I can't figure out how to schedule this backup plan...
Using True Image Premium 2014, I want to set up a backup plan whereby it creates a full backup on the 1st and 15th of every month, with an incremental backup every day until the next full backup. And I'd like it to delete backups over 2 months old.
In other words I want the full backups based on date, not on the number of incremental backups. It may be that on some days I don't turn on the computer so the number of increments per stream may vary.
I this doable? Perhaps using Windows scheduled tasks as well?
I've been through all the documentation. What I want to do is that come the 1st and 15th of the month, start a new stream with a full backup regardless of how many increments were actually done since the last full backup. The program gives me the option to create a new full backup after [n] incremental backups, but since the computer is not always on the number of increments between the 1st and 15th of the month may not always be the same number. I gather it can't be done. Might be something for the wish list.
While what you want is not possible solely using TrueImage, but when you combine TI with the helper program Chain2Gen (C2G), the options you want ARE AVAILBLE and have been since Nov 2009. This can be done using one TI Backup task and completing the C2G parameter file.
Using C2G, It is possible to have full backups created only on the 1st and 15th. The only issue would be if computer is not working one of those trigger days, you miss your trigger window until the next trigger window occurs (1st orf 15th); or manually execute the trigger at any time of your choosing.
It is also possible to retain a specific number of backup sets such as 4 sets (set=1 full plus about 14 inc) . Each set stored in a required storage folder of set0, set1, set2, set3, etc.
The choice of user controlled parameters are specificed inside the C2G file=
!_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_ACRONIS.bat
:: MANDATORY VARIABLES
:: User must change these next 3 variable and supply their own pertinent information.
set TARGET_UNC_N_DEVICE=L:
set TARGET_GENERATIONS_FOLDER=\NewBackup\
set MAX_BACKUP_GENERATIONS=4
Optional variables would include
set TRGR_ON_DD1=1
set TRGR_ON_DD2=15
To explore more about using Chain2Gen (C2G) with TrueImage, check out this link
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/5940
TrueImage is used to run the schedule every day.
The TrueImabe bacukp scheme is set to incremental. Each Full followed by infinite incremental. Controls of specific numbers are set by C2G parameters.
All of what you need is spelled out in the reference links. After you have read the references and need clarifications, come back but the details are quite clear but must be followed exactly for a successful meeting of your criteria.
Thanks very much, Grover. I'm sure I'll be able to figure it out just fine from here.
Bruno,
I believe you will be very pleased with the performance of C2G. It has worked without issue ever since it was introduced by its user author MVP OracleDBA. The parameters files also offers a nice feature of offering the user the ability to run a user file before the backup starts. This option is found at the very end of the parameters bat file.
Added: Click on Signature link #1 below and then review item #5-B which contains some guides and postings relative to C2G.