Overview:

After completing hardware upgrades, OS migration, and system optimization, I implemented a backup and recovery strategy to safeguard the newly configured Windows environment. Using Macrium Reflect Free, I created a bootable recovery media and a full system image to ensure fast, reliable recovery in case of system failure, corruption, or hardware issues.

This project focused on establishing a foundation for disaster recovery and long-term system resilience.

Tools Used:

• Macrium Reflect Free Edition

• 16GB USB Flash Drive (for recovery media)

• Secondary 500GB NVMe SSD (for storing system image)

Steps Performed:

1. Installed Macrium Reflect and Configured Recovery Media

• Downloaded and installed Macrium Reflect Free.

• Launched the Rescue Media Wizard and selected:

• Windows RE as the recovery environment base.

• USB flash drive as the target for bootable media.

• Allowed Macrium to detect and include necessary drivers (e.g., NVMe, USB controllers).

• Configured for UEFI boot compatibility.

• Created and labeled the recovery USB (Macrium Rescue).

2. Tested Recovery Media Functionality

• Rebooted system and accessed BIOS boot menu (F12).

• Successfully booted into the Macrium Reflect Recovery Environment.

• Verified:

• Both SSDs detected by recovery environment.

• Key recovery tools available (e.g., Restore Image, Fix Boot Problems).

• Exited recovery environment and rebooted into Windows 11 without issue.

3. Created Full System Image Backup

• Launched Macrium Reflect and selected:

• Primary 500GB Crucial SSD as source (Windows OS, boot partitions).

• Secondary 500GB Crucial SSD as destination.

• Created dedicated folder:
  D:\System_Backups\Acer_FullBackup_Apr2025

• Verified backup settings:

• Compression: Enabled (default)

• Automatic verification: Enabled

• No encryption (local backup)

• Initiated one-time manual system image backup.

• Monitored process (~30-40 minutes).

• Confirmed successful backup and passed verification check.

• Documented backup location and ensured recovery process was understood.

Result:

• A complete disaster recovery solution was implemented:

• Bootable USB rescue media tested and validated.

• Full system image securely stored on secondary SSD.

• The system is now protected against OS corruption, drive failure, or critical errors, allowing for rapid recovery using Macrium Reflect tools.

• Established a best-practice workflow for future backup maintenance.