Bare Metal Backup and Restore Windows 10 Tutorial | Your Comprehensive Guide Right Here

Introduction

Bare metal recovery ensures a secure and thorough restoration for those concerned with completely eradicating any traces of a virus or ransomware. By cleansing the system and recovering a clean image, any possibility of leaving behind protected or encrypted files is eliminated.

A malfunctioning server or computer can be revived through the process known as bare metal restore. This multi-step approach involves restoring a backed-up recovery point to completely rebuild a protected server on new hardware. It is also referred to as bare metal recovery (BMR). The process includes reinstalling the operating system, applications, and then restoring the user's data and configurations.

No one likes to think about their entire network suffering a catastrophic failure, but bare metal restore is often the only option if it does.

A bare metal restoration means starting from square one on a bare-bones computer to reproduce a specific computer setup or instance. It's often used when you need an exact replica of a system after a disaster strikes.

In this article, we have discussed the process of working with bare metal backup and restore, including its advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, it outlines the methods to carry out the procedure.

What is Bare Metal Backup and Restore (BMR) in Windows 10? Bare Metal Restore (BMR) is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to backup and restore your entire system, including the operating system, applications, settings, and data, directly from a backup image. This process is called a "bare metal" backup because it can be used to recover your computer from a bare-metal state, meaning without an operating system or any software installed. In the event of a catastrophic failure, such as a hard drive crash or malware attack, BMR enables you to restore your system to its original configuration, effectively bypassing the need for a fresh installation of Windows. The backup typically includes system files, the boot sector, the partition table, and all user data. To perform a BMR in Windows 10, you would typically use the built-in backup utility, such as File History or the more advanced System Image Backup. These tools create an image of your system at a specific point in time, which can then be saved to an external storage device like a hard drive, USB drive, or network location. When it's time to restore, you would boot from a recovery media, such as a Windows installation disc or USB, and use the appropriate tool to select the BMR image and initiate the restoration process. After the restore is complete, your computer should be back to its pre-disaster state, with all the same programs, settings, and data intact. It's important to note that BMR requires careful planning and regular backups to ensure you have a recent and reliable image of your system. It's also crucial to test the restore process periodically to confirm that everything works correctly in case of an actual emergency.

In this section, we will delve into the precise definition of BMR, its advantages and disadvantages, and the process of bare metal backup.

Definition:

A bare-metal restore is a data recovery procedure where a computer is rebuilt on a new system, typically following a severe failure. It is also referred to as bare-metal recovery or bare-metal backup. The phrase "bare metal" describes a computer that lacks an operating system (OS) or any other software. In this context, "bare metal" pertains to the new system onto which the computer is being restored.

Benefits - When to Use BMR in Windows

• Windows operating system hard drive failure or corruption.

• Windows system crashes.

The virus infects, or ransomware attacks, the operating system (OS).

When you need safe recovery.

How Does Bare Metal Backup/Recovery Work? Bare metal backup/recovery is a process that involves creating a complete, system-level backup of an operating system, including all the applications, drivers, configurations, and data, without requiring any pre-existing software or an installed operating system on the target machine. This type of backup allows you to restore your entire system directly onto a bare metal environment, i.e., a new or freshly formatted hard drive, with no additional setup required. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how it works: 1. **Backup Creation:** - The first step is to choose a bare metal backup software solution, which will handle the entire process. - The software scans and captures the entire system state, including the OS, applications, system settings, and data files. - This process often involves sector-by-sector copying, ensuring that even the smallest details are captured. 2. **Image Creation:** - The scanned data is then compiled into a single, compressed image file, which is stored on a secure location, such as an external hard drive, network storage, or cloud-based backup service. - This image file contains all the necessary information to recreate the original system on a different hardware environment. 3. **Backup Storage and Management:** - The backup image is maintained and managed by the backup software, ensuring its integrity and enabling versioning if needed. - It's essential to keep the backup up to date by scheduling regular backups. 4. **Recovery Process:** - In the event of a system failure, hardware crash, or other disaster, the bare metal recovery process begins. - Connect the backup storage device to the target machine, which could be a new computer or one with a freshly formatted hard drive. - Boot from a recovery media provided by the backup software, usually a CD, DVD, or USB drive. - The recovery tool will then load the necessary drivers and components to initialize the target hardware. 5. **System Restoration:** - The backup software will recognize the bare metal environment and initiate the restore process. - It deploys the backup image onto the new hardware, configuring it to work with the different hardware components automatically. - Once the restoration is complete, the system should boot up as if it were the original, with all applications, settings, and data intact. Bare metal backup/recovery is particularly useful for businesses and organizations that need rapid disaster recovery, as it can significantly reduce downtime and minimize data loss.

Restore

If you've experienced a catastrophic failure and all other recovery efforts have been unsuccessful, it might be time to consider bare metal recovery. In such situations, your internal team or external data recovery experts might be engaged to examine the incident and evaluate the extent of the damage. To perform a basic bare metal restore, the hardware must be set up identically to the original computer's hardware. The user would insert a disk containing a system image into the bare metal device, which acts as the backup recovery point.

Bare metal disaster recovery is the final resort when all other options have proven unsuccessful. The decision on when to resort to this option will depend on:

The amount of damage dealt by your systems

Type of the damage

The overall chance of recovery

• How long the troubleshooting process might take, and whether to begin with less time-intensive options

Backup Translation: Backup

It backs up all data, excluding user data, on vital volumes, encompassing operating system files. A System State backup is inherently part of a Bare Metal Recovery (BMR) backup. It safeguards against the need to recover everything should a machine fail to start.

A bare metal backup is necessary before executing a bare metal restoration of Windows 10/11/8/7 or Windows Servers using built-in utilities. If you have already created one on this computer, that's excellent.

If not, or if you're using a new hard drive or computer, you might need to create the backup on a different functioning computer that uses the same boot mode (Legacy/UEFI).

Figure: Bare Metal Backup

Pros and Cons

How to Perform Bare Metal Backup and Recovery on Windows 10 [Step-by-Step Guide]

To perform bare metal recovery backups using built-in tools, you must boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Here's a step-by-step guide using Windows 10 as an example: 1. **Access WinRE:** - Restart your computer and as it starts up, press the appropriate key (usually F8 or F12, depending on your system) to enter the Boot Menu. - Select "Troubleshoot" from the Advanced Options. 2. **Choose Recovery Options:** - In the Troubleshoot screen, choose "Advanced options". - From the advanced options menu, select "Command Prompt." 3. **Take Ownership of System Files (Optional):** - If needed, take ownership of the system files to ensure you have the necessary permissions for backup. Run the following commands: ``` takeown /f C:\ /r icacls C:\ /grant Administrators:F /t ``` 4. **Create a Backup:** - To create a system image backup, run the following command: ``` wbadmin start systemstatebackup -backupTarget:D: -include:C: -allCritical -quiet ``` - Replace "D:" with the drive letter of the external drive where you want to save the backup. 5. **Wait for Backup Completion:** - The backup process may take some time, depending on the size of your system files. Wait until it completes. 6. **Verify Backup:** - Once the backup is done, you can verify its integrity with: ``` wbadmin get versions -v ``` 7. **Exit WinRE:** - Close the Command Prompt and select "Continue" to exit the Windows Recovery Environment. Remember that this process creates a system state backup, which includes critical system files, active system partitions, and the registry. It's essential to keep this backup safe, as it can be used for bare metal recovery in case of a major system failure.

What You'll Need: To perform a "bare metal" backup of the system to an external USB device using Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system without relying on a third-party program, you will need to utilize the built-in Backup and Restore tool.

Which Tool to Use for Bare Metal Backup & Restore on Windows 10?

There are three potential approaches to perform bare metal backup and restore on Windows 10: 1. Using Built-in Tools: Windows 10 includes a feature called "System Image Backup" that allows you to create a complete backup of your system, including the operating system, installed apps, settings, and files. To do this, you can access the "Backup and Restore" option in the Control Panel, create a system image, and save it to an external storage device. In case of a disaster, you can then use the "System Image Recovery" tool to restore your system to its previous state. 2. Third-Party Backup Software: Various third-party backup applications like Acronis True Image, tools Todo Backup, or Macrium Reflect offer bare metal backup capabilities for Windows 10. These tools often provide more advanced features, such as scheduling backups, incremental or differential backups, and even cloud storage options. They simplify the backup process and offer an intuitive interface for restoring your system in case of a failure. 3. Windows Deployment Services (WDS): If you're managing multiple Windows 10 machines in a corporate environment, you might consider using Windows Deployment Services. WDS allows you to create and store images of your system, which can then be deployed onto new or restored onto existing hardware. This solution requires a server infrastructure and is more suitable for IT professionals dealing with large-scale deployments. Remember to always test your backup and recovery processes to ensure they work as expected before relying on them in an emergency situation.

1. Windows Backup and Restore Utility This is a built-in tool in Microsoft Windows operating systems that allows users to create backups of their important files, system settings, and entire hard drives. It also provides the functionality to restore these backups in case of data loss or system failure. The utility aims to ensure data safety and facilitate easy recovery from unforeseen issues.

Locate the backups you created using earlier versions of Windows.

In Windows versions prior to 10, if you use Backup and Restore to back up your files or create system image backups, you can still access your previous backup. To do this, go to the Control Panel, then click on System and Security. From there, select Backup and Restore, and it will guide you through the process.

2. Bare Metal Backup Software - Todo Backup Tools

You can create individual backups of entire hard drives, along with specific directories and data, using the software tool Todo Backup. Drives or hard disk partitions, external storage devices, network drives, cloud services (like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive), CDs, and DVDs can all serve as storage destinations.

Todo Backup Tools manages both incremental and differential backups. Furthermore, it allows you to create an emergency CD, compress data to save space, encrypt data for security, and use a scheduler for automated backups. It supports hard disks up to 16 terabytes in size.

3. CMD

Let's start by running the "wbadmin start backup bare metal" command. You can execute this command line by opening a Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this, type "cmd" and select "Run as administrator." Here's the full syntax:

Please note that the Windows Wbadmin tool only supports volumes formatted with the NTFS file system. The full command for performing a complete bare metal backup in Windows 11/10/8/7 is as follows: wbadmin start backup -include:C: -backupTarget:E: -systemstate -quiet -vssfull For Windows Server, the full syntax for a bare metal backup is: wbadmin start backup -allcritical -systemstate -backuptarget:E: -quiet -vssfull In both commands, replace "E:" with the actual drive letter of your backup destination, and "C:" with the system drive if different from the default. The "-quiet" parameter ensures the operation runs silently without user interaction, while "-vssfull" indicates a full Volume Shadow Copy Service backup.

Todo Backup is user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to use. Meanwhile, experienced users can utilize the Windows backup and restore utility.

How to Create a Bare Metal Backup on Windows 10?

There are two methods to create a bare-metal backup on Windows 10. You can choose either one of these methods to create your backup.

Method 1: Using Backup & Restore

To use Windows Backup and Restore, follow these simple steps:

To Backup

Step 1. Go to Settings and click on "Update & Security."

Step 2. Click Backup.

Step 3. Click "Backup Now."

To Restore To restore means to bring something back to its original state or condition, whether it's an object, a system, or a previous time. It often implies repairing, rejuvenating, or revitalizing something that has been damaged, lost, or corrupted. This concept can be applied in various contexts such as conservation of historical buildings, recovery of a damaged ecosystem, or the reestablishment of a relationship.

Step 1. Search for "Restore" using the search bar.

Step 2. Click "Create."

Click "OK".

Step 3. Name your restore file and click "Create."

Step 4. Click "System Restore."

Click "System Restore".

Step 5. Click "Next."

Step 6. Select your file and click Finish.

Method 2: Using Bare Metal Backup Software - Todo Backup

Most users don't think about backing up their system image until their computer fails to start and their system collapses. System failures can occur due to virus attacks, hardware/software issues, or incorrect usage, leaving you with a malfunctioning PC. To avoid data loss and the troubles that come with system crashes, it's essential to create a system image beforehand. This way, you can quickly restore Windows 7, 8, and other operating systems to their original state.

Exceptional Windows backup imaging software, Todo Backup offers full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup options. Users can choose the backup type according to their needs. Additionally, it allows scheduling backups for daily, weekly, monthly, or annual intervals for your Windows system. It also features cloning and OS migration to SSD, along with various backup functions. The software is compatible with Windows 10. Download it now to secure your files.

Step 1. To start a backup, click the Select backup contents option.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click File.

Step 3. On the left, both local and network files will be displayed. You can expand the directory to select the backup files.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts and select a location to save the backup.

Click Options to encrypt the backup with a password in Backup Options, then click Backup Scheme to set the backup schedule and initiate the backup at a specific event. You can also select additional options to customize the backup process according to your needs.

Step 5. The backup can be stored on a local disk, the tool's online service, or a NAS device.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows customers to back up data to a third-party cloud drive as well as its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a cloud drive provided by a third party, select Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and then add and log in to your account.

You can also opt for the Tools cloud drive. Sign up for a Tools Account, and then click on Tools Cloud to log in.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to initiate the backup process. Once completed, the backup job will appear as a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click the backup job to manage it further.

How to Perform Bare Metal Recovery on a New PC? Performing a bare metal recovery on a new PC involves restoring a complete system image or backup onto a computer with no existing operating system or software. This process is typically used when you need to recover from a catastrophic failure, or you want to start with a completely fresh setup. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. **Backup Preparation**: Before beginning the recovery process, ensure that you have a recent and valid backup of your system. This backup should include the operating system, applications, drivers, and personal files. 2. **Required Tools**: You'll need the following: - A bootable media: This can be a CD, DVD, USB drive, or an external hard drive containing the backup software or system recovery tools. - The system backup image: This is the file or set of files that contain your system's data. - A new PC with no operating system installed. 3. **Boot from the Recovery Media**: Insert the bootable media into your new PC and restart it. Depending on your PC's BIOS or UEFI settings, you may need to press a specific key (like F12, F2, or DEL) during startup to access the Boot Menu and select the bootable media. 4. **Start the Backup Software**: Follow the on-screen instructions to launch the backup or recovery software. This might vary depending on whether you're using Windows' built-in tools, third-party software like Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost, or a manufacturer-specific recovery solution. 5. **Select the Recovery Option**: In the software, look for an option like "Bare Metal Restore," "System Recovery," or "Disk Restore." Choose this option to proceed. 6. **Select the Target Disk**: The software will prompt you to choose the target disk where you want to restore the system. Make sure you select the correct disk, as this process will overwrite all existing data. 7. **Begin the Restoration Process**: Confirm your selections and initiate the restore process. This could take some time, depending on the size of the backup and the speed of your hardware. 8. **Post-Installation Tasks**: Once the restoration is complete, you may need to perform additional setup tasks, such as activating the operating system, installing updates, and configuring drivers specific to your new hardware. 9. **Recover Personal Files**: If your backup included user files, you'll need to restore them manually after the system is up and running. Locate the backup files and copy them to their respective folders on your new PC. Remember that bare metal recovery can be a complex process, so it's essential to double-check your steps and ensure you have a reliable backup before proceeding.

If you're seeking guidance on how to perform bare metal recovery on a new PC, you can adhere to the recovery process outlined below. This section presents two methods for your reference:

Method 1: Perform MBR-Bare Metal Recovery on Windows 10

You must ensure that both the source machine and the target computer utilize the same boot mode, whether it be Legacy or UEFI, even though Windows' bare-metal backup and recovery do not necessitate a prior operating system or software. Failure to do so will result in the error message "System image restore fails due to EFI/BIOS."

Older computers typically utilize Legacy mode and have MBR (Master Boot Record) partitions on their system disks. In contrast, more contemporary systems employ UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) mode and utilize GPT (GUID Partition Table) partitions on their system disks.

Thus, you should enter BIOS to ensure the boot mode is identical or modify it prior to executing the Windows 10 bare metal restore. If you alter the boot mode, it's necessary to also adjust the partitioning scheme of the system disk.

Aside from the boot mode and partition style considerations, you need to take into account the storage capacity of the target disk, which should be equal to or greater than the original disk. Furthermore, the destination disk must be formatted using the NTFS file system.

The following methods can facilitate bare metal recovery on a different computer. You will require a USB drive or installation CD for this purpose. If you don't have one, you can create one initially using the Windows 10 Recovery Drive or the Media Creation Tool.

Step 1. Start the PC that needs recovery from a USB device or Windows installation disc.

Step 2. Choose your language and keyboard on the Windows Setup screen, and then click System Image Recovery.

Step 3. Access the advanced options next.

Step 3. Choose Startup Repair.

Step 4. Click Troubleshoot.

Step 5. Select your account and enter your password.

Step 6. Type the commands and press Y.

Method 2: Restore Windows Backup to a New Computer using Todo Backup Tool

Todo Backup is designed to backup Windows systems, restore images to hardware with different motherboards, processors, or mass storage devices, and ensure that the server or workstation can boot normally after the operating system has been restored or deployed.

Before starting, keep the following advice in mind:

It's also essential to back up or duplicate your crucial data to an external storage device.

The initial step in migrating and restoring a Windows system image to a new computer is to create a system backup.

The process is user-friendly. Download it now and restore your Windows backup to the new computer.

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup, and click "Browse to Recover".

Step 2. Navigate to your backup destination and select the backup file you wish to restore. (Backup files created by Todo Backup tools are saved with a .pbd extension.)

Step 3. Select the recovery location. You can choose to recover data to a specific location or back to its original location.

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to start the recovery process.

What Else Can You Do with Todo Backup Tools?

Some features of Todo Backup are as follows:

• Backup Windows Operating System

• Backup files and folders

• Backup partitions

• Backup content to the cloud

System Backup and Recovery

Download it and enjoy these features on your PC.

To conclude

This article guides you through performing a bare metal backup and restore process on Windows 10. It includes an overview of the advantages and disadvantages, along with suggestions for various methods to accomplish bare metal backup and restore tasks.

Among these methods, we recommend using the tool Todo Backup. It is the simplest and best software for backup and restoration. It facilitates restoring images to hardware with various motherboards, processors, or mass storage devices.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bare Metal Backup - You Might Also Want to Know

If you still have doubts, then read the answers below to get an overview of the content:

1. What is Bare Metal Backup Software? Bare Metal Backup Software is a type of backup solution that creates a full, system-level image of an operating system, including all apps, settings, and data, without needing an operating system pre-installed on the destination device. This lets you restore the whole system directly onto a bare metal server, which is computer hardware without an OS or any other software. In case of a disaster or system crash, this software enables fast recovery, making sure there's minimal downtime for businesses. It's especially helpful in situations where quick system restoration is vital, like in server farms, data centers, or large-scale IT operations.

A "Bare Metal Backup and Recovery" solution allows for the backup and restoration of an entire system's data, encompassing everything from files to applications and drivers, from one system to another. Acronis True Image is an excellent software tool for executing Bare Metal backups and Restores.

2. Does Windows 10 have a system image recovery and backup feature?

One feature notably missing from the new Windows 10 Settings menu is the System Image Backup tool. A system image allows you to comprehensively restore your computer, including all settings, in case of a catastrophic PC failure, as it creates an exact duplicate ("image") of a drive.

3. Bare Metal Backup vs. Full Backup: What's the Difference?

Without completely erasing your server or virtual machine, backups provide an efficient way to retrieve accurate data down to the file level. Instead of repeatedly performing manual tasks, a bare metal restore is an excellent method for copying a server configuration to multiple bare-metal servers.