image time

It takes about 8 minutes to image my 40GB hard drive with either Acronis or Macrium.
Can I mathematically figure the time to backup a 1T hard drive or does it not work that way? Does 3 1/2 hours sound right? Same for validation?
I would like to know the time as I plan to upgrade.
I do not partition my drive as I like everything imaged.

 

The reason I had asked is because I inquired about the Win 7 imaging program and was told I have to image my entire hard drive. That led me to think as I did.
My new machine will have ample ram, hard drive and a good processor - if Santa is cooperative.
I now understand I am only imaging my system which may be just 40GB or so.
Thank you for the clarification.

 

My 2p

- You should partition your drive. Just have Windows and your installed software on the system partition, and put ALL your personal stuff on another partition or partitions. This enables you to image your system partition without padding it out with all your personal stuff, and more importantly it enables you to restore your system partition without overwriting all your personal files.

- An imaging program of any flavour is the least useful tool for backing up your personal files. Use a sync program such as SyncToy or Karen's Replicator. Fast, reliable, no proprietary file formats, and can run automatically.

- The Win 7 backup system ONLY images your system partition. You couldn't use it to image another partition even if you wanted to, though actually I can't think of any reason why you would want to. You cannot select a folder to backup to, as it will only backup to the root of another drive; you cannot restore individual files, only the complete image; and it's slowwwww :zzz
In short, if you have something like Acronis it isn't even worth considering.

 

I guess my next task is to learn partioning;I have heard Partion Magic is good for this. I'll be in the hospital again for all of next week but when I am on my feet I will investigate it.
Actually, my personal information is kept on two seperate flash drives and never in the computer. I only have the O.S. and programs on the drive.
I also need to study SyncToy + Karen's Replicator.
I was under the impression you could pick up a lost file with Win 7 imaging program but if you cannot I would not use it.
Once again I am grateful for the information.

 

So you NEVER use (My) Documents or any of its sub-folders?

Flash drives are not a very safe medium on which to keep your personal stuff peterr. Use them for temporary stuff only is my advice. Nothing compares with a modern hard disk for reliability imo,

and what will you fill that 1TB up with???? Win 7 and a collection of programs will be perfectly happy with 50GB. That's gonna leave 950GB spare :-D

 

:-o
I need to clarify;
I have a list of passwords etc. I call a data sheet which is kept on two separate flash drives in case one fails. This informaton is never kept in the pc.
I also have some pictures, about a dozen folders(budget etc.) and the computer tips like the ones you taught me on these drives. This material is also in MY Documents. Weekly, I image the hard drive and back up My Docs to the flash drives; I really need nothing incrementally backed up as nothing is that sensitive or important.
When I image, the o.s., programs and My Docs are imaged to the external hard drive.
Being retired, I do not need much sophistication but want to maintain a smooth and safe machine.
I image basicaly in case of disaster or a dropped file.
My needs are quite simple as you can see.
The numbers out there today are a lot more than I need, however, Lord willing, I may need to upgrade some day and will need the hardware to do so.
Whatever comes after Win 7 will need at least the same system requirements if not more.
Between M.S. service packs and updates and my security suite I need decent ram, cpu and hard drive room.
I touched my first pc at age 60 -a decade ago- and was a yellow pad man prior to that.
Besides you, I get help from my grand daughter.:wave