How to delete old backups?
I want to delete my backups from May 2013. I know I can't just delete in Windows Explorer.
The directions in the True Image Help don't seem right:
"To delete a specific backup version:
On the Backup and recovery tab, find the corresponding backup box and click the Recover button or click the gear icon and then click Recover files (in case of a disk backup).
In Backup explorer, right-click on the time line the version you want to delete, and then click Delete version."
Right-click does nothing in Browse for Backup.
Your screen shot does not look at all like my True Image 2013. Looks like 2012 which was much easier to use.
I do have automatic cleanup set to delete backups older than 60 days. However that isn't happening with 2013.
I often think of reverting to 2012.
I do have automatic cleanup set to delete backups older than 60 days. However that isn't happening with 2013.
Try creating a brand new task with your desired options. If you had edited the task at some point, that might account for the failure of the deletion rule.
I use ATI 2013 on a Win7 PC, and the automatic deletion works without issue.
I already tried creating a brand new task. Twice. But the backups that were made before 2013 was installed do not get deleted. Ever. And if I delete them with Explorer then every time a backup is run there is an endless series of popups about unable to find file.
I think I could solve this by completely uninstalling ATI 2013 with Revo but don't want to lose access to my backups.
Really what is needed is to rebuild the backup list but I have not succeeded in doing this.
What would you think about attempting to reinstall ATI 2010. That is what I had before and was completely happy with.
I already tried creating a brand new task. Twice. But the backups that were made before 2013 was installed do not get deleted. Ever.
Correct. The new task will manage only the backups that it created. It won't delete the other backups as they have nothing to do with the new task. We always recommend that each task backs up to a different folder, to help the user and ATI from getting confused.
You'll have to delete those old backups yourself, which you can do with Grover's instructions, or in the manual, by right-clicking the gear icon and choosing appropriate commands. (I think it's the gear icon, I don't have the program in front of me. Check Grover's instructions or the manual or various tutorials in the left margin of the forum>) In any case, deleting the backups from within the program will prevent ATI from checking them. You can also delete the old task if it's no longer needed.
2013 has its own folder for backups. But it gives me error popups about ones in other folders. I have to hit Cancel over and over. The gear icon has nothing helpful.
The GUI seems very awkward to me. And right now the program won't run at all.
To delete .tib archives but not delete task:
From inside the task, RIGHT CLICK on the RECOVER option and choose Recovery Files.
From the newly opened window, in upper left corner, click on the "disk and partitions" tab.
All your files should be listed along the bottom margin of the screen.
Right click on each file to be deleted and choose delete.
If you no longer use that task, delete it after deleting the backups.
cnmoore,
If I had your issues, I would be a frustrated user. However, I think we can help to resolve those issues and you have several.
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You wrote= "Your screen shot does not look at all like my True Image 2013. Looks like 2012 which was much easier to use."
comment: My sample link is current and showed the "disk and partition" view which selected in upper left corner of the Acronis Backup. Try opening your most current task so your view can match the view I am suggesting but with your listing of partition and backup data. Instruction on how to access listed in prior posting.
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You wrote= "2013 has its own folder for backups.
Comment: Backup folder is user adjustable. Backups can be placed in folders created by the user; or you can accept the default folder but put each task into its own sub-folder.
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You wrote:"I think I could solve this by completely uninstalling ATI 2013 with Revo but don't want to lose access to my backups."
Comment: Your *.tib backups are in your storage area. An uninstall would not cause their deletion. Your backups do not need to appear on the main screen. You have immediate access to their recovery anytime by using the "browse for backups" and "add to backup list" option. Really, the only backup tasks you want on your main screen is the few which you run on a regular basis either via a schedule or manually.
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You wrote:
I do have automatic cleanup set to delete backups older than 60 days. However that isn't happening with 2013. "
Comment: Using the time length option or the disk space option involves consolidation which can be lengthy and troublesome--both of which I avoid. This is why I suggested that you use the examples I listed in prior post. If you use the option (store no more than X recent version chains" does not involve consolidation but a simple create the new and delete the old feature. If interested in my recommendation,do take the time to read the text associated with each picture. This task eliminates the need for user deletion of old backups as the program will do its automatic cleanup effectively.
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Comment regarding your need to re-install
Yes, I believe you would benefit by uninstalling 2013 and additionally download and run the 2013 cleanup tool (signature link below). Then do a new install of 2013 with all new tasks. This would get rid of all the old tasks (but not their backups) and you could use Windows Explorer to delete any old backups you do you wish to keep.
During a re-install of 2013, be careful during the install phase to indicate you do NOT want the scan for old backups. As indicated above, the *.tib files are always accessible--even without listing on the main GUI.
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Comment:
Each time I upgrade to a new version. I uninstall the old and start fresh with a new. This helps me NOT to carry over any issues that I may have with the prior issue. Each task I create goes into its own custom named sub-folder so there is no mixing of backup files from other tasks.
When you have a few quiet moments, take the time to review signature link #2 below. I believe it would be beneficial.
Review this link before re-installing 2013.
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/31895
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Right now I'm going to have to reboot to get ATI to run. It evidently thinks it's already running.
I'll be back after that - really appreciate your help!
OK. Now everything is running extremely slowly.
When I click Disk and partition backup I don't get anything like the screen shot. I get a window for Configure disk backup process.
My gear icon doesn't have anything but 'View log' and 'Integrate TrueImage into Windows' and 'Customer experience program' and 'Timeout settings'.
I did use to have 'store no more than 6 recent version chains' but since it wasn't working I changed it.
I can't see tasks. There used to be a 'Tasks and log' link in 2010 but not any more.
I think from what you say that my ATI must be completely hosed. I will follow your directions:"Yes, I believe you would benefit by uninstalling 2013 and additionally download and run the 2013 cleanup tool (signature link below). Then do a new install of 2013 with all new tasks. This would get rid of all the old tasks (but not their backups) and you could use Windows Explorer to delete any old backups you do you wish to keep."
I have completely uninstalled every scrap of ATI with Revo Uninstaller Pro. Rebooted.
Ran the cleanup tool. Rebooted.
Deleted the unwanted backups from F:\Acronis13.
Now to reinstall. I will follow the directions in http://forum.acronis.com/forum/31895
OK. It looks exactly the same as before. Nothing like your screen shot. However there is much less weird stuff (like slowdown) happening.
Note that there is nothing in 2013 like the "1. From within the program" in http://forum.acronis.com/forum/31895 but I guess that post is old. I disabled the scan for old backups, no problem.
I found Nonstop backup service running. What is that?
I've disabled both Acronis Nonstop Backup Service and Acronis Sync Agent Service in Services.msc as I do not believe I want either one. They don't seem to be configurable from within ATI.
Ok. Your attachment is in the right location. We are talking about the same screen but your attachment is missing the bottom one inch area where the files are displayed. Are these files just not included in the screen capture or are the files not listed?
If the files are missing, then return to post #1 above and perform item B by clickiing on several of the last backups of c only and add each one of the several to the backup list.
Then recheck your picture again and see if they appear at the bottom of the screen or are they still missing?
Bottom inch just has Today. Note that I have only made one backup since I reinstalled.. But I have used Browse for Backups and clicked Add to backups for about 6 of the old ones.
Based on your screenshot of post #3, the tasks listed appear to be from the old installation. I was expecting the cleanup to get rid of these so you wold be starting new with freshly created tasks and use one of the backup scheme example so you could use automatic cleanup.
In my link #2 below, note that I recommend you use a disk mode backup which offers the best chance of recovery if you need to restore to a new disk or recover from a virus.
Also note that you storing multiple tasks in Acronis13. I would suggest on your new tasks, you store the new tasks either in newfolders or create sub-folders in Acronis13 so each task has its own storage folder.
I only have one task as far as I know. How do I see them? Backups go in a folder on F:, which is a second internal hard drive.
You may only have the one task right now but the screenshot shows prior tasks have pointed to the same folder so old backups may still exist inside that folder.
Open Windows explorer and look inside F:\ACRONIS13
Perhpas, cnmoore, you could provide us with a screenshot of what you see, so we can compare it with Grover's screenshots and then everyone will be on the same page, so to speak.
I did when I deleted the ones from earlier than June. Do you mean for me to delete ALL my old backups? They are still usable, I've picked a few at random and mounted them with no problem.
I think this about as good as it gets.
Colin B I have loaded several screen shots above.
No time to respond until Wed night or Thursday. Am NOT suggesting any backups be deleted.
It would help if you spent some quality time reviewing link #2 below on the variouos parts of the backup task. Parts of the #3 will be discussed in my reponse later.
I'm fine, Grover. I have used Acronis since around 2006 and rely on it heavily as I test all programs before recommending them to our members at http:\\www.spywareinfoforum.com where I am cnm. My daily disk mode image backups have rescued me many times, always without trouble.
I don't like the 2013 user interface, but it's not really a problem as I can easily use my backups via the Explorer context menu. The only thing that 2013 did that caused me to post this is that every time my daily backup was running there were innumerable popups about "Can't find backup" that caused the backup to abort if not manually cancelled. There was/is something wrong with the backup list; finding each "missing" backup clicking Add to backup list didn't do anything. I think this is solved now.
Another annoyance was that there was no obvious way to disable Acronis Nonstop Backup Service and Acronis Sync Agent Service which I don't want and were using a lot of resources. I believe I have accomplished this by disabling the Services via Services.msc.
I do appreciate all your help. Your tutorial is excellent and must be a huge help to those unfamiliar with Acronis. But really, I'm an old hand. I didn't know about the cleanup tool though -
1. Your signature link does not work as it has a typing error. You can correct via upper left corner
MyAccount/edit/signature
2. When TI 2012 version first came out, there were so many changes over the old version, I needed something to help us all to find the features and hidden locations--thus my link #2 guide came about. Even as an experienced user, there is probably something in the guides which you did not know or have forgotten--thus it is a good read even for experienced users.
3. One of the mistakes most often made by a TI user is that they accept the defaults offered by the program and never venture into the parts which makes the program much more helpful. For example:
a. The program should point the user to a disk mode backup but does not. Instead, the user is pointed to a partition type backup with not all partitions pre-checked so the backup is usually not a full and complete backup. For many users, the resulting backup will NOT create a replaceable disk. The user has to know what partitions should be included--which many do not. Thus, my guide emphasis the need for a disk mode backup. Guide figure 5
b. The program does not point out that the user has complete control over the name of the backup file; the name of the backup task; plus the name and location of the storage folder. Many users never use or not aware of the "Browse" option (Guide Figure 7 of the figure group of 6, 7, 8), thus they unwittingly accept what is offered by the program as default naming and complain of the names assigned.
3. Once a backup task has been created, changing any of the backup settings seems to cause grief for many users as their postings would indicate. The program may try to adapt but the results are often not what is expected. Thus, my practice and my recommendation is; if a task needs changing, create a new task and start over with the correct settings pointing to a new empty storage folder.
4. For the same of simplicity and visible awareness, I practice and recommend that each backup task be assigned to its own storage folder. No mixing of different backup files in a single folder. As you begin to create new tasks, if you want to use F:\Acronis13 as the storage folder, then put then in a sub-folder such as f:\Acronis13\C-only-backups\C-only_July4.tib; or F:\Acronis13\Disk-backups\DISK-July4-Full.tib
The sub-folder can be whatever name is helpful to you. Is only purpose is to keep the tasks separated.
5. I believe you recently created a new task HP(C)) and assigned it to F:\Acronis13 storage. If true, I would suggest that you use Acronis to move the task into a new sub-folder.
From you main GUI, place mouse pointer inside the HP(C) task. Right click on the "Settings" tab (or any blank space), Click More and Click Move.
A directory tree window will open. Browse to and double click on the F:\ACRONIS13 folder so the mouse pointer is inside the Acronis13 folder.
Note Upper Left Corner provides the option to create a new folder.
Do create a new folder or sub-folder inside the Acroins13 folder. Assign whatever name to the sub-folder which is meaningful to you.
Verify that the new folder was created inside Acronis13. After the new folder is created, clicking the OK button (lower left) will authorize Acronis to move the contents from the old folder to the new folder and the path to your HP(c) backups will become F:\Acronis13\new-folder_name\*.tib
Or during the move operation, create a completely new folder and move wherever you wish. My point being to get the HP(C) BACKUPS into a folder of their own.
6. Be forewarned: It has happened to me as well as others that you will still experience an occasional blip whereby "the scan for backups" will be triggered and all your backups files will be listed as tasks--just like those you got rid of. When that happens,you only choice is to remove each one individually from the task listing.
To remove from list: From inside any task to be removed,
RIGHT CLICK any spot, Click More and Click Remove from listing.
7. When browsing for backups and clicking the add to list option, what should happen is that the chain will be added to you listing of tasks plus if you look at the task using the Acronis Backup Explorer, those files checked will appear along the bottom margin of the screen. For example, I believe your task HP(C)-full was created this way. Open this task into the Acronis and the 5 or 6 files you checked to add to the list should be listed at the bottom of the screen as associated with that chain.
8. Yes, I do not use Non-stop and sync and my services are also stopped. You may find some other links here of interest.
http://forum.acronis.com/forums/other-home-home-office-products-discuss…
9. Good luck in your usage of TrueImage. Don't forget to set up a new task pointing to new sub-folder and use the auto cleanup (store no more than x recent version chains) and be sure the backup type is the Disk Option mode. You have not mentioned which version of the Windows operating system you are using but I am guessing XP or XP-pro based on your backup naming--but that is only a guess. If using Win7, the disk option backup becomes even more important.
Thanks again. Signature now fixed. My OS is Win 7.
Before reading this advice I had right-clicked on the unscheduled task and deleted it.
This morning my scheduled backup didn't run and I had to do Run Now manually. Probably I should make a whole new task with a new subfolder as you suggest.