Operating System & Software Programs I'm not familiar with how external hard drives work. Does this backup the computer's operating system and the software programs, or just files?

Question

MizPo · Accepted Answer

Yes and no. You can backup all your personal files and some apps if you have the software's permission. However, it is almost impossible to fully backup a computer's operating system and all software programs that are on a computer even if you are tech savvy. The backup copy you are making are conditional on the particular computer. For example, if your computer crashes you can restore to default or restore a copy backed up on your computer. You cannot however restore the backup on a completely new computer.

So to answer your question more simply, Yes the Toshiba 1TB can backup your computer and your files. simply run the auto backup application on your computer and a backup file will be created. However if your computer crashes beyond repair your backup will be useless to you. It is a always a good idea to backup the computer and then go back and individually backup files and documents you created. The files, like those on your thumb drive, will last as long as you possess the Toshiba 1TB and can be retrieved on other computers with the conditions that exist on a computer backup.

egardina · Answer

This drive does come with NTI Backup Now EZ software installed on the drive. This program will allow you to either back up folders and files individually, or doe a complete backup (which includes the operating system, all programs, all data files, and computer settings).

So no the drive won't automatically back things up for you; but yes, it does come with pre-loaded software that enables you to back EVERYTHING up to the drive.

impledob · Answer

Normally when you do a back up you just back up files. now you can install a whole new copy of windows on your back up hard drive but that would involve getting another product key for windows activation and thats a little pricey.

Answered by impledob 10 years ago

venomdiealot · Answer

You cam use the ext hard drive exactly the same as your internal hard dive. Just make a dedicated folder.

neo05 · Answer

Yes you can back up your operating system with this drive also you can back up just about anything.

CommunityAnswer · Answer

This product can be used for either purpose.

“Operating System & Software Programs I'm not familiar with how external hard drives work. Does this backup the computer's operating system and the software programs, or just files?”

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