Version chain on file backup process messed up

As you are having problems and it is difficult for us to resolve from here, I would suggest you stop using your version chain scheme and existing task.

Stop using the task and start using a new task. Here is an example of how I would recomend as below But change the number of diff and chains to your needs. The advantage to these options is that after the program reaches your preset number of how many chains to keep, the program will perform automatic deletion of the oldest schemes on a revolving basis. The disadvantage to your version scheme is that 6 months is a long time to go without a new full and 6 months can accumulate too many diff files.

My reasoning is that you are having issues so start over with a known quantity. Be sure and choose to working path for your destination path.

GH13. Create Custom Differential Backup Scheme. 2 Diff, Keep 2 chains. The 2-2 is user choice.

GH1. How to change a backup task from scheduled to "Do Not Schedule". Stop the old task.

GH20. Remove Single Task from Task Menu Listing

GH57. Assorted task features.

You may find my signature link #2A helpful.

Thanks Grover.

I have done the following:

1. Delete old backups including backup files and setting.

2. Created new backup task with completely new and manually entered settings.

3. Used the way described here: GH13. Create Custom Differential Backup Scheme. 2 Diff, Keep 2 chains. The 2-2 is user choice.

4. Made sure that I select a completely new and unrelated destination folder (old one deleted in fact, including all it's backup files).

5. Verified that the destination folder now shows only that one, and not some additional folders below the box as in the image I provided in the original post).

5. Result:

- backup seems to be created fine.
- afterwards it tries to consolidate.
- consolidation failed, asking again for the very strange location that I have never setup.
- Going back to TI now shows again that under the destination it shows the other locations too. It also says that it has 29 versions of that backup, and it's 700GB large.

Where the heck does this come from???

I am about to uninstall TI, delete all it's remaining folders, and do a complete new install. But this can't be the solution for a program that I have paid consecutive for probably 10 years. I also have the Plus if that makes a difference.

Wondering if I should just use M$ backup or file copy in the future ;)

Unless you are setting a consolidation option, there should be no consolidation.
Please post a screen capture of our backup scheme.

It's set to keep only 2 versions of the chain so that's not a question. I can of course remove the consolidation but then I have a dysfunctional TI.

But why does it try to consolidate at a location that doesn't exist and with versions that don't exist. I have just created that backup task, prior to that deleted all others, deliberately used different names for the backup, different location, to make sure it's a complete new 'thing'.

Which version of Wndows?
If Windows 8x, check this link. http://forum.acronis.com/forum/50750

To continue:

2013 & 2014 work from a history file, This is the archives.xml file stored in the History folder. This file can be deleted and TI will be cleared of ALL BACKUP TASKS--including any good working tasks. The actual tib backup files will be untouched but all tasks wsill be deleted. The next links shows how. At this point in your problems, this is probably the best and easiest solution.

GH55. Delete Database History Archives.xml.
GH55A. Acronis servicesCreate Custom Full Backup Scheme.Keep 4 versions (chains). The 4 is user choice.
GH12. Create Custom Incremental Backup Scheme. 6 Inc, Keep 4 chains. The 6-4 is user choice.
GH13. Create Custom Differential Backup Scheme. 2 Diff, Keep 2 chains. The 2-2 is user choice.

I set up my tasks so personal tib deletes are not needed but if you do need to delete one manually, here is how to use the program to perform the delete.

GH5. How to delete backup files using Acronis Backup 'Explorer'

If you have not done so, I would invest some time in reviewing the fine points of 2014. Click on my signature link 2A. It covers how to create special tasks and has a listing at the end on how to use the many options. This can be time well spent even for the experienced user.

This next link show how to remove a single backup task from the listing of tasks. Tib files remain. Only the task is removed.
GH20. Remove Single Task from Task Menu Listing

What you can expect from your new diff task of full plus 2 diff, and store 2 chains. Each chain consists of 3 backups.

Two chains of 3 backups will be created.(backups 1-6)
After full backup #7 is completed, the first chain of backups 1-3 will be auto deleted.
Backups 8-10 will be completed.
After full backup #10 is completed, then chain 2 (backups 4-6) will be deleted.
The cycle will continue. As each new full is completed, the oldest chain of 3 files will be deleted,
Remember, from a space standpoint, you need enough free space for 3 full backups (plus 4 diff). The 3rd full is a short term need but the space must be provided to avoid the full disk message.