Backup - System Restore

Just finished reading BillyBob's thread about System Restore problems which prompted me to look at an imaging application like Acronis. I don't know anything about partitioning so I am reluctant to go that route and thought perhaps an external hard drive might be the answer.

1. Would an external hard drive be my best option?

2. When an imaging application makes a backup or image, does it backup the entire computer. Right now I have 150 or so GB of video that I haven't been in any hurry to work on. If I use imaging software, should I put all that on separate DVDs so the backup doesn't have to process it every time it runs?

 

Robert, IMHO, using a separate HD for storing the image/images is the way to go. It can be internal or external, whatever suits you best. Acronis True Image can use either.

As for moving anything off the drive to lighten the load, that's not normally necessary. The reason is that Acronis can be directed to make incremental backup images. With that option, the first image will be the largest and all subsequent ones will be much smaller since they only contain the changes from the first base image. So you aren't processing the same files over and over. I do it that way and make daily incrementals. They take 5 minutes to complete and usually take up 100,000 KB ±.

I currently have the last 97 days in storage and the total disk space required is 14.7 gigs. I don't suggest that everyone needs that depth of protection but it demonstrates the possibilities. Some people choose to make hourly increments while others may decide that weekly or even monthly are sufficient for their needs.

It's a great way to protect yourself from most disasters that befall computers. I have deployed images on occasion to escape some change that I was unable to reverse by other means. The deployment is quick and easy. The entire process is very user friendly and doesn't require an egghead skill level.

As for partitioning your primary drive and using it for image storage, I would strongly advise against that. It's just not a safe way to go. I would only do it as a last resort when no other option was readily available.

What I would suggest for you, since you have that huge video collection, perhaps move those files to the new hard drive you'll be getting. That way you won't be burdened with them at all. Of course you won't be protecting them but that may be acceptable.

To answer your other question, the imaging software will back up entire partitions or entire drives, whichever you direct it to do. Acronis has a free trial so give it a go and you'll get to see all the possibilities- I know you'll like it.

HTH

 

Thanks for the response HTH. I thought I was probably on the right track. I think I will probably go ahead and take care of the video stuff first and get it out of the way. Will probably make things much simpler. I'll let you know how it works.