Clarification Incremental backups OR full one off backup
Hi,
I backed up my system with True Image 2013 - and its worked as it restored my system after a botch windows 7 migration from XP so I am happy this has worked. I used the ONE OFF backup though you probably give it a different name but I did not select INCREMENTAL so it was the other one for sure.
Now I plan to fine tune the remaining installations and add some programs whilst removing others just to tidy up so everything is just about right. When this is done is it possible to do an incremental backup of the alterations so as to avoid another very lengthy backup? OR is it safer to do another full backup like before? - It did take two days if I remember correctly -
I'm not trying to complicate matters but I would like a foolproof situation that can be relied upon. There are so many threads here where things have gone wrong for people and I wish to avoid that because peace of mind is needed.
The backup is on a separate drive so its safe n sound I hope. I plan to do other computers as well so I'll really need this to work and for that I really need to understand the software which isn't easy as it won't be used that often eg. someone backs up a system and forgets about it until disaster strikes then its a worry to see if its all worked.
Its great to have the forum for this as I'm no way an IT Pro......
Great Tuttle - that's explained things quite nicely to set things up for another question or two!-
I do have the PDF manual that explains things but its good to talk about the differences online-
I think I can imagine the differences between differential backups and incremental ones but I would like some thoughts on how the CREATORS intended these to be used.
I note your preference for a FULL DISK backup and I have seen this option within ATI where the MODE is switched to DISK mode. When I did my backup I didn't know the difference, the one I chose wasn't DISK mode so it was PARTITION mode. On that system there are three HDD's which were all selected. The backup incorporated the Operating system and all installed programs with all the files necessary files to help the programs run.
Someone here on the forum suggested that even if you select PARTITION mode [maybe in conjunction with other selections???] the backup ends up being converted into FULL DISK backup anyway - ???-Some feedback on this would be useful too.
Thanks, catch you later.
Someone here on the forum suggested that even if you select PARTITION mode [maybe in conjunction with other selections???] the backup ends up being converted into FULL DISK backup anyway - ???-Some feedback on this would be useful too.
Go into what we described as disk mode and select the disk. That's far safer than hoping that if you select the right combination of partitions, that everything will be included. A full disk mode backup ensures that you have everything.
Someone here on the forum suggested that even if you select PARTITION mode [maybe in conjunction with other selections???] the backup ends up being converted into FULL DISK backup anyway - ???-Some feedback on this would be useful too
There is no conversion. The backup type remains either disk mode or partition mode. Both backup types are full backups and described as disk backups inside the listing of the individual backup tasks.
When backing up a disk, you can use the disk mode and one check will select the disk as to what is to be included within the backup. This backup will include all partitons.
The other option is the partition mode backups whereby all partitions individually selected and being especially careful to make sure all partitions are included.
The difference between the two type backups is reflected during the restore process.
The disk mode backup can be restored by user checking marking the disk option and the restore will bypass partition selection/configuration; wheres, the backup created via partition mode is forced into individual partition configurations of each and every partition.
For the experienced user, the difference between the two type restores may not matter, but to the less experienced user, the disk mode backup/restore is much easier, much less chance of a user error and eliminates many of the configuration or partition decisions needed during the restore.
The disk mode backup/restore simply checkmarks the disk to be restored; selects the target disk (at disk level) and both type resstores checkmarks whether to Recover disk Signature and clicks the PROCEED button.
The restore results will be the same either partition type but it is a matter of whether you want to do the restore the easy way (disk mode backup/restore) or do the restore the more accident prone method (partition mode backup/restore). For the lessor experienced, the disk mode backup/restore seems the better choice as they have a better chance of success using that method.
Note: It is still possible to select individual partitons for individual configuration by bypassing the initial track0/mbr selection and performiing this selection later in the restore process so the user performing a disk mode backup/restore does not lose any features by making that choice.
As one user recently wrote after working with both types of backups and restores,
"Oh I understand now - thanks.
Have just taken a backup using disk mode as you suggested, and then started the process of restoring it from the recovery boot disc. It is very much easier as I'm not asked for separate partition information now."