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Should I include "System Reserved" partition in same .tib file as C: drive?

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I need a reliable answer to a basic question. When I make a backup for a Windows 7 or 8 system, I will always see a "system reserved" partition, which is relatively small (usually between 100 and 500 Mb). To make the best possible backup, should I chose option 1, or option 2, below:
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OPTION 1: Check the box which will cause that partition to be included in the same "tib" file that I will use to back up my entire C:\ drive, which holds all my Windows software. If this is the right choice, it implies that the "Restore" routine will indeed be able to recognize that "system reserved" information, and will indeed restore it to its own separate partition, rather than to the C:\ partition.
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OPTION 2: Do >> NOT << check the "System reserved" box when making my C: drive backup, and instead, create a second .tib file which will be dedicated to only that System Reserved partition.
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Okay then -- which option should I choose?

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I’ll throw out some information to you until one of the experts here jump in to give you a definite answer.

1. Make sure that you have an image of the entire disk (all partitions). You do this by switching to Disk Mode on the main backup screen. That way you will be able to restore the entire disk including the “system reserved” partition if necessary.

2. I have a Dell Windows 8.1 x64 system. The HD in this machine has 5 partitions that came on the disk from the factory. In addition to the disk image I mentioned above, I recently attempted to take an image of just the OS (C) partition (you would use the “Disk & Partition” backup mode for individual partitions). When selecting only the OS(C) checkbox, Acronis jumps in and tells me that I should include the ESP partition in the backup. Evidently, the OS(C) partition needs the ESP partition to function correctly. Are you getting any message like this? If so, then you would most likely include both partitions in the image.

3. Of course, you could always do the entire disk image, one image of both partitions, and an individual image of each partition.

I realize this information may not be of much help to you but thought I’d pass along my limited experience with this. I should add I’m fairly new to Acronis so I’d wait for the experts to advise before attempting anything.

Hope some of this helps you.

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The simple answer here is yes. When desiring to make a backup copy of disk that will be capable of booting a system and running the OS then all partitions on the disk must be included in the same backup .tib file. The easiest way to do this is to choose the Disk Mode backup option from the Backup Disks and Partitions screen.

All the partitions, even data partitions? I can't imagine this is true but if it is then I'm glad to learn it.

The main data partition, say where My Documents is stored, can be in a partition

  1. on the same disk as the hidden Reserved System partition and the Windows system partition or
  2. on a different disk.

So are you saying that

  • in case 1. the data partition must be included but not in case 2. or that
  • in both cases the data partition must be included

Thanks.

Like I said the simple is yes. The not so simple answer is if you are adept at disk structure and comfortable with knowing which partitions are necessary for a successful boot of the machine then certain partitions such as pure data partitions can be omitted. Problem is not very many users are that knowledgeable. If you are one of those whom knows the difference then I wouldn't think you would be asking that here. Win 7 and Win 8 are quite different installs from what I have seen not to mention including newer devices using UEFI that complicate things even further.

In your 2 options suggested option 1 would be sufficient for a simple bootable restore where as option 2 would require more expertise in partition layout on disk to get a bootable restore.

Here is a good article covering Win 7 and 8 Reserve partitions, what they contain and how they are created and the functions they server as well as some do and don't recommendations.

http://www.howtogeek.com/192772/what-is-the-system-reserved-partition-a…