Automatic Backup (Max number to keep)
Hello,
I am new to acronis 2012. I was using an older version until now.
In the older versions, you could define a backup location and set things like....
Number of backups to keep = 10
Size of backup location = 1GB
With these settings it would limit either the number or total size of the backups scheduled.
In the new version, i see where i can send myself an email when the space on the backup drive is some minimum value, but is there a way to just set the total number of backups to keep like in the older versions? If so, where would that setting be?
thanks
phillip
Thanks for the tips Grover, im yet to set my cleanup method as well as i just started using the program recently myself.
I havn't set a custom scheme yet, it's still set on default (Incremental Scheme). I assume this will just keep creating incremental versions forever without any cleanup right?
Also, silly question but, i have two 2tb drives, one main storage drive and the other for backing up. Now the main storage drive is almost 3 quarters full and the initial backup took up around 1TB on my backup drive , so once i do set a custom scheme i can't store anymore than 1 recent version chain true?
At the moment, i've got it backing up 3 times a week, so if i choose to create a full version after 12 incrementals and choose no more than 1 recent version chain, than i should have a full version created monthly and the last full version with all it's incrementals will all be deleted true?
The procedure used by the program is to create a new replacement before deleting the original. This means you need to have room for the first complete chain plus you need temporary disk space for its replacement. So it is very marginal if your 1 tb disk is large enough for the original full plus all your incrementals plus a new full replacement. Maybe or Maybe not. Look at your current space used by your incrementals and do your calculations. You have prior backups on which to base your space calculations.
Also, remember the rules regarding using incrementals. If any incremental becomes corrupt or has issues, all newer dated incrementals are useless.
One solution might be a larger storage disk or create a full more frequently.
Do you have any large static files which could be moved from the 1 tb main disk to other storage or DVD?
Oh damn... your right, im not going to be able to make another full backup at all. Their definitely won't be enough room to store another full backup first before deleting the old one, i'm using the backup drive to store my 120GB SSD images as well.
You know if there was an option to delete the old backup first and then create new backup i'd do it.
Anyhow, i think your right, i think the only choice i have is too go through and either delete some stuff i don't use or buy another hard drive, and even then it would have to be a 3tb hard drive to fit two full backups of the 2tb drive.
Hmm.. my compression level is set to normal though, i was tempted to set it too max but thought there's be less chance of the backup playing up if i just left it at normal.
Do you think it's safe to use max compression?
Oh and, don't think i wanna create heaps of 4gb dvd, maybe if i had a bluray burner perhaps.
Keep in mind about the possibility that you never know when you might need your backup to restore your system. It is never wise to delete your only backup without having a proven replacement.
Changing the compression increases the backup time and increases the complexity of reading the backup. It is your choice.
Other alternatives:
Add another 1tb (or larger) usb drive and alternate between the disks so you always have at least one good backup.
or, Use a free program such as MVP's Chain2Gen(C2G) which will enable you to delete the backup before a new one is created. This is an excellent program but your risk factor of not having a good replacement still exists. You can find more info about C2G via my signature link below.