Why is performing Backup / Restore so complicated?

It is not complicated.

What is complicated is organizing your system files and data files so that each can be managed for easy backup / restore.

Past generation computers had smaller storage media (Hard disk).  It was not possible to put so much data on them.  Today's storage media holds incredible amounts of data.  That huge amount of data requires:

• Extended time to back it up (or restore).
• Lots of media space

Our personal and business data is not so much

Data on your system consists of distinct parts. Most of it does not chang very often.  We don't want to back it up as often as our personal data.  That requires separation.  Consider these data types:

• Operating System (Windows for example)
• Program files
• Operating System updates
• Personal Data (Documents)
• Personal Data (Financial)
• Personal Data (Digital Images)
• Personal Data (Email and Address book)

Except for Digital Images, the personal data is insignificant as compared to all the rest.  By keeping it all in one data area (think Filing Cabinet), only that small piece needs to be backed up often.

Recomendations

Two hard drives are required for complete protection.  Hard drives can be "partitioned" to make you have more than one Drive Letter (C: D: E: etc.)

1. Data Area 1: System and Program files (Drive C:)
2. Data Area 2: Personal Data (Drive D:\My_Documents)
3. Data Area 3: Personal Data (Drive_D:\My_Pictures)
4. Data Area 4: Hard Drive 2 for backups and your sandbox.

I called it "recomendations" but in reality, there is no other cost efetive way to do it.  A 2nd hard drive can be put in all but the cheapest systems for $100.  The solution for the other systems is an external USB2 hard drive.

Carl