Dec 03, 2020 • Filed to: Take Data Backup • Proven solutions
We all know how important it is to take a timely backup of our data files. Even though there are plenty of new ways to backup content, nothing can compare with the method of taking a backup of the hard disk via command prompt. It can be implemented even after a system crash, as it takes a backup of files via command prompt and not the Windows native interface.
While it is recommended to backup content on the cloud, users can always backup hard drive from command prompt directly. It is a secure way to backup your content, even when your system doesn't seem to function properly. It might seem a little tedious, but after following some easy steps, it can be done without much trouble. To help our readers do the same, we have come up with this comprehensive guide on how to the backup hard drive from the command prompt.
Wbadmin is the command-line utility that is majorly used to backup folders, files, system states, etc. on popular Windows versions (like Vista, 2008, 7, 8, 2012, and more). Besides taking a backup of your content, you can also use it to restore your backup afterward. It is a disk-based backup utility tool that is used to create a "bare metal" backup. This means the backup can be used to restore the operating system to the same or any other hardware.
The backup files that are created by Wbadmin utility are known as virtual hard disks, with the extension of.VHD. Though, it can also accompany some XML files as well. After opening the command prompt, you can simply provide the "Wbadmin /?" command. It will give you the following options:
Now when you are familiar with Wbadmin command-line utility, let's proceed and learn how to backup hard drive from the command prompt in two different ways.
In the first technique, we will boot the computer in command prompt to take its backup. As you know, the method can be used to backup content, even when the system is not functioning in the ideal state. Since we would be manually taking the backup, it will let us save selected content to a respective location. To backup hard drive from the command prompt, follow these steps:
While the above-stated method can let you directly send the files to a USB storage, this is a more time-consuming and extensive process. In this technique, we will backup hard drive from command prompt one step at a time via the xcopy command. Follow the above-mentioned steps to launch a command prompt from the system recovery option. Make sure that your external drive is connected to the system.
Repeat the same for all the files you wish to backup. Since it is a manual process, it might take a while, but it is a foolproof way to yield the desired result. However, there is another trouble-free and surefire way to help you win backup files or hard drive hands down, that is to backup hard drive with AOMEI Backupper Professional.
Backing up hard drive with command prompt is undoubtedly safe. Yet it is not so easy and personally since you have to backup all the files on a hard drive repeatedly and manually, which will take you a lot of time and energy. Things can be different if you utilize a data backup program, for example, AOMEI Backupper Professional. With the best data backup software, you can backup files, photos, audios, videos, and any other data to multiple data storage, such as a hard drive, external hard disk, computer, laptop, memory card, Cloud, NAS drive, and so on. Besides, it allows you to take backups of the whole hard drive, partition, and system. More surprisingly, automatic and incremental backups can be scheduled on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. If you do not want to spend lots of time to keep backing up files, AOMEI Backupper Professional can help you free from the cumbersome jobs.
Making copies of hard drives and files can be a snap if AOMEI Backupper Professional is used. Now download this data backup software and follow the below stepwise guide to back up your hard drive at once.
Step 1 To backup hard drive with AOMEI Backupper Professional, you need to launch it and select "Disk Backup" under the "Backup" tab.
Step 2Next, you should select a hard drive you want to make copies of. Click "Select a disk you need to backup" and then add the specific hard disk.
Step 3Then, you need to choose a target location to store the backup hard drive. Click "Step 2" to open and select the destination path for backup storage.
Step 4Before starting the backup, you can schedule an automatic backup for this backup task. Tick the "Schedule" button and make some settings on the pop-up window.
Step 5Finally, click "Start Backup" to begin the hard drive backup process. Before that, you can configure this backup task, including editing the task name.
As you can see, backing up a hard drives can be done in 5 simple steps. With the help of AOMEI Backupper Professional, it is not a hard and painful job as you imagine.
If backing up hard drive with Command Prompt, you have to do it all by yourself every time although it is a safer way compared to Cloud backup. However, we recommend another secure and convenient way - backup files with data backup software. We are sure that AOMEI Backupper Software will come in handy to you on numerous occasions. It will let you backup your files and save your important data in an unforeseen situation.
Amy Dennis
staff Editor
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