Version chain always creates full backup
I purchased ATI 2013 and have created backup jobs for each of my partitions. I did the first backup, which was a full one and it had a name like this:
m:\my backups\cdrive\CDrive_full_b1_s1_v1.tib
When I run the backup again, I was expecting a differential, but instead, it is creating a new backup called:
CDrive_full_b2_s1_v1
How do I get this to work correctly?
In addition, when using the predefined "Version Chain" backups, be sure to note the frequency the backup types should be set to.
From the manual:
"This backup scheme differs for disk backup and file backup types.
Disk backup version chain
At first the program creates the 1st full backup version. The version will be kept until you delete it manually. After that, according to the specified schedule (or when you run backup manually) the program creates: 1 full and 5 differential backup versions, then again 1 full and 5 differential backup versions and so on. The versions will be stored for 6 months. After the period the program analyzes if the oldest backup versions (except the 1st full version) may be deleted. It depends on the minimum number of versions (eight) and version chains consistency. The program deletes the oldest versions one by one after creating new versions with the same backup method (for example, the oldest differential version will be deleted after creation of the newest differential version). First of all the oldest differential versions will be deleted, then - the oldest full version.
Backup scheduler setting: monthly.
Result: you have monthly backup versions for the last 6 months plus the initial full backup version that may be kept for a longer period.
Required storage space: depends on the number of versions and their sizes.
File backup version chain
According to the specified schedule (or when you run backup manually) the program creates: 1 full and 6 incremental backup versions, then again 1 full and 6 incremental versions and so on. The versions will be stored for 1 month. After the period the program analyzes if the oldest backup versions may be deleted. It depends on the version chain consistency. To keep the consistency, the program deletes the oldest versions by chains "1 full + 6 incremental backup versions" after creating a new analogous version chain.
Backup scheduler setting: daily.
Result: you have backup versions for every day of the last month.
Required storage space: depends on the number of versions and their sizes."
ah, ok... what would be the advantage of keeping the first backup rather than removing it, considering this is a differential version scheme?
It is to give you another option for recovery if the newer full + differential backups become corrupted, or you are backing up a system that develops problems after the first backup was created (therefore, any subsequent backups would contain the problems as well) and you would like to recover your system from a known, good, point in time. You can delete this first full at any time without causing any issues with consolidation, since Acronis does not track the first backup in the chain when using this option.
I would encourage to spend some time at this link.
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/28705
The figures 11-full, 11-inc and 11-dif illustrates a couple examples which may be of interest.
If you have Windows 7 or 8, I would strongly encourage you to backup your entire disk--not just drive C. This is illustrated via figures 3-5.
Once, you have a backup which includes all your partitions, it is much easier to do a disk option restore or restore to a new or larger disk such as illustrated item 2 or 1 or 3 a t this link below. Item #6 shows how to create backups using the bootable media. The example is with 2010 but still applicable if you want backups without Windows being involved.
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/29618
James - thanks for that... makes it a lot easier to understand.
Grover - appreciate your super detailed attachments/links. I know this is getting off topic, but your statement about Windows 7 re: full disk backups. What would be the disadvantage of backing up C/System/Recovery partition as one, and the other data partitions separately? The way I always did it was restore my system drive/C Drive, etc, then repartitioned the drive and restored the other partitions. Maybe I am doing it wrong, but my two data partitions are the ones that change more often and so if I don't have to do a full backup each week on the entire drive...
John,
You do not indicate which verion of Windows you are using?
As you know, no one size can fit all. User needs to make adjustments to the recommendation if the recommendation is not applicable.
Your procedure of restoring Drive C first would probably work in XP-Pro but would probably not be bootable in Windows 7--all controlled by the first partition if it happens to be a non-lettered partition or an active recovery partition.
There is nothing wrong in making individual backups of each partition but many who practice this procedure also retain at least one "dis option" backup for an emergency use. It is extremely important that you know or have a print out of your partition structure as illustrated via Windows Disk Management graphical view. When restoring, each partition needs to be restored in the same partition sequence with the appropriate beginning partition offset. If the user has a full "disk option" backup and does a "disk option" restore, all the partitions are automatically restored in the correct sequence with the correct beginning partition offset.
I would suggest that you supplement your backup procedure by adding a disk option backup and pointing the storage to a different disk (perhaps new additional) as an increased safety factor. If size of data is an issue, use the exclude feature to exclude large folders or files to keep the backup file size manageable while retaining the partition structure.
In the event, you needed to move to a new or larger disk, you could restore the "disk option" backup to restore the partition structure and if your backup was not current, then restore some of the individual backups in order to get yourself current. Just adjust your procedures so you have your data covered and yet able to get yourself going again with a new disk.
Too many users are not aware of the often multiple hidden partitions and make backups of only their system partition and any data partitions. It is the non-lettered partitions which can be a show stopper and require a Repair function using the Windows installation or Windows Recovery CD.
My suggestions is just that "a suggestion or recommendation" and not necessarily a custom recommendation to fit your exact needs. My suggestion of a "disk option" backup is one that offers protection for all but not the "one and only" method.
You may have an interest in item #2 or 1 or 3 at this link.
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/29618
Ah, OK... first, I appreciate your more than detailed responses. I am running a Lenovo laptop - it has a couple of hidden partitions, which I backup with the C Drive. So from that point of view, I should be set. I just ordered a new drive today so I am going to play with it and test out the restore. No better time to try a restore than when you don't need it :)
Ah, OK... first, I appreciate your more than detailed responses. I am running a Lenovo laptop - it has a couple of hidden partitions, which I backup with the C Drive. So from that point of view, I should be set. I just ordered a new drive today so I am going to play with it and test out the restore. No better time to try a restore than when you don't need it :)
Let us know how you make out, please.
John,
Which version of Windows are you using?
As you have Lenova laptop, it uses special disk geometry (or at least it has in the past ) which indicates that should you need or choose to replace your hard drive, the new drive must be installed inside the computer before the computer is restored (or cloned) and of course the TI Recovery bootable CD should be used when performing the restore (or clone) if restoring the system partition.
Your info can be found about the Lenova at index item #3-T. Click on the top line of my signature below to locate 3-T.