USB Drive Problems, No Straight answers from Acronis
True Image 2011 has USB drive issues but I cannot get tech support to do anything but claim they cannot duplicate the problem or that there have been no other reports of this problem:
I created a full image backup to an external USB drive. File was verified after creation as good. Ten minutes later I ejected the drive from Windows 7. Machine was left on for aprox an hour or more just idling. When I got back to the machine there was an error message from True Image not being able to access the drive. I started True Image and checked the backup, there's now a message with the backup stating that it's corrupt. I re-verified the backup, True Image says it's OK, I made another backup just in case.
I never schedule backups, don't do continuous backing up, never create anything but manual full image backups. I asked tech support to help with the problem, they claimed something must not have completed properly... I asked about two files running on the machine: SAOB Monitor & TrueImageMonitor. I suspect something is running in the background that looked for the USB drive and could not find it, thus the error and subsequent marking the earlier backup as corrupt. I disabled the two files so that they do not load nor run on the machine after the system boots up. Hopefully this will fix the problem until they come up with an update that may correct the issue.
The discouraging thing is that I no longer blindly trust True Image to make backups, I've used various version for many years but now have concerns about its stability. I've tried several times to get answers from tech support on implications of not loading the two programs or if they have problems with them, but so far they refuse to even acknowledge my questions. My trust in their support system is even less than their newest version of True Image. I trully wish I had not pgraded from the 2010 to 2011 version.
After an hour of searching I've discoverd that others have similar issues with USB drives. This substantiates my beleif that Acronis tech support was less than honest in answering my problem questions and explains why they would not answer questions about the two files I disabled. They have a problem with the latest software and for some reason would rather lose customers than be straight with them.
Bob,
Do you pay attention to the banners hanging off the backup tasks. They are out-of-sync. The truth is in the log.
I am wondering whether there is not a task from 2010 running in the backup.
Can you download the Acronis Schedule Manager. http://kb.acronis.com/content/1859
Open command prompt (Start -> Run -> cmd);
Run schedmgr.exe
Get List
Task Zap
This will remove any remaining task.
Then go to c:\programdata\Acronis\TrueImageHome\Scripts
You should see only the script you create for your backup. Right click on each file with a key-like name, choose edit and read the file to ascertain whether it is the one you have create. Delete any unknown script.
Is there any Power Setting that optimizes USB power on idling time? This can happen with laptops. This could create some backup issues.
I'm a bit out on a limb because I don't have 2011 but my friend does so my info is based on his experience.
Is it possible the message referred to another archive instead of the one you just created. Apparently TI goes out and revalidates archives from time to time to ensure they are still good. This is the cause of the "can't shutdown computer because program is running" message (not the exact words) you can get. You may have managed to eject the USB drive just before this task took control of it.
Just a thought.
Thanks Pat. I ran schedmgr, then deleted one script that was not mine. True Image would not start until I restared system. Power option for USB is disabled. I'll keep testing to see if anything is fixed. I just got another email from tech support, still won't answer my questions, they want me to send them error messages I get... They also suggested I do another backup.
Thanks Seekforever - I orginaly had several backups, removed them in True Image (kept the files) a day or so before making this current backup. The "going out and doing things from time to time" is what I've been trying to get an answer from tech support on. I think True Image is doing a bunch of worthless things in the background for a user like me. Someone that wants constant / automatic backups may appreciate all the great background things, but the program should be able to handle things that change in the configuration (drives go away, etc.) before it's allowed to run around doing things...
I've gotten more answer so far from the forums than Acronis tech support, they still claim they have never had any reports of problems like mine and that their product is stable. Arrrrghhhhhhh.
Bob,
Many of us to use the USB externals as a target without the issues you describe. Also curiouos as to which operating system you are using.
It appears that you may have ejected the external without being aware of something more yet to come.
1. You are already in the process of checking out rogue tasks running without your knowledge.
2. I would request that you explore one other possibility. Note attachment
The validation option inside the backup options consists of two parts.
Part 1 is for the user to check or uncheck the option whether validation occurs immediately following the backup.
Part 2 requires action by the user to prevent a separate standalone validation from occurring. Unless I have misunderstood, the default value of this option is set for the separate validation to occur unless the user takes steps to disable or reschedule this option. I believe many users are not aware of a schedule being done for which they many not be aware that such a schedule exists. I would suggest that you simulate editing all your tasks to confirm whether you may have validation tasks scheduled of which you are not aware of.
Should you have monthly settings which need to be undone, it would be better to create a new taks but should you decide to edit the validation task settings, note my suggested method for saving the changes via the Backup scheme tab rather than saving from the Advanced settings tab.
I would agree that the program should do a better job of handling when the scheduled backup time arrives and the target disk is not attached. This is one reason for using MVP MudCrab's Drive Notify program in conjunction with TrueImage. DriveNotify will pop up a windows onto the desktop reminding the user it is time to attach a specific external disk and the windows remains open until the user takes action to supply missing disk. Backup will not begin until the disk is attached.
GroverH, thanks. Second validation (Schedule Regular Validation) is Off. I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium. I'm going to turn TrueImageMonitor back on, leave SAOB Off, run for a while and see if deleting the unknow script Pat L noted fixes anything. Everything else that has been suggested so far has been set correctly. Assuming I'm in the minority with this type of problem maybe I had a fluke...
GroverH - I cannot get True Image to save my backup settings regarding scheduled verification. i should be able to reset to initial settings, change the validate once a month to do not schedule, save settings as default and have them be the default next time I start True Image? I tried changing options for the last backup and these changes stick but not the default that applies when I start the program... I tried saving with advanced tab and Backup scheme tab, same results. Also tried saving as Custom and Single Version, same results.
Bob,
The default settings thing with 2011 is a bit confusing. The validation settings are not part of the default settings.
GroverH - I just found some posts that others are having the same problem with settings not saved in Build 6696. So much for tech support stating this is the best / most stable version they have created.... Gee Whiz, what a sloppy program, I'm beginning to wish I had never upgraded from 2010 version, it was very stable and everything for me worked....
I guess till they get the product to perform properly I will manualy set options whenever I create a backup.
Pat L - Now I'm really confused. If you can set the validation options on Advanced or Backup tab then have the option to save settings as the default but those options that I set don't get saved, what the heck is the save default settings button for? Should it be labeled - Maybe save some of your options ? And if you cannot save the validation options as a default, does that mean they have to be set manualy for every backup ?
Something is drasticaly wrong with this product.....
Bob, I am working remotely today and I cannot double check, so I may be wrong: the validation settings are backup specific. Your trying to save it as default and not sticking doesn't surprise me and resonates with my experience.
And if you cannot save the validation options as a default, does that mean they have to be set manualy for every backup ?
When you create a new task, set the validation settings the way you want and the setting will remain intact for any and all backups created by using that specific task. You can use the scheduler or use the "Backup now" option or desktop shortcuts for random backups now that the shortcuts are easy to create--all of these options will use your validation settings from your backup task.
As for what settings are included in the "save default" settings, I am not aware of any such publication. What is the old saying, when all else fails, read the manual--which is what I will do next as it relates to default settings.
GroverH - Here's what I'm doing:
I do not run scheduled / automated backups. I create a manual backup once a week or so:
- Plug a USB external hard drive in
- Start True Image Home
- Select Disk and Partition Backup
- Select What to backup to deselect recovery partition
- Select Backup Now
Backup runs, verifies image created after backup, I come back when it's done...
I want default settings set in "disk backup options" to be saved so that I do not have to enter them when i do another backup. The settings don't all get saved as default...
I agree with Bob, there should be comprehensive global default options in addition to local (task based) options that can overide the global options. I also only do manual images and it appears 2011 has been developed without this method in mind.
Acronis acknowledged a problem with some options not being saved as default. Developers are looking into correcting in upcomming release, no indicatiion of when that will be. As to my original issue with USB drive, I will chalk it up to a fluke that occured under certain configuration settings, TrueImage roaming around in the background and a disconnected USB drive. The discouraging part is that I've lost my trust in what used to be a pretty solid product and because it's evolved away from letting Users decide how they want to easily run backups (manual versus automated / scheduled). I hope to see some fixes soon...