Langmeier Backup

Security against data loss with Windows Backup

Hard disk installation

Data loss—especially when it comes to company data—can have far-reaching negative consequences, including loss of revenue or even bankruptcy. Data recovery is often extremely expensive, and there is no guarantee that all data can be restored.

Private users are also at risk. If you store personal documents and forget to back up your Windows 10 system, this data is usually lost forever.

In both cases, it is essential to prevent data loss in advance by regularly backing up both your data and your operating system with a reliable Windows backup solution.

Current threats such as WannaCry and other ransomware encrypt your data, making it inaccessible. We strongly recommend that you use robust Windows backup software. Data loss can also result from hard disk failures, hardware defects, or software errors. The risks are diverse and should not be underestimated.

To perform a data backup on Windows, you can choose from various methods and backup tools.

Windows Data Backup Intervals: Legal and Practical Considerations

It is crucial that data backups—such as those for Windows 10 or Windows 8—are performed at regular intervals to minimize potential damage.

The optimal backup frequency depends on the amount of data and how often it changes. Legal requirements must also be considered: for example, accounting data must be retained for 10 years by law. In such cases, a monthly Windows backup is the absolute minimum.

To avoid the need to recreate lost data, we recommend daily or weekly backups. Many companies opt for daily backups. Whether you are a private user or responsible for IT in your company, it is always better to back up regularly—using your Windows 10 backup software, for example—so you do not risk losing valuable data.

Manual backups are easy to forget, which can result in the loss of important documents. An automatic Windows backup is the solution. With Langmeier Backup, you can configure automatic data backups in many ways, so you no longer need to worry about your data—except for regular restore tests.

Langmeier Backup runs automatic backups in the background as a Windows service while your PC is running. No user needs to be logged in for the backup to take place.

Create a System Image: Data Backup for Windows 10 on an External Hard Drive

A system image is essentially a snapshot of your hard disk. This image is stored on an external storage device and can be restored to your original system if needed—using backup software for Windows 10, for example. With Langmeier Backup, creating such an image is straightforward.

Simply start the “Set up” wizard and add “Hard disk image.” Select the drive (usually C:\), click “Next,” and assign a name to your backup. Then, choose the storage location—such as a USB stick or network drive—where you want to save the image. Decide whether to encrypt the image, and click “Finish.” Detailed instructions for creating an image backup with Langmeier Backup can be found here.

Langmeier Backup supports all Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. No matter which version you use, backups are quick and easy.

Where Should You Store Your Backup Data?

Many users save their backup data to an internal drive. However, this is not sufficient, as the data remains on the same hard disk. If the disk fails, for example due to a crash, your data is lost despite having a Windows backup. In the event of a ransomware attack, backup data stored internally can also be encrypted and rendered unusable. Therefore, you should back up your Windows 10 data to an external hard drive and connect it only during the backup process. Ideally, you should back up to multiple external media and also to your personal cloud or a NAS.

The choice of backup medium depends on the type and volume of data. Companies, in particular, should consider encrypting backups to protect against unauthorized access. Cost is also a factor—this is one reason why tape backups remain attractive for many businesses. All these aspects should be considered when backing up Windows 10 data.

Data Backup on USB Sticks

For private users, backing up data to a USB stick is a simple solution. It is important to remove the USB stick from the device after the backup—whether it is a complete Windows 8 or 8.1 backup, for example. This ensures that your data is not damaged or encrypted in the event of a virus or ransomware attack.

Windows Backup on CDs, DVDs, or Blu-rays

Private users can also create a Windows 10 backup on a CD or DVD. However, this method is more time-consuming than using a USB stick. CDs and DVDs are prone to scratches and damage from sunlight, and managing large data volumes can be cumbersome. The time required for burning, labeling, and archiving is only worthwhile for small amounts of data.

Network Folders and USB Hard Drives

Backing up to network folders or USB hard drives allows you to quickly secure large amounts of data. With Langmeier Backup, you can select network folders as target locations, making it easy to back up to a dedicated storage server.

Data Backup to the Cloud

For private users, cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive are convenient options for creating a Windows 10 backup, as they can be accessed from any device. However, not every cloud storage service is suitable for sensitive data. The main issue is that, in many cases, data is stored outside Europe, often in the USA.

Read more here about which media will make your data backup a success.

Restoring Your Data

If you have created a Windows 10 backup and the hard disk partitions have changed or you have replaced the hard disk, you may be prompted to enter your Windows key again. Please ensure you have this key available. For pre-installed OEM versions, the Windows key is usually printed on a certificate attached to the bottom or back of your computer or laptop.

Restoring Windows on Another PC: Is It Possible?

Since a system image also saves the settings of the old PC, you cannot simply restore a Windows 7 backup to a new PC. Different drivers and settings would need to be installed, which can cause conflicts with the new hardware and the old operating system configuration. Therefore, only a data transfer is possible; the operating system itself must be set up anew.

If you create a Windows 7 backup and want to transfer it to a computer with a different operating system, you will encounter difficulties. Even if both devices use Windows 10, restoring a system image is not always straightforward due to differences in hardware configurations—such as graphics cards—since the operating system adapts to the drivers of the specific computer model.

However, files and documents backed up with Windows backup software—such as documents and photos—can always be restored. Creating a Windows 10 backup is therefore only recommended if you intend to restore it to the same device.

Recommended Backup Software for Windows

Given the potential damage caused by data loss, Langmeier Backup offers excellent value for money.

Langmeier Backup for Windows: Key Features

  • Creates disk images and backs up individual files
  • Stay independent: Restore your files without the software
  • Flexible usage: Works with or without administrator rights
  • Automatic backups with integrated scheduler
  • Support included: One year of free support from Switzerland
  • Simple backup and restore processes
  • Minimal effort for backing up contacts, emails, and internet favorites
  • 1:1 file backup—even active databases are no problem for Langmeier Backup

Why Langmeier Backup Is Superior to the Free Windows Backup Function

Backing up data to external hard drives and network servers requires flexible configuration options, which are not available in the standard Windows backup program.

Langmeier Backup offers a simple, intuitive process for creating Windows backups—such as a Windows 7 data backup—allowing you to select specific storage locations and files. The same applies to restoring files and data using a bootable emergency medium.

The free backup functions included with Windows have the disadvantage that backups are often stored on the same device. If the device fails, the data is lost. Backing up to external storage is more efficient and reliable with Langmeier Backup.

With the award-winning Langmeier Backup 9.1, creating a Windows backup is easy. You can also back up contacts, bookmarks, and emails quickly and efficiently. Instructions for Outlook can be found here and here for Thunderbird users. This ensures you are well protected against data loss from viruses and hardware failures!

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Technical support


Our solutions simplify the implementation of automation to reduce your workload and increase efficiency. This process is supported by our experienced support team, led by Michael König, who is always ready to help you with any concerns you may have.
 

Look it up further: Automatic data backup, Data Security, Data loss , Back up Windows, Hard disk image

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This article covers the topics:
Security against data loss
Data loss with Windows
Windows backup
The free Windows backup function