Different backup file names generated between two PCs
I have two windows 7 PCs that create backups differently with same backup parameters.
One will create two full backups as:
Name full b1 s1 v1 and Name full b1 s1 v1-2
The other PC creates two full backups as:
Name full b1 s1 v1 and Name full b2 s1 v1
Why does one change the “b” setting and not the “v” setting? I do not understand the significant of the b setting change.
I failed to indicate both machines are using Acronis TI 2015 at build 6613. Both PCs run Windows 7 Pro.
The two PCs in use are attached to different WD External Hard drives. The one that created the newer file with the v1-1 in the backup file name I assumed to be the good one. When I used to use Acronis TI 2014, it was common to update the "v" designation with each newer backup, but never the "b" that stayed at "b1".
The PC that generates the b updates is the one that has other problems. The problem I have now is that I now have a backup archive listed in title only on the Acronis Backup screen, but does not include the information about it in the top line when I click on it. Because of this, I cannot do a validate or delete from the acronis archive that really is out on the external HD. I can, however, go to the file using windows7 and opening the file with Acronis, which allows me to run the validation. If I try to add the file to the Acronis list via the Acronis backup screen, I have to browse the file to be added. However, I can't add the file because it is grayed out. I think other people have see this same problem.
My biggest concern now is that the full archive files I created that show the b parmeter that is greater than one, may not be complete archives. What is the "b" parameter telling me? Is it a backup number? Is it saying there may be more than one file to make up the complete archive? I assume the "v" parameter is a version number, that normally changes each time a new archive is added to the same HD. If the "b" parameter changes, the "v" parameter stays the same. I wish I could ask someone in Acronis Tech support without having to go through paying a $20.00 fee to get a payment number in order to even try to speak with someone who is difficult to hear and understand from out of the USA. The overseas connections are not very good.
Is it correct to say assume that when I create a full backup, only one file is necessary, and that if I do an incremental backup, multiple files would be created to make up the full archive?
Thanks for your suggestion on using auto cleanup. I have always manually deleted the older files via the Acronis backup screen.
I hope I did not bring up too many things that make me difficult to understand. I have not been able to find any information about the b, s, and v parameters in the file name. I really appreciate your time and understanding in your replies.
The general numbering of the tib files are the same with versions 2012-2016 inclusive and have not changed numbering methods since the 2012 introduction.
Example: First beginning numbering for each backup task will be "Name_Full_B1_S1_v1". User can change only the "name" portion. Ending suffix (Full_B1_S1_v1) is a requirement and cannot be changed or deleted.
A backup file name has the following attributes:
Backup name. User can customize the task name. The task name also becomes the name assigned to the tib backup file.
Backup method (full, inc, diff: full, incremental, differential). User choice. Best choice for most is the Custom Chain with automatic cleanup.
Number of backup chain (in the form of b#). B# will only increment each FULL BACKUP. B# is also known as the Chain number. If the backup creates only FULL BACKUPS, the B# will increment each full backup. However, if incremental or differential backup are created following the full, the B# will remain unchanged on all backups until the next FULL.
Number of backup version (in the form of s#, also known as Slice #). S# will increment each backup (all types) within the user preset limits of the chain. The S# will revert to S1 each Full backup.
Number of volume (in the form of v#). V# will only increment if the tib file is split into pieces. If the storage disk is NTFS, the tib file is usually not split. However, if the file system is FAT32, the v# will be split into multiple segments of about 4 GB per segment due to limitations of the FAT32 file system.
Notice that the above explanation differs from your description. The computer with the differing B1 and B2 numbers are normal and as they should be for two successive Full Backups.
The computer with the V1-1 number is not normal and is questionable as to its content. For that computer, I would stop using the task assigned to that computer and create a new backup task starting over with a new B1. Any new task that you create should have a task name slightly different than any other so as to avoid confusing the program and well as yourself.
To be on the safe side, I would also perform manual validation on both sets of backups & validate any questionable backup. the backup
It would help to see a picture of your backup scheme used on each computer. I assume that you have validation set as one of your backup parameters so that validation occurs after each backup.
Here is a suggested example (GH11) of a Full only backup with automatic cleanup so you don't have to do manual deletion which creates a whole set of deletion problems.
Thank you so much for your response.
I went back to look at my Acronis 2014 logs and found the "b" factor was always b1. The "v" factor would go from v1 to v1-1, v1-2, v1-3, etc until I deleted one of the backups. This would open up a space for the next backup to use the just deleted "v" factor. Again, the b factor was always b1. This was true for both of my Windows 7 PCs.
I use the following procedure to create new backups once a month on both machines using Acronis TI 2015:
Start Acronis
Select + (Create new backup)
Click on Select Source (Left Circle)
Select Disks and Partitions (center choice)
Select OK
Click on Select Destination (Right Circle) – Destination shown on lower left.
Click on the Destination shown on the left
Select OK
Click on Options
Click on Do not Schedule
Select OK
Click on Backup Now to start the backup
This creates a Full Backup with a name of ST31000528AS with 3 partitions checked: Unnamed partition,recovery, & OS (c)
The Backup Scheme is Custom, Backup method Full, Auto cleanup off, with advanced option to Validate when created. (I Have been manually deleting the older backups)
I am at a loss as to why my two machines create the backup b & v parameters differently. Each PC has a WD external HD dedicated to a USB 3 port. Both HDs are NTFS formatted. I have manually done validation runs on several stored archives on the HD's and never found a problem. My fear was that the archives with a "b" paramater other than B1 may not be valid and usable for a restore. It appears that that is not the case, based on your comments.
I have never sucessfully done a restore from either windows 7 machine. There were times when I thought I had to do one, but could not make the necessary setup entries on the destination side of the procedure to allow it to start. I never had a problem restoring using Acronis on my windows xp machines. I just don't know how to setup the destination parameters on the windows 7 machine with the three partitions. The Acronis manual seems to skip over this part.
Thanks again for your input and interest in my ongoing problem. It gives me more to think about. I really need a working PC every day, so I have to be careful what I do to the software that might take it down to the point I cannot recover using Acronis restore with the rescue CD.
The "v" factor would go from v1 to v1-1, v1-2, v1-3, etc until I deleted one of the backups.
What you describe here is not normal unless your storge disk is a FAT32 file system.
When you see the v1-1, v1-2, etc, that is like waving a red flag to get your attention. That numberinng is not the routine numbering!!!
The Backup Scheme is Auto cleanup off, (I Have been manually deleting the older backups)
I strongly urge that create a new task and ENABLE "auto cleanup". You must stop planning manual deletion of tib files as an routine procdedure. In 2015 and 2016, when you delete your first file, your backup task will FAIL with a "cannot find backup file" message.
If you enable autocleanup, your task can be set to do the cleanup or deletion of oldest backup files automatically and task can work correctly for a long time. Since making changes to an existing task is a "no no" a new task, with the automatic cleanup settings, becomes a necessity in order to start off on the right foot.
I am at a loss as to why my two machines create the backup b & v parameters differently. Each PC has a WD external HD dedicated to a USB 3 port. Both HDs are NTFS formatted. I have manually done validation runs on several stored archives on the HD's and never found a problem. My fear was that the archives with a "b" paramater other than B1 may not be valid and usable for a restore. It appears that that is not the case, based on your comments.
Your problem with the B# changing is not an issue--it is normal. Your potential issue is with the V numbering that has dual numberiing such as v1-1 or v1-2.
This dual numbering is comes about because the the V1 backup has already been created (perhaps several backups prior) and the program wants to start the numbering over at 1 but cannot as 1 pre-exists, so it uses the V1-1 numbering to avoid duplication. Attempting to find the cause of this bad numbering is difficult to impossible. Often times, it is best just to start a new task with a new name and a new storage folder. The cause could be an issue with the usb3 connection, which may be dropping out or at sleep. I would investiage the usb3 disk to to make sure that is not happening. Disable the sleep option on the USB3 disk. I have attached several links as examples. Another place to look is the Start progams/Western Digital menus. Often times there is listed a utility which is used in changing the sleep times on Western Digital external disks.
Other USB stop sleep links:
/system/files/users/285/usb-quick-removal-1.png
/system/files/users/285/usb-quick-removal-2.png
/system/files/users/285/usb-quick-removal-3.png
I just don't know how to setup the destination parameters on the windows 7 machine with the three partitions. The Acronis manual seems to skip over this part.
Review my signature item 3 below. Inside that link, review item 3 which illustrates the restoring of a single partiton on a Win 7 systsem. This gives you an idea of what has to occur. The key in restoring single partitons is NOT TO USE DRIVE LETTTER as the item to match but use volumne names, partitions sizes, etc so that you can confirm that what is being restored is the same as your target.
I just don't know how to setup the destination parameters on the windows 7 machine with the three partitions. The Acronis manual seems to skip over this part.
Review my signature item 3 below. Inside that link, review item 3 which illustrates the restoring of a single partition on a Win 7 system. This gives you an idea of what has to occur. The key in restoring single partitions is NOT TO USE DRIVE LETTTER as the item to match but use volume names, partitions sizes, etc so that you can confirm that what is being restored is the same partition as your target.
While I appreciate you making suggestions that involve how windows 7 control the USB ports, I do not feel comfortable making changes in this area at this time. If something goes wrong, I could lose my operating system to the point I cannot restore it. I do not have the indepth knowledge you have. Isn't there some way to just do a complete restore of all partitions to the same PC disk? Any restores I would want to do would be a complete restore (all partitions) in the event of a complete system corruption failure or the need to replace the PC hard drive. I have in the past gone into one of my backup files to extract a word file that got corrupted on my C drive. My best hope at the moment for doing a complete recovery is to contact Acronis support and ask them to help me selecting the options to start the recovery process. You know how I created the full backup. I just thought there would be a documented simple way to do a full restore. Thats the part that is missing from the Acronis manual. Can you help me with the necessary options to do a complete restore?
The backup files on my external HD are in two folders. The older Acronis 2014 backups went into a folder named My backups. The Acronis 2015 backup files go into folder named Acronis Backups. If I set the auto cleanup to a value of six, would it look at the total number of backups in both folders, or only the backups in the Acronis Backups folder? It it looked at all of them, it would start deleting the backups created by Acronis 2014 first. The Acronis 2014 files do appear on the Acronis Backup window along with the 2015 files.
Just as additional information of how I manage my backup files, I have two external HDs on each machine. Only one is powered on when I do the backup. After that is completed, I turn on the second HD and copy the file using Windows to the second HD as backup to the first one. I started doing that when I had a single HD failure when I went to do a new backup. This failure could have occurred when trying to do a restore, leaving me without any possible backup. As I said before, I really need my pc's almost every day. This is why I am so concerned in the ability to do a complete restore if all else fails.
Again, I really appreciate your time and interest in my problem. I fear letting an Acronis support person connect to my machine might try to make changes to my OS that could bring down my machine and leave me with nothing. I would never be able to get back to them for help, and would lose everything. I really depend on Acronis restore to be there when I need it.
Can you help me with the necessary options to do a complete restore?
Refer my signature item #3. Inside link 3, refer to item 2 which is a manual on disk restore. This guide will give you a general idea as to what the procedure would be. This exampe was created with a prior version but the 2015-2016 recovery CD would be very similiar.
Also, you can find numerous video's on YouTube showing how to use TrueImage on restores.
Change your thinkiing on auto cleanup. Existing tib backup files would not be affected. The only tib files deleted by auto cleanup would be those backups created by that specific new task. Auto cleanup would NOT delete any tib backup files created by prior tasks. Deletion of tib files is specific and predictable and relates only to the backups created by the specific backup task.
To supplement your investment in equipment I would suggest that you purchase a spare disk. This disk could be used as a test disk and you could practice restoring the entire backup onto the new disk and actually install the test disk into the computer so you would have a spare working system disk.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
GroverH
For me to do a complete restore of my c drive with Windows 7, shouldn't I be using your item #2 instead of #3? It appears that would restore all three partitions instead of doing each partition, one at a time. If that is true, I do not remember seeing what looks like simple steps prior to the "Proceed" to start the actual restore. It seems to me this would be a complete restore of my c drive in one shot. If so, is it true prior to the restore, the original c drive will be cleared to get rid of any possible viruses before the actual restore takes place. For some reason, I did ot go down this path, that seems logical when I tried to do a restore Does this procedure apply to Acronis 2014 and 2015?
Thanks again, Charles Ranheim
When a restore is needed, whether you restore the entire backup or just parts of it depends upon what is needed to be restored. Whether you use a disk restore or a partition restore or a file restore depends upon the situation. The guides in my signature link 3 provides examples of each method and you will need to choose which best fits the situation.
As I suggested before, get a test disk and perform the restore. When performing a restore from the TI Recovery CD, whether 2014 or 2016, the procedures are the same and any time spent testing can be to your advantage. Don't wait until you have a failure to begin your testing. Good luck.
When I suggested item 2 looked more like what I needed, it was really item 2 in your link 3. In order to do a test, I would have to buy a new C drive exactly the same as the ones in in my 2 Dell machines. That could be an difficult and expensive problem not knowing which of my two Dell pc's may have a disk problem. It looks like I would be able to do a test right up to the point before doing the final Proceed to actually start the restore.
The other problem I see by using the Auto clean up is that Acronis on one of my machines shows a line entry on the backup screen that does not identify the actual archive. When I click on that line entry, the archive name and date field at the top of the screen is blank, even though there is a valid archive on my externnal HD. When I try to do an "add existing backup" to the entry does not see it, the archive to be added is grayed out, so I can't do the add. I have seen others have this problem, but did not have a fix or procedure to get around it. With this problem, I wonder how Acronis would know which archive to delete when using the auto cleanup feature. I thought Acronis looked for what was available when it was started, and displayed it. I can have the HD turned off, and it still shows what Acronis thinks is out there. Is there a way to force Acronis to scan for tib files without doing a complete reinstall of Acronis?
It looks I had such a good experience using Acronis on my old Dell WindowsXP machines, I continued using Acronis on my two Windows 7 machine. Back then, I did not have a partitioned c drive, and tech support was free and very good. Acronis people tell me they will assist me doing a recovery without having the latest version of Acronis. The only problem is trying to get to someone when I really need them from help.
the archive name and date field at the top of the screen is blank, even though there is a valid archive on my externnal HD.
Can you show us a screen captue of this example. If you are referring to the task name being missing, the missing name can be put back using the task name rename feature. The task name "open location" option can open Explorer into the storage folder to see the last name used on the backup. Or, you can also use notepad to open the backup script file to see the exact task name used last.
As long as the tib file exists and is validated, then the file can be restored (via the CD) regardless of whether the task appears on your main menu.
As best I know, the new 2016 does not offer the scan for backups at startup like the prior versions offered.
This is my second attempt to reply to your post. Somehow, the one I tried to send with a PDF attachment of a screen print got lost
I never heard of the task name rename feature or the task name "open location" option. Where do I find that?
I have run a verify on the questionable .tib files out on the external HD using windows, and they ran OK. I really think the archives are still OK.
you said: "As best I know, the new 2016 does not offer the scan for backups at startup like the prior versions offered". I am running ver 2015.
If you receive and open the PDF file I am attempting to attach, you will see a picture of the Acronis Backup Screen with the backup selected that does not show the compete name at the top. As you can also see in the lower section, I do not have many options available to me
I have looked at your pdf. Very good. Thank you. The PDFD is fine. You could make it easier on yourself by just attaching the picture, rather than going to the trouble of creating a pdf.
------------------------------------------------
Here are THE 4 TASK NAMES you have assigned to your backup tasks.
#1 My Partitions (See note 1)
#2 My Partitions (See note 1)
#3 ST31000528AS (See note 2) (This is the active highlighted task with the task name across the top of your disiplay)
#4 ST31000528AS (See noe 3) (ST31000528AS happens to be the disk id assigned by Seagate to your 1 TB disk.)
-------------------------------------
Note #1:
Both task 1 and 2 have the same name and also have the same storage folder name.
Both being the same confuses the program and confuses yourself. In all future tasks, make sure the task names differ and storage folder names differ. These may be for different computers which makes it even more critical for the names to differ.
Examples could be such as "My Partitions Charles-HP", or "My Partitions-Compaq". Use whatever name is clear to you, must don't repeat the same name so there is no duplication. Remember, you don't need a task for each backup, as the task can create multiple backups either by schedule or byh pressing "back up now." The Two duplicate tasks is why you got two B1's and the V1-1.
---------------------------------
Note2:
a. Task 3 and 4 have the same name but thier storage paths differ so there is no duplication in the tasks which explains why you got the correct numbering of B1 ande B2.
b. Along the left margin of task #3, note the arrow just to the right margin of ST31000528AS, note the little arrow with the circle around it.
Either click the down arrow or right click the ST31000528AS task name. Either way you do it, a window will open along the left margin to display several options. One of those options will be "open location". Click on "open location" option and Explorer will open inside the G:\Acronis Backups\ storage folder.
Based on the task name of ST31000528AS, I would expect the backup name to be
G:\Acronis Backups\ST31000528AS_FULL_B1_S1_V1.tib
If the name differs I would expect to find the difference located between the task name and the suffix code
ST31000528AS ?????????? _FULL_B1_S1_V1.tib (The name I have shown in red should be the original task name. Copy down what I have indicated in red to be used in the next rename step.
c. Now close the screen and return to your main menu. Note the ST1000528AS! located across the top of your screen. Note the pencil icon to its right.
Click on the pencil icon to open the rename function and amend the ST1000528AS name to include whatever is missing as shown in the preceding review to the files exact path. During the edit of the task name, you can use your home key or end key for positioning the cursor at the beginning or ending of the name listed.
When done with the renaming, the task name should match the tib backup file name up to where the "_Full_B1" begins.
This link will show you more information about the 2015 pencil icon renaming.
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/91956
Note 3: The user help file is located along the left margin via the "open book" icon. The help file has the answer to many of your questions. Also, the search window at the top of the forum screen provides search capability of current or past topics. Also clicking any user name give you access to all their postings.
Good luck. Performing a test restore is the best way to learn how it works which is why I recommend testing. Actual testing provides real answers while simulation is good, actual testing is better.
I did not know how to attach a picture. I did a PrtScn from the keypoard, then pasted it to a word file. I then saved it as a PDF file to attach it to the reply.
Note 1 said "Both task 1 and 2 have the same name and also have the same storage folder name". This is what is out on the extrnal HD:
Folder: My backups (created by Acronis 2014)
Files: My partitions full b1 s1 v1-2
My partitions full b1 s1 v1-3
Folder: Acronis Backups (Created by Acronis 2015)
Files ST31000528AS full b3 s1 v1
ST31000528AS full b4 s1 v1
I have never tried to assign names to my backups. I just start the backups and let Acronis pick the names. Acronis must know the names that already exist, because it always changes the new names by incrementing the b or the v parameters.
Your note 2 b: When I expand the available options for task 3, the tasks are limited to
Edit Settings
Clone Settings
Remove from list
Delete
“Open location” is not an option (This is part of the problem)
I tried to edit the 3rd task by adding the _full_b3_s1_v1 at the end of the task name. It still will not show the date & Time and allow things like validate to be selected. I just cannot make the 3rd task entry on the Acronis screen recognize the actual file out on the HD. I wish there was some way to get Acronis to sync itself to what is really out on the HD. I was told a long time ago that if I wanted to delete a file on the HD, I should do it using Acronis, and not Windows, so that Acronis always knows what is out there. I never had these problems with Acronis 2014. I went to 2015 in case I go to Windows 10. Now I don't know what to do. I am afraid if I use the auto cleanup feature, Acronis may not pick the oldest archive if it does not see all the files
Thanks again for your suggestions, but for some reason, the Acronis Backup screen on my machine just won't work normally.
1. You should NOT add the _Full_B1_S1_V1 to the task name. It is not needed (or wanted) and will only confuse things. The program will add that to the tib file name.
2. In order for "open location" option to appear, there are two requirements.
a. An actual backup file must have been created by that task.
b. The backup drive must be attached and that drive letter must read G:
3. What drive letter is assigned to the backups below when you look at the files in Windows Explorer?
At this point, I don't know that I can be of any further help. Starting over with new tasks might help.
I would discourage the duplicate tast names. Do take the time to assign name yourself rather than accept what is offeredp--even if it just adding a 1 or 2 to the task name--anything to keep the task names different. Good luck.
GroverH
Please dont give up on me yet. The last comment you made "b. The backup drive must be attached and that drive letter must read G: That was a show stopper. I looked at my hand written log when the file was ceated. The destination was drive G. However, when I display the drive containing the archives in question via windows, it shows the last two files as being on Drive F. Let me explain how this may happen: Even though the external drive in question is physically attached to the same USB port, I do not have it powered on when not using it for backups. I have noticed the drive letter does change from time to time which I assumed to be some kind of dynamic allocation when powering up. I then plugged a flash drive in another USB port and it appeared as Drive G, again looking like some kind of dynamic allocation because the address was available. I remember reading, or being told the drive may change letter even, though it remains on the same USB port due to some kind of dynamic relocation. I tried to change the drive letter from G to F on the Acronis backup screen list, but I could not change it. What are your thoughts about this?
Charles Ranheim
Charles,
Correct if I am wrong but I am understanding that only one external drive is being used for backups on this computer and it is appears that the normal drive letter for that specific WD disk is Drive G.
When task #4 was created, it was wrongly created with the drive letter F but it should have been letter G. This is causing much of your troubles now.
I am understanding that it is drive letter F which is currently assigned. As task #4 uses F, click on task 4 and click on option "open location" if listed.
If successful on #4, then it will fail on task 1,2, and 3 as there can only be one drive letter assigned. Let me know the result.
As to why the drive letter got changed has to do with how Windows assigns drive letters combined with the user inserting various devices into different mixes of devices.
A temporary fix can be accomplished by the user by manipulating the number of flash drives attached (either adding or removing to change which drive letters are in use)
1. To change the WD disk from F to G.
2. Disconnect the WD storage disk from the computer.
2. Insert an additional flash drive to occupy drive letter F. Confirm that F has been assigned to the flash drive. It should tell what letter is assign immediately after connection.
3. Reattach the WD disk so it will assume letter G.
4. On task 3, the "open location" should be available and tib files listed.
---------------------------------------------
Or, if drive letter G is assigned to the WD storage disk and you want to make it have letter F.
1. Disconnect the WD storage disk from the computer. This frees drive letter G.
2. Disconnect whatever Flash drive or device currently occupying drive letter F. Drive letter F needs to be freed or not in use.
3. Reattach the WD disk so it will assume drive letter F.
-------------------------------------------------------
Generally, Windows will assign what ever drive letter is next to any new device being attached. If you want to control the drive letter, you can reserve a specific drive letter by using Windows Disk Management and assigning your desired letter to that disk. Then in the future, each time you insert the WD disk, your desired letter will be assigned.
If you want drive letter G (or whatever letter you prefer--usually x or y or z is better as these are out of the path of normal use) to be assigned, then your desired letter must be either not in use, or already assigned to the WD disk. Then use the Windows Disk Management "Change drive letter" option to assign your desired letter to the WD storage disk. You can GOOGLE search for 'how to change drive letter in Windows 7". Also search for "how to change the volume names". I always include the drive letter as part of the volume name so any change stands out like a sore thumb.
Am example would be WD2Backup_G if G is the special letter assigned.
Let me know your results.
As I have repeal suggested. You need to start over with all new task. Your existing tasks cannot be fixed so starting with new is your best and really only good solution for continued backups.
But you don't want to repeat the same procedures otherwise you will repeat the same errors. If you are willing to start over with new tasks, custom task names and custom backup schemes and agree to follow my suggested procedures, I will provide some additional guidance, otherwise we are wasting each others time.
PS: Reminder. The existing tib files can be accessed/recovered using your TI Recovery CD regardless of what letter is assigned to them and do not need to appear on your Acronis menu when viewed inside Windows.
I clicked on each task starting with # 4 Results: 4 - can open folder, 3 - Open folder option not available, 2 - Open folder option available but I get a msg saying it cannot find the file or folder, 1 - Same result as #2.
There are some unique things about what I am doing. First of all, I have two external HDs physically connected to this PC via two USB3 ports on an add-on card. When I do a backup, I only have the first HD powered on. After completeing the backup w/ validation, I power up the second HD and copy the new archive from the first HD to the second HD via windows so that I have a backup of the backup. Acronis is not doing anything while I do the copy. The reason I started making a backup of my archives is that I once had the external HD fail when I wanted to start a backup. If it happen to fail when I needed it for a restore, I would be in trouble. I do not try to communicate with second HD using Acronis in any way. I don't think this is an issue because I have been doing this on both my PCs for a long time. It still appears that because windows dynamically assigns the drive letter each time I start the backup with only the first HD powered on, the drive letter may change causing my situation.
I have always been able to start a validation using windows on any archive on either the first or second HD. I remember doing a validation using the recovery disk as well. The problem is I just can't always start a validation via Acronis if the wrong drive letter happens to come up. If I understand you correctly, I should still be able to do a restore from either one of my external HDs using the created recovery CD or flash drive.
I was hoping there was a way to get the Acronis Backup screen to show what is available to it when I start Acronis with only the first HD available. It may have done this after the initial install because it was able to find the archives that were created using my old Acronis 2014 version.
I will contunue to read over all the information you passed on to me. I certainly learned a lot with your help. I may just try to setup a full restore without actually selecting "Proceed" using what you sent me. I was never able to get that far because I did not know how to make the final destination selections. If your instructions work on my windows 7 machine with the three partitions, it will be a good step foward. It may get to the point that if and when I have to do a restore, Acronis support people will help me set it up correctly. When I used Acronis with WindowsXP, I had to do several successful full restores, the first one on a new C drive.
Getting back to my problem, perhaps I should just try reconfiguring the USB ports and restarting Acronis until it happens to connect the the G drive.
I will continue to read over all the suggestions you made to find the best way to so my backups.
Is there any advantage to go to Acronis 2016? I hate to start over with a new learining curve and new problems without good Acronis support.
I
To me, one of the first things I would do is to connect only the backup disk to the computer and make sure it reads as G, or add/remove usb devices until it reads as G.
Then permanently assign G to that disk via Windows Disk management.
HI Charles,
As I read your last comments, I again recomment to start over with all new tasks.
Make sure the main external disk has the desired drive letter reserved and permanently assigned to that external disk so it will not be changing letters on you. Ths is not a hardware issue but solely how Windows assigns drive letters. Assigning a permanent letter will allow the letter to be chosen each time you insert that particulr disk and that letter will not be assigned to other disks--once you have reserved it using the Disk Management change drive letter option.
It is important that each task has its own individual task name. Re-using the same task name confuses both you and the program. Avoid those issues by not re-using the same name.
Only one task needed for repeat backups of the same data. Repeat backups accomplished by using the option "Backup Now" or via a schedule which repeats.
Any new task is for something differeent such as different items being backed up or, storage to a different locatio or reserve backups.
NEVER use the same task name more than once. Each task name must differ from another to avoid confusion by the program and the user.
Upgrading to 2016 would simply be getting an upgrade as no new changes or features that would cause 2015 to be less desirable.
2016 would be an improvement if you plan of getting new equpment or software as it has newer drivers.
Good luck.
Grover
Thanks again for your education. I am not a PC Guru, but rather just a user of many applications. When I install an application (Like Acronis), I expect it to run without the need to make changes in the OS, but I am finding out that may not always be true. Without a good understanding of the OS, I would be concerned that any changes I make may cause some other application to fail in a different way.
You suggested moving devices on the USB ports until the external HD is assigned letter G, the most common one. When this occures, I should reserve this assignment "using the Disk Management change drive letter option." I tried to find instructions on how to do this, but was not successful.
Just to clarify some terms, I assume the "Task" is the complete process of creating a backup archive. The "Task Name" is the part ahead of the parameters full_b_s_v which I can specify when starting a backup. Would it be OK to use something like "Dell 8100 mm/dd/YY"? This would tell me which of my two PCs created the backup and the backup date. Each additional backup name would have a different date. I would expect the actual file on the HD would be the above name with the full_b_s_v parameters attached.
I find it strange my Acronis 2014 never had this problem. It appears that each time I started Acronis 2014, it found the .tib files on the external HD and listed all of them correctly. The first thing I would do is to delete the oldest listed archive from the Acronis screen, followed by starting the new backup / verify. When that completed, I would turn on the backup HD, manually delete the oldest archive via windows, then copy the new Archive from the first HD to the backup HD. This procedure worked great until I went to Acronis 2015
I would appreciate it if you would give me the procedure (or reference) on how to dedicate a drive letter to some usb port. Keep in mind, the USB3 port I use is coming from a USB3 add on card because this older PC did not have direct USB3 ports, and I wanted the USB3 speed. Is this a show stopper? Would I still be able to turn off the HD between monthly backups and maintain the same drive letter when I turn it on again? My two HDs remain connected to their dedicated USB3 ports. I only turn them on when needed. I do, however, turn on only the main HD before starting Acronis, so it never sees the backup HD for the actual backup.
I have to be careful about what I do because with Income Tax time starting next month, I really need a working PC to run TurboTax for at least 3 months as different tax reports trickle in from my brokerage account.
Thanks again for your time and interest. You must be a very busy person giving so much of your time helping others.
Charles Ranheim
Thanks again for your time and interest. You must be a very busy person giving so much of your time helping others.
Yes, the problems have been greater than anticipated and my time spent is taken away from my family--which is not good.
When I install an application (Like Acronis), I expect it to run without the need to make changes in the OS, but I am finding out that may not always be true. Without a good understanding of the OS, I would be concerned that any changes I make may cause some other application to fail in a different way. Any brand backup program has a distinct learning curve so more time learning time needed when backup programs involved. It seems 2015 and 2016 need a lot of help. Manually deleting old backup files was possible in 2014 but any such deletion of backups created by 2015 will cause the backup task to fail with "file missing" error message. Automatic cleanup should be programmed into your backup tasks. My backup example GH11 and GH12 are examples of automatic cleanup. I don't know for sure what type backups you create.
Just to clarify some terms, I assume the "Task" is the complete process of creating a backup archive. Yes.
The "Task Name" is the part ahead of the parameters "full_b_s_v" which you can specify when starting a backup. Only partly true--the task name is the name you see when you open your Acronis main menu. Your tasks 1,2,3, 4 as I called them. Each of these names on the main menu is a task and whatever name you assign or rename for a particular task will become the name assigned to the tib backup files. In other words, the tib file is the recipent of the same task name. You can change the name of the task and that will change the name of future tib files , but you cannot change the tib name to change the task name--it does not work that way. Task name becomes the tib name.
Would it be OK to use something like "Dell 8100 mm/dd/YY"? This would tell me which of my two PCs created the backup and the backup date. Each additional backup name would have a different date. I would expect the actual file on the HD would be the above name with the full_b_s_v parameters attached. Any name that you assiign is user choice--just don't use the exact same name more than once. Each task can create multiple backups.
The USB3 port I use is coming from a USB3. Is this a show stopper? I don't know for sure. I have not changed drive letters on a pci card before.
Would I still be able to turn off the HD between monthly backups and maintain the same drive letter when I turn it on again? I don't know for sure but I would believe so. It has worked in the past in normal windows (not a pci card).
Links as to how to change a drive letter.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-add-remove-drive-lett…
http://www.howtogeek.com/96298/assign-a-static-drive-letter-to-a-usb-dr…
http://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-change-the-drive-l…
In order to change a drive letter, the desired letter must be not in use by another device but may be in use by the same device.
You an use the instructions to remove a letter so no letter is assigned to your external hard drive; and then re-assign any "not in use" letter. If you are starting over with all new tasks, A letter such as x or y or z offers the less problems. Any letter that you change can be undone so I don't see a risk in assigning a letter of your choice.
Be aware of any letter that you assign to the external is assigned only for that specific computer. If you need to attach that usb hard drive to another computer, the drive letter assigned by the other computer will be different--same thing happens now when you connect to another computer--if you do.
The newer releases of TrueImage track their backup files so their procedures have become more rigid such as the deletion so it is to your advance to set up backup schems with automatic cleanup as per my examples GH11 & GH12.
Good luck with your tax preparation.
Thanks for the update You said :My backup example GH11 and GH12 are examples of automatic cleanup. I don't know for sure what type backups you create. I did not see GH11 & GH12 at the bottom of the screen. I always do what I think is a Full Backup as shown on my attached PDF file. It also shows the new name I created. On some examples for setting up a full backup it says to select "Disk Mode" which is not an option in the 2015 version. Do you agree I am creating a full backup with the settings shown on the attached file? If so, I would think this would allow me to create a full restore to a C drive, new or original. I have not tried assigning a name to my external HD. I tried to get it to go back to G when starting Acronis, but it is determined to stay with drive F.
"Disk mode" in 2015 is called "Entire PC" in 2015. This link discusses it in more details.
http://www.acronis.com/en-us/support/documentation/ATI2015/index.html#2…
https://kb.acronis.com/content/48404 48404: Acronis True Image 2015: Creating an Entire PC Backup Custom Backup Schemes
Your backup you re using is a "partition" backup with all partitions selected so your backup should be the equivalent.
The "Entire PC" backups assures that you have all partitions selected so it is a safer choice for those unsure, but you assuredly have all partitions selected, so you should be ok.
------------------------------------------------
You're right. I forgot to incude GH11 and GH12, although GH11 was included in my first post.
As you mostly do full backups, the GH11 is your logical choice. Whatever store number you use, is the number of full backups it will keep before automatic deletion occurs of the older backups. I would also suggest that you additionally checkmark the opton
"do not delete the first verson of the backup".
If you check this, this first backup is always kept in addition to whatever number you have in the (n) full backups that you want to keep before auto deletion occurs. "store no more than (n) recent versions" is how many full backups of the store number the scheme will keep on a rotatitng basis.
--------- Custom Backup Scheme Discussion--extract
http://forum.acronis.com/forum/100416
Depending upon the type of backup scheme you wish to create, here is an example of each type. These can be set up for Disk image, or Partiton, or Files-folders backups. These example show how to set up automatic cleanup so the program will do the deletion after it reaches your set goal of how many chains to retain. Editing an existing task is not recommended. Rarely does an edited task perform to user expectations. It is usually better to start with a new task using a new non-identical task name and point to a new storage sub-folder so each task has it own storage folder/sub-folder. Old task can be stopped or deleted from the task listings.
GH25. Understanding differences between Incremental and Differential backups for data recovery.
GH64. 71342: 2015 How to save a non-scheduled task.
GH63. 64640: Hints to help prevent issues with your TIB backup files creation.
GH63. 75086: A discussion on how to configure backup schemes.
Anytime you get tired of reading tax laws and procedures and want some reading material, the reference links at this link may be of interest.
https://forum.acronis.com/forums/acronis-true-image-home-discussions/be…
Good luck.
Grover H
Your suggestion about doing an "Entire PC Backup" instead of selecting "Disks and Partitions" with all three partitions selected, appears to be a better way to go. The documentation stated "The recovery from an Entire PC backup is also simplified. You only need to choose the date to which you want to revert your data. Acronis True Image recovers all data from the backup to the original location. Note that you cannot select specific disks or partitions to recover and you cannot change the default destination. If you need to avoid these limitations, we recommend that you back up your data with an ordinary disk-level backup method." The Downside appears to be: "you cannot select specific disks or partitions to recover and you cannot change the default destination". I don't understand the part saying you cannot change the default destination.
It appears selecting the "Entire PC" would make recovery selections easier. Whenever I tried to do a recovery, I could never satisify the recovery selections, preventing me from starting the recovery. Selecting "Entire PC" for Backup may resolve this problem.
There is, however, one thing I am able to do now when I do the backup selecting Disks and partitons , with all three partitions selected. I am able to open the saved archive via Windows, find my word files, and extract a single word file to recover to replace a corupted file. Would I still be able to do this? At the moment it still appears selecting the Entire PC is the best way to go. What am I missing?
Charles Ranheim
I prefer the Entire PC backup as it is easier to restore when you restore the entire disk.
When your backup is a Entire PC backup, what is restored is under the control of the user. I
you can restore or recover the entire disk,
you can restore or recover one or more partitions
you can restore one or more files or folders.
The best method of restore is when booted from the TI Recovery CD. User can choose what is restored and its destination.
Review my signature link #3 below. Within that link,
item 2 illustrates the restore of an entire disk.
item 3 illustrates the restore of one or more partitions.
item 5 illustrtes the restore of single/mulitple files or folders.
When TrueImage is installed on a Windows computer, using Windows Explorer, user can also begin double clicking on the tib backup file and work your way up the directory tree to individual files or folders.
I do not know of a downside regarding an Entire PC backup, escept, if you have more than one internal disk, all internal disks are included within such a backup but 99% of most laptop computers have only one internal disk so more users are not affected by such a rule.
My guides in signature link 3 are versions prior to 2015 but differences are very slight as the changes between the 2014 and 2015 Recovery CD are minimal. As always, testing a recovery yourself is always the best practice so get yourself a test disk (same size or larger than current) and perform restores yourself.
Thanks again for your response. You said:
When your backup is a Entire PC backup, what is restored is under the control of the user. I
you can restore or recover the entire disk,
you can restore or recover one or more partitions
you can restore one or more files or folders.
I didn't think I would be able to do the above things because the documentation stated:
"The recovery from an Entire PC backup is also simplified. You only need to choose the date to which you want to revert your data. Acronis True Image recovers all data from the backup to the original location. Note that you cannot select specific disks or partitions to recover and you cannot change the default destination. If you need to avoid these limitations, we recommend that you back up your data with an ordinary disk-level backup method."
I certainly plan on doing an Entire PC Backup for my next monthly backup. When I checked, it appears the size of the stored archive would be the same as selecting the folder option. I wish the operators manual was clearer on reasons to chose either option.
Things are certinly looking better (thanks to your help). I still need to work on the external HD addressing problem.
At least it appears the archives I created should work doing a recovery using the Rescue CD I created. Hopefully, I wil not get stopped trying to select the correct parameters for the destination as I did before using the Entire PC Backup method.
Charles,
I have 2016 installed so I downloaded the 2015 ISO file (TI Recovery CD)
Booted from the newly burnt 2015 Recovery CD to restore a 2016 Entire PC Backup. The backup was of Windows 10 HP laptop with a single SSD system disk with a Entire PC Full backup stored on a WD external disk.
As I expected, I had choices of restoring the entire PC (like my signature link 3, item 2 which would have been a restore of everyhthing);
or I could restore my system Partititon Drive C only (link 3, item 3) which is what I chose
I restored my single Drive C without issue.
so I have confirmed that when restoring from the 2015 TI REcovery CD, you have the same multiple choices for restore (Disk, or single/multiple partitions, or Files/folders) as available in 2014 and prior versions. Acronis did not "dumb down" the restore process on the 2015 TI REcovery CD.
Perhaps their warning message related to a Windows restriction but since any partition or disk is best restored via the TI Recovery CD.
I found no selection limitation during my test restore.
Sometime over the next few dayis, I will post a couple camera pics of the partition selection boxes confirming partition availability.
Check back inside this posting but it will be a couple days.
I still need to work on the external HD addressing problem.
If you are wanting to assign a specific letter to your target disk,
let me know which letter you wish to assign and I will write some instructions but you will need to send me a screen capture of your Windows Disk Management showing you computer disks plus your two external disks connected so I can see how they appear in your computer.
The restore will run overnight so I will advise tomorrow of its success or failure.
There could be an issue in that the backup is 2016 but it will be a good test.
Edit: REstore was successful. Reminder: Your recovery plan is not compete until you have completed your own restore into a test or normal machine. What works for me may not work for your hardware. Performing our own restoe is an important part of testing your recovery plan.
It certainly sounds like I should be able to recover from an Entire PC Backup. How do you create a screen print to post? I have been doing a print screen, paste to Word, save as PDF and attach the PDF file. I do not have a cell phone with a camera if that is what you are doing. I might be able to use my Nikon digital camera by taking a picture of the PC screen that would give me a jpeg image. If that was possible, how would I post it on the forum?
Would my Windows 7 C drive layout with three partitions be the same format as your Windows 10? I only as this because I was always able to do a restore with Acronis from a Windows XP machine with the one main partition. I never did a restore from a Windows 7 machine because I did not know how to enter the destination partition parameters in order to start the restore.
As I said before, I have to be real careful about doing something that may disable my PC before income tax time. This is what has s kept me from trying some of the things you suggest. I never had ro worry about my Windows XP machines because I knew the restores always worked.
I have been doing a print screen
If that produces a jpg file, upload the jpg file the same way you do a upload a pdf file.
Or another method of producing a jpg file is the snipping tool.
Windows has an included installed utility called a "snipping tool" which will take pictures of your display. Use google for information on how to use the snipping tool. It is easy to use.
It is probably in your start menu or you can create a desktop shortcut with this path.
"C:\WINDOWS\system32\SnippingTool.exe"
If you were to use your camera, you would need to download the jpg picture from the camera to your computer via camera cable or from a memory card.
I would expect that a full disk restore would work whereas you would probably have trouble with single partition identification.\
If I were you, I would practice your intended method of recovery to make sure that you can find your backups and your targets when you atttempt to use TrueImage by whatever method you intend to use when restoring.