How do you make your system backup ?? if you are running the wbAdmin command .. yes is the answer to your question.

Win 8 is complicated. It has file history that will back up your files but not the programs.

It also has commands to run sort of a system backup that backs up your programs and settings.

It also has skydrive - that does part of your settings and further backup redundancy when combined with your windows login ?

Many people will probably want to install a backup program that also makes a system image. That along with the file history & maybe skydrive and you should be pretty much good to go for simplicity. Back up to a remote drive in case your drive dies.

This post was edited by mikie on Tue, Dec 10, 13 at 8:00

I definitely second the suggestion of installing a program that makes a system image, regardless of the OS you are using. There are several freebies that do a good job. Do some Googling and you'll find several. By saving to an external drive, you can start over, not losing most programs, and most importantly having the operating system for re-install, just in case of a catastrophe.

I HAVE a backup program...EaseToDo. My questions is whether a system backup backs up all my installed programs, files (documents), and email contact, messages? Is a system backup the same as an image backup and a clone backup? So if my Windows8 goes array, I can reinstall my system using my system backup to look like it was before the Windows issue.

I've done backups before but never understood what exactly gets backed up in a SYSTEM BACKUP (which is what I do)... versus an IMAGE BACKUP versus a FILE BACKUP.

You are asking about a specific backup program (that you didn't initially mention), didn't it come with instructions and help?

Most software has various capabilities. Does what you have do what you want to do? You're probably the best person to answer the question because you have it in front of you.

EaseUs ToDo .. Their system backup does basically the same function as a system image. Plus you can browse it to grab individual files or folders. Their system backup will re-write the entire boot and windows partitions including everything on it to the exact same state it was in when it was made..

It wont do you any good if you cant run windows in some normal manner to start the program unless you make their Emergency Repair Disc and/or perhaps enable their boot Pre/OS option.

However, the free version may or may not restore to a new replacement hard drive. They reserve that option for the paid version.

This post was edited by mikie on Tue, Dec 10, 13 at 18:36

Yes, I have the paid version. Thanks all.

Also of interest

How to refresh, reset, or restore your PC
Applies to Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1

If you're having problems with your PC, you can try to refresh, reset, or restore it. Refreshing your PC reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files and settings. It also keeps the apps that came with your PC and the apps you installed from the Windows Store. Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows but deletes your files, settings, and apps "except for the apps that came with your PC. Restoring your PC is a way to undo recent system changes you've made.

Before you start to refresh or reset your PC

In most cases, once you start to refresh or reset your PC, itâÂÂll finish on its own. However, if Windows needs missing files, youâÂÂll be asked to insert recovery media, which is typically on a DVD disc or thumb drive. If that happens, what youâÂÂll need depends on your PC.

If your PC came with Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, youâÂÂll need the discs or thumb drive that came with your PC. Check the info that came with your PC to see if your PC manufacturer provided these discs or media. In some cases, you might have created them when you first set up your PC.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc