Backups and Restore Points

The Windows Vista documentation is confusing me. It seems to imply that
backups are created by me but restore points create "shadow" copies of
system files yet the changes I make to my files are included in these
"shadow files". Does anyone know where I can get a simple explanation of
what is included in backup files and what is included in shadow files and
just what the differences are?

Thanks in advance

Tyro

These are three separate function

*Backup* is an exact copy of those files you select to "backup" at
particular point of time. It is user initiated

*Shadow Copy* automatically creates point-in-time copies of files a
you work, so you can quickly and easily retrieve versions of a documen
you may have accidentally deleted. Shadow copy is automatically turne
on in Windows Vista and creates copies on a scheduled basis of file
that have changed. Since only incremental changes are saved, minima
disk space is used for shadow copies

*System Restore* is a component that allows for the rolling back o
system files, registry keys, installed programs, etc., to a previou
state in the event of malfunctioning or failure. System Restore is base
on shadow copy technology. The advantage of using shadow copy is tha
block-level changes in files located in any directory on the volume ca
be monitored and backed up regardless of their location
In System Restore, you may create a new -restore point- manually
rollback to an existing restore point, or change the System Restor
configuration. Moreover, the restore itself can be undone. Old restor
points are discarded in order to keep the volume's usage within th
specified amount. For many users, this can provide restore point
covering the past several weeks. Users concerned with performance o
space usage may also opt to disable System Restore entirely. File
stored on volumes not monitored by System Restore are never backed up o
restored
System Restore backs up system files of certain extensions (.exe
.dll, etc.) and saves them for later recovery and use. It also backs u
the registry and most drivers

Source

'System Restore - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Restore
'Explore the features: Shadow Copy
(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...adow-copy.aspx
'Back Up And Restore Files In Vista Part I ~ IT Professionals
(http://www.lockergnome.com/it/2008/0...-vista-part-i/

Hope that help

Nor

--
NormCamero

Richie Hardwick;919087 Wrote:
> On Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:52:09 -0600, NormCameron
> <> wrote:
> > > >
> > >*System Restore* is a component that allows for the rolling back of
> > >system files, registry keys, installed programs, etc., to a previous
> > >state in the event of malfunctioning or failure. > > Remove "installed programs" from that, and it's correct. System
> Restore ONLY keeps snapshots of system files/settings and does not
> keep track of installed programs or data.
>
> Wikipedia is not the best of sources.
>
> Richie Hardwick

I stand corrected. And yes I agree re: Wikpedia.

Norm


--
NormCameron