just started working all by itself 5 mins ago. I don't know why.

 

Don't want to be a killjoy but don't be surprised if it goes off again. Might be a dodgy cable, or a dodgy port.

 

Indeed, very possible. I'm making a system image so if it's not working tomorrow I can bring that up and see. Not the end of the world if it is I guess.

 

Thank you David. The saga is not over, though this time it is starting to look like a hardware issue. Monitor failed again Friday so I reloaded my system image and... it still didn't work. Then it did, then it stopped, then my external hard drive became unrecognised on the USB port next to the HDMI port, then the Bluetooth connection for my wireless keyboard failed, and all 3 ports are next to each other. I'm taking it down to a shop Mon or Tue to see what can be done, but it is looking like I owe Win 10 an apology, this time anyway...