Backup Speed Question... Maybe VistaPE?

Not guaranteed but can't hurt to try though backups are run through Windows in any event it's restores that aren't. I used a VistaPE disk with TI 10 and 11 as my machines didn't like the Linux drivers in Acronis and this made restoring much quicker. I then made a WinPE when 2009 came out. However, with 2009 my machines work fine without it e.g. 40 mins for 85gig restore.

Do you backup from Windows using 2009 or from the disc? And if from the disc is yours the ISO one?

My restores were also faster with 2009 but I only do them if there is trouble... so not often. I need the backup to be faster, which it wasn't. When I tried to backup using the 2009 disc I left it for over 2 hours - when I came back I expected it to be finished - it wasn't, so I canceled the backup.

If my backups start taking that long I have a tendency to not do them. I run a sync program to backup my data all the time. So really, I could start imaging less, like every 6 months and then just sync on the new data and update my programs after a restore if I get into trouble.

Thanks for sharing what works for you...

Sandy

WinPE or VistaPE will usually not be faster than what you get running TI in Windows.

What is the backup destination (USB, Firewire, network share, etc.)?

What is the transfer rate for copying a large file from the C: drive to the backup destination in Windows?

The age of the drives involved can also make a difference. Some newer drives are capable of a much faster sustained rate compared to slightly older ones. Is the drive in your older computer newer than the ones in your newer computer?

If using USB, the drivers and chipset used can also make a difference.

Thanks for the info Mudcrab…

I am using my newest USB drive on the computer in question. I bought the drive about a year and half ago – the same time I bought the computer. I just did an ISO burn of TI 2009 and ran a backup from it, hoping for better results – after over 2 hours I canceled it.

I don’t know what the data transfer rate is when copying large files to the USB drive. I doesn’t appear to be noticeable slow to me… but I don’t transfer large files very frequently.

The slower computer was backing up from Windows using TI 10 at close to 3 hours. That’s when I tried a BartPE on it and got the time to 1 hour 30 minutes. It cut it in HALF. I was thrilled!

I was hoping for the same type of outcome trying a VistaPE. But wasn’t sure because I have read on the forum that TI 2009 is very fast – like a VistaPE. So why wasn’t 2009 faster for me?? and does that mean a VistaPE won’t be either?? Maybe they are very similar...

Just for reference.. this computer with the exact same drive used to backup 75GB in under an hour using TI 11 from Windows (if I hadn’t had it so good – I wouldn’t notice I now have it so bad.) To save space I now turn off System Restore and that takes off a lot from the backup. My current backup is about 55GB’s and it takes about an hour and 45 minutes. I am not sure why the slowing…

You mentioned Firewire. It might be a good idea to buy one. That may make up the difference here for I want the backup time around 1 hour 15/20 minutes tops.

Thanks for your input – it is always helpful. You are the Acronis savior, yes you are!

Sandy

Sandy,

WinPE and VistaPE use standard Vista drivers. The Acronis ISO and the standard Full Mode version use Linux drivers. They are completely different. The only way to tell what the speed would be in WinPE/VistaPE would be to try it.

It's possible that something is slowing down the processing when TI is running in Windows. You could check the following:

• Disconnect from the internet and then disable any anti-virus software.
• If you have another internal drive and it has space available, try making a backup to it and see how fast it is.
• Check that TI doesn't have any limits set on HDD writing speed (set to MAXIMUM). This option is in the Backup performance section.
• Try changing the Backup priority setting to a higher level. This option is in the Backup performance section.
• Check the compression level being used. If it's not on the Normal setting, try it and see if it makes a difference.
• Check the Task Manager and look at the CPU load during a normal backup. Is the CPU load high (95-100%) or is it staying lower? If the CPU usage is very high and the drive transfer rate is slow, it usually means the processing is taking longer and the bottleneck isn't the backup drive.

Thanks so much for your time on this...

I will try the "tweaking" steps you suggested.

I don't believe my CPU runs high during backup because I have a CPU reader on my Vista Sidebar and it barely registers during a backup. I will check the task manager to be sure though...

If I do make something, in your opinion what is best - the WinPE or the VistaPE? And can I do this if I have the "Re installation DVD" of Windows Vista Home Preimuim from Dell?

Thanks,
Sandy

Sandy,

I prefer WinPE because it loads faster and mustang's program makes it easier than VistaPE. WinPE has also been more compatible and less problematic on my computers. Both can be built using the WAIK downloaded from Microsoft. I don't know if the Dell reinstallation DVD is standard enough to be considered a source for VistaPE.

Thanks! I know the WAIK download...

Onward and upward - to hopefully faster backup time! That is if I am successful - but then I do know what forum to look on if I am not... (Hee hee)...

Take care,
Sandy

Made the VistaPE and my backup time is now 57 minutes for 56GB's. So it was definitely worth doing - much faster time...

Sandy