Disk mode vs partition mode

Doesn't matter, the disk mode just saves you from ticking all the partitions. When you recover TI will let you select the partitions contained in the archive that you wish to restore even if it was a disk backup.

Since you appear to be a new user I will give you my usual caution. Be sure you make the TI rescue CD and boot your PC from it to ensure it works. It is Linux not Windows so it is necessary to ensure the Linux drivers and environment works with your hardware. Usually does, sometimes it doesn't.

Next validate one of your previously created archives. This will show that the rescue CD can find the archive and read it into RAM and recreate the numerous checksums properly. One bad bit in one checksum and the archive will be declared corrupt and while you may be able to extract files from it you will not be able to restore the partition.

Run through the rescue CD's Restore Wizard and here you will be able to see your archive and see what you can select for the restore and what devices the rescue CD will let you restore to.

The above is a pretty good test and if you can validate the archive wth the CD you should be fairly confident the process will work when you need it. However the absolute best test of you backup and restore mechanism is to restore the archive to a spare HD and then boot your PC from the restored drive. A spare HD is recommended because if you attempt it on your regular drive and it fails for some reason you will wipe out the partition being restored and end up with unallocated space. One of the first things TI does when restoring a partition is to delete the existing partition.

A serious mistake made by many is to create the archive but never test that the recovery environment works until their HD crashes and they really need to do a restore but then find they have a problem with the recovery process.

Seekforever has a good posting bur as I was also working on a response, I decided to go ahead and post the response.

In particular, if/when I want to restore individual volumes, can I do so with equal ease from either type of .tib file?

Yes, you can have equal success from either type backup when restoring specific partitions.

If your system is a Windows 7 system and has 3 or 4 partitions, there is essentially no difference between the disk option backup versus a partition type backup providing the partition backup checkmarked are all the same partitions that were included in the disk option backup. In the partition type backup omits any of the partitions, then you are comparing apples and oranges.

If you perform a disk option backup, the "Disk signature" is included in the backup. This disk signature is also included if an equiv anent partition type backup is performed that includes all partitions. This disk signature is not included when partitions are omitted. Some vendors use the disk signature as a means of identification that the software is being used on the same machine as first installed. TrueImage uses this signature as part of its task management.

Since Vista and Windows 7 (where separate boot partitions were introduced), it has become important that the often non-lettered (ACTIVE) partitions be included in the backup so this makes a backup which contains all partitions the best type backup to have because it contains the information you need to create a new replacement disk. A single partition backup if fine for overwriting an existing partition but often lacks the necessary data to create a new disk.

If only want one type backup, the backup should include all partitions. If you have the extra space, then single partition backups can be blended into your backup strategy.

Some users don't want to be bothered with maintaining their backups over a period of time. Unfortunately, often times a good period of time may transpire before a file problem might be discovered. This lack of an old backup can often be a real pain. Any backup that I retain is always the type that includes all partitions.

You've added some very important information. I keep forgetting about the Vista/W7 boot partition setups.

Your comment about retaining backups because problems are often discovered later is right on the money.

I have win7 64 bit and am using Acronis Trueimage home 2011 plus pak. I use the disk image backup everyday - until yesterday after downloading 3 auto update win7 operating files. I cannot backup using disk mode - it's grayed out (the internal HD) and you can't select it to backup to the external drive. You can use partitions backup with no problem. I uninstalled and reinstalled TIH but no change.

Richard,

Notwithstanding the issue, selecting all the partitions of a given disk is equivalent to selecting the whole disk in disk mode.

Richard,
I have Win7-64 with uptodate updates and my disk mode works. Except that I am using 2011-6703 which is the 2011 BAckup & Security package. I suggest you contact support.

Are you running the most current 6696 build of 2011?

I have build 6696. the problem did not occur until a new operating system update file was auto downloaded from MS. This was from 5/11/11. I was able to remove two of the three updates downloaded - but made no difference!

Richard,
This is an issue which needs to be addressed with support. Why not contact support via live chat or a support ticket.