Should I include "System Reserved" partition in same .tib file as C: drive?
I need a reliable answer to a basic question. When I make a backup for a Windows 7 or 8 system, I will always see a "system reserved" partition, which is relatively small (usually between 100 and 500 Mb). To make the best possible backup, should I chose option 1, or option 2, below:
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OPTION 1: Check the box which will cause that partition to be included in the same "tib" file that I will use to back up my entire C:\ drive, which holds all my Windows software. If this is the right choice, it implies that the "Restore" routine will indeed be able to recognize that "system reserved" information, and will indeed restore it to its own separate partition, rather than to the C:\ partition.
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OPTION 2: Do >> NOT << check the "System reserved" box when making my C: drive backup, and instead, create a second .tib file which will be dedicated to only that System Reserved partition.
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Okay then -- which option should I choose?

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The simple answer here is yes. When desiring to make a backup copy of disk that will be capable of booting a system and running the OS then all partitions on the disk must be included in the same backup .tib file. The easiest way to do this is to choose the Disk Mode backup option from the Backup Disks and Partitions screen.
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All the partitions, even data partitions? I can't imagine this is true but if it is then I'm glad to learn it.
The main data partition, say where My Documents is stored, can be in a partition
- on the same disk as the hidden Reserved System partition and the Windows system partition or
- on a different disk.
So are you saying that
- in case 1. the data partition must be included but not in case 2. or that
- in both cases the data partition must be included
Thanks.
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Like I said the simple is yes. The not so simple answer is if you are adept at disk structure and comfortable with knowing which partitions are necessary for a successful boot of the machine then certain partitions such as pure data partitions can be omitted. Problem is not very many users are that knowledgeable. If you are one of those whom knows the difference then I wouldn't think you would be asking that here. Win 7 and Win 8 are quite different installs from what I have seen not to mention including newer devices using UEFI that complicate things even further.
In your 2 options suggested option 1 would be sufficient for a simple bootable restore where as option 2 would require more expertise in partition layout on disk to get a bootable restore.
Here is a good article covering Win 7 and 8 Reserve partitions, what they contain and how they are created and the functions they server as well as some do and don't recommendations.
http://www.howtogeek.com/192772/what-is-the-system-reserved-partition-a…
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