System volume on spanned drives
My system device C:\ is a 256GB SSD. I am using W10Pro, I use ATIH2010 routinely with no problems. I do not back up my system drive, just clone it to a bit 1TB external USB3 device. On the rare occasions when things go pear-shaped, I just restore the last cloning. I use nonstopbackup on a separate data drive.
ATIH2010 includes the Pluspack which is necessary to handle dynamic disks, but I do not use DDs as I had major problems with backups and restores.
Now, I have a spare 256GB SSD, just when my C: drive is getting a bit full (upgraded to W10 and not sure it was my best idea... I have to clean up too often).
What I would like to do ideally is establish C: as a spanning drive across the two SSDs. In that case I would need to be able to clone the C: drive out to my 1TB device, and restore that clone to the spanned volume.
Here we have three entities: disk (physical object), drive and volume (both logical). Unfortunately, the words get misused so often that it is not clear what can or cannot be done.
Clearly, I can have a go later, but if it doesn't work with ATIH2010, I need to know if it would work with the latest version. I did upgrade to 2015, but that created a load of problems which I did not need, so I uninstalled.
I could theoretically clone each DISK separately, but then I would not be able to clone both onto the one large USB device. That is my idea of the last resort.
Hoping someone KNOWS the answer. I would hate to get a load of advice which is based on peoples best guess, as so often happens.
With all due respect, I don't think your reply properly addresses my question.
First: this is a reflection of your personal preference for keeping things simple, which I support, but does not actually help here. I have a simple system which works, I am asking if a more complicated one would work. Since I am talking about my system drive being on one or more SSDs, which have a premium cost, I don't thing going out and buying a bigger one to replace would actually address my requirements.
Second: My current ADIH-2010 works and has been working (since 2010 when I changed from version 11, which itself had been working for some years). There is no risk involved, I am very happy with what I have got. My data uses NonStopBackup and I had the misfortune of a horrible Seagate 1TB drive failure, which was so easily replaced with a nice WD and then all my data restored.
Yes, I do often use a stand-alone version, but that mainly depends on whether I am cold booting or not.
I have, since yesterday, tried to do a spanning volume and clone, but it is not possible. So, anyone coming here and asking if 2010 can do it -- it cannot. That is not a personal opinion, it is a tested result.
Incidentally, if I read your spec correctly, you have multiple Samsung 850's configured in RAID0, and yet you list RAID in your list of complications to avoid - surely you should replace those with one nice big disk, as you advised me?
Greetings,
My response does not reflect my preferences. It was based on experience, and the success / failures of many.
ATIH 2010 Plus Pack is capable of cloning a single dynamic volume, not an individual partition and cannot clone a spanned (dynamic) volume. Windows xp, vista and 7. I should have done better incorporating this into my answer.
Regarding RAID. Acronis provides support for hardware based RAID in 99% of cases. Software based RAID, Dynamic volumes and disks formatted GPT are often only supported in Plus Pack or Premium versions of the product. Older versions of the product can be a little more finicky, problematic and for some downright frustrating when all you really want to do is protect your data. My RAID is hardware based and I am using Acronis versions certified for the OS installed on the array. Hoping my back ups will work is not a sound strategy. I know my images can be restored if needed. Since you are ATIH 2010 and W10, it is safer to recommend one large single disk to avoid potential problems.
ATIH 2010 is not certified for use with W10. I know, working for you now. Although 2010 is one of the most revered and highly regarded versions of Acronis to date, the fact remains that one windows update could render it useless and ineffective protecting your data and system. Based on this risk, the fact that you are using W10 and the probability that what works now, won't work later (longer term), I offered advice based on my own experience with the product (multiple versions) over the years. My goal is to recommend a solid proven back up strategy with the highest probability for success and best outcome (consistent results). Using 2010 with Windows 10 is not recommended, regardless of the hardware, type of disks or formatting being employed. I hope this is a better explaination. :)