Backup and Restore

I am using W7 Home Premium on 64 bit desktop and have just decided to use the Windows Backup and Restore. I have a Seagate FreeAgent 500 exterior drive
that is correctly plugged into a USB port in the tower.
I have twice attempted a backup after formatting the 'F' drive, [Seagate] with the same result :- A thick red vertical bar and the message "Check your backup. The last backup did not complete successfully ". I am also shown the amount of
free space the 'New Volume (F' has left. All I did to start the backup process was to click on the 'Back up now' button.
If anyone is kind enough to offer a solution to my problem, could I please have it as a 'click by click' process. I am 79 years old and have recently started using a computer.
Thank you.

 

Hi pots,

Try here for info:
http://www.which.co.uk/technology/c...covery-and-backup-guide/windows-7-backup-faq/
And here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/back-up-your-files
And finally here:
http://www.seniorsguidetocomputers.com/backup.asp
mickzer.

 

Thank you Mickzer for the links you sent on how to backup.
I obviously hadn't made myself clear enough in my original thread. I can see the mechanics of how to back up, on my own computer. It's the fact that the mechanics do not work on my computer that is my problem.
Basically, what I'm after is a way, if possible, to correct the mechanics of my computer. I'm aware that clicking on 'backup now' starts the process, but the process continually fails me. That's why I asked for help.
Thank you once again.

 

Hi again pots,
Sorry, I thought you wanted a guide to using Windows Backup.Clearly you don't.
I don't use windows backup myself .I usually just copy and paste.However I once used Karens Replicator and I found it easy to use (And it's free) You can download it here:http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp#Download
I hope this helps. If not I hope someone that knows more about Windows Backup comes along.

mickzer.