2 Full Backup files for Differential Backups
Acronis 2011 Home
When I run a version chain or differential backup, I end up with two full backups before I start getting smaller differential backups or incrementals (version chain).
My full backup size is about 280GB, so its not trivial to have a second copy floating around. Yes I have defrag turned off.
It happens even when I make the initial backup, then immediately make a differential (so there shouldn't be a lot of change at that point). Version 3 and 4 and subsequent backups are small enough that I believe they really are a deferential.
I am running Window 7 pro 32 bit and am backing up TrueCrypt container based partition - ie I'm backing up the files inside the container and not the entire container itself. I don't think truecrypt is the issue as after the first two full size backup files, it starts working normally.
I don't see the "do no delete the first version of the backup" option anywhere.
I do have "Create only differential versions after the initial full version" and there are NO settings set for "Automatic consolidation settings".
Out of curiosity, why does it make two full versions?
Virgil, From the main TI menu, click on the "Explore all backups" option. Hover your mouse pointer over each entry and it will identify whether the backup type is differential or full or incremental. If backup #3 and 4 are smaller than backup #2, it would seem to indicate that you have incremental backups rather than differential type backups. This example may help to explain the settings you need but choose your own numbers. Choosing to keep x number is more successful than choosing the keep x number of days or x amount of disk size. Creating a new task is better than attempting to edit an existing task.
Understanding the validation options:
Thank you for taking the time to create such a detailed answer with graphics. This finally makes sense and once i saw the "Do not delete the first version of the backup". I then found this in the manual which totally explains why I'm seeing two full versions. -- Thank you so much for the help.
From Help:
"The first backup version option
Often the first version of any backup is one of the most valuable versions. This is true because it stores the initial data state (for example, your system partition with recently installed Windows) or some other stable data state (for example, data after a successful virus check).
Do not delete the first version of the backup - Select this check box to keep the initial data state. The program will create two initial full backup versions. The first version will be excluded from the automatic cleanup, and will be stored until you delete it manually.
If you select incremental or differential method, the first backup chain will start from the second full backup version. And only the third version of the backup will be incremental or differential one."
Well after several attempts that did not fix it. Even on the third backup I was still getting a full backup when I chose differential. I was actually out looking for a new product, when a window popped up and told me an update was available for Acronis. I don't know what I was running before, but it was only a few weeks old as this was my initial install.
The new version with the fix: Acronis Home 2011 Update 2 (build 6857)
So is it working correctly now?
Yes indeed that fixed it. Guess I missed the most critical part of my reply. ;-)
The update fixed it and it's working exactly like I would expect it to now. I did not have to make any changes to the job, it just started working correctly after that.