The ultimate Backup Guide

Have you ever suffered the crippling sensation of data loss? Found yourself having to reinstall Windows from scratch and realising just how many apps and settings have been lost? The importance of backups cannot be overstated, but does your current backup plan cover all the bases? Is it comprehensive, frequently updated, and spread across multiple locations?

In this feature, we reveal the best free tools for the job, from taking a fail-safe backup of entire hard drives to protecting multiple versions of your data files, so you can undo unwanted changes in addition to protecting the files themselves. We also recommend what to look for in backup devices, and how to safely store your files in the cloud without potentially exposing them to third parties.

Crucially, we step you through the process of backup and restoration, and reveal tools and tips to plug any remaining gaps in your armor. Are you ready to ensure you never suffer another data loss nightmare? Turn the page to get started… We’ve broken down the backup process into three key stages. First, you need to take a full, fail-safe drive image to protect everything on your system drive, from your Windows installation and programs to your app settings and any files on the drive. Then you should make a separate, independent backup of your personal data, those files and folders that are irreplaceable, from precious photos to crucial work documents. Finally, we help you securely back up files to your cloud storage while retaining full control of the encryption keys that protect them from unauthorised access.

Step 1: Take a full backup

Your first backup will be your most thorough: a byte-for-byte copy of your hard drive in the form of a drive image. This serves a multitude of purposes. Firstly, it’s comprehensive. Secondly, it provides you with a working copy of Windows, your programs, and – if everything’s on the same drive – your data, so you can