System disk backup query
Hi
I want to periodically backup my system disk.
When I run the backup wizard, I see that my system disk has two partitions. The main C: partition and a "system reserved" partition which I'm assuming is the MBR (correct?).
Question... If I want to backup the entire disk, do I need to select both these partitions? or will Acronis TI offer me the chance to build the MBR from scratch if restoring to a "virgin" disk?
My system disk is an SSD and what I shall want to do at some point in the future, is "secure erase" my SSD to return the disk to factory fresh state (as write speeds degrade over time depending on how you use the disk and what sort of data you write to it). So I'm aware that there are issues with "partition alignment" regarding SSD's. So this may effect the answer to my query.
I've searched the forum and there are a lot of posts on these sorts of topics but I'm still a little confused.
Thanks in advance.

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Thank you for your prompt reply. Very much appreciated.
I actually have Acronis TI 2010. Thought about upgrading to 2011 but was somewhat disappointed to read that it's not "completely" SSD friendly yet (especially partition alignment wise)! Unless this has changed in the intervening time.
So... when I do a "Disk and Partition Backup". All I need to do is select the disk in question and that seems to in turn select all (in my case... two) partitions.
The above is what I did the first time I backed the disk up, but the second time (yesterday), I just let it go with the default (only main partition selected) hence my query.
I've looked in my first disk backup and the "reserved" partition contains:
- Directory BOOT
- Directory System Volume Information
- bootmgr.exe
- BOOTSEC.BAk
Is this in line with what you expected (IE. mention above)?
Thanks again.
PS. Good suggestion re: Windows Disk Management.
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If your backup was only of the one partition, that backup can be used to restore overtop the old partiton and the restore will correct any issues with the old partition. If you are wanting to restore the single partiton onto a new disk, the result it will not boot and you will need the Windows install DVD to do a repair.
There is nothing wrong with having single partition backups but you must also have additional backup which include all the partitions so if you have boot problems or want to move to a different disk, having a full backup will enable you to do so. Just be sure you have a mix of single and full backups so you can choose the type of backup which fits your needs at your moment of restore.
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OK. Think I understand now.
I'll just make sure I do complete Disk backups from now on.
Thanks yet again.
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