Resolved Have some questions on partioning a backup drive

I'm preparing a backup drive, it's the same size (750GB) as my C drive.
OS is XP Pro C drive has partitions:
C: 24.4
M: 292
P: 292
S: 73.6
W: 14.6

From a previous thread I was told not to partition the backup, just to add the same folders as the main drive.

I'm not sure how to do this.

Also, some of the partitions on my main drive are not large enough and need to be reconfigured. Not sure if this makes a difference how I set up the 2nd drive.

I'll use Seagate Disc Wizard (a scaled down version of Acronis that came w/ the drive) to make a backup of the main drive. Acronis can format the drive, eliminating the need for XP to do this, though I'm not sure what options to use, and just how to set it up.

 

I suggest that you make the entire drive a single partition and use it to store the complete hard drive images of your other HD.

You can always use the excess free space for non critical storage without making another partition. If it comes to needing the excess for critical storage, you can dual partition the drive and include the newly created partition in your imaging procedure so that all your data is imaged.

Acronis True Image can perform incremental images that can be make on a periodic basis that you feel comfortable with. I image mine daily and keep them for 6 months. Weekly would probably serve me just as well but I have plenty of storage space available on a 640 gig external drive so I have elected to use it. It takes less than 5 minutes daily so it's no big drag.

Your version of Acronis may not be able to do that so check before committing. If it doesn't, consider purchasing the full version of Acronis True Image. It's an excellent investment and by shopping around, you can usually find a good deal on it.

 

I'll be using the backup as an external that I will hook up every wk or so for a current backup image.
Does that change anything, as far as how I'll set it up?

 

Not sure how to set up a 2nd HD

I'm about to format a 2nd HD for use as an external backup. Would probably hook it up for backup every few wks, since my data doesn't change very often. Most of what changes is the music.

I'm on XP Pro
My HD and backup drives are both 750 GB's
I have several partitions on the HD and was told not to partition the backup, just make folders. I'm not sure when or how to make the folders.



(I had another thread on this but the responses stopped.)

 

Steve, I'm not sure if there is a right/wrong, better/worse way to go since I've never done this before.
Would you have a look here...
http://www.windowsbbs.com/windows-xp/88688-have-some-questions-partioning-backup-drive.html

And tell me what you think?

Am I over analyzing this?
I'm wondering if I should just format the drive and then let Acronis make the copy and leave it at that.

 

Now that we've got that straight.

I think I heard you say this once before.
So here we go!

Thx Steve

 

Arie, You mean just ask for additional comments in that 1st thread?

 

Sorry for any inconvenience.
Thx Arie.

 

I don't know if you still monitor this tread, but another option is to clone the whole drive that way you have an exact copy of everything as a backup, which is ideal as a second internal drive as you can boot to it in the event of a disaster...

 

It will be an external backup, but how do you clone the drive?

 

you can clone the drive by using cloning software, I think your Seagate disk wizard as that feature, although I could be wrong since I have not used it in quite a while cause I upgraded to Acronis true image,

you can find a free 30 day trial here:

http://download.cnet.com/Acronis-True-Image-Home/3000-2242_4-10168093.html

or you can try Easeus disk copy 2.3 (free): (I have not use it myself but has a good Cnet rating)

http://download.cnet.com/Easeus-Disk-Copy/3000-2248_4-10867157.html?tag=mncol

technically you should be able to boot from your external drive if you desire, although personally I have had some trouble booting to usb drives for some obscure reason I have not resolved yet...

 

I'm attempting to image my HD to the new HD and I'm stuck.
I get to the Create Image Backup screen where it asks for a folder. I put in F:\\Image and it won't proceed to the next screen. Won't give me the next option (Next key is grayed out).
Now what?

 

You must create the destination folder prior to running Acronis. Acronis can only use existing folders or else it can place the image files on the root of a drive.

 

Turns out there was an option in Acronis to clone the HD so I did that and it seems to be fine.
Next is setting up the external enclosure, so if there's any tips I'm listening. It's a Vantec NexStar 3.

 

Hi chas berlin,

I have mine partitioned as follow:

disk 0; partition 1: operating system (80Gb)
partition 2: recovery (6Gb); factory install partition
partition 3: personal files (documents, pics, data) (rest of disk space, 230Gb)

disk 1; partition 1: alternate system (80Gb); this is a clone of a healthy system
partition 2: daily back-ups of system and files (rest of disk space, 385Gb)

disk 2; partition 1: Ubuntu (40 Gb)
partition 2: Recorded Tv, secondary back-ups, other large files(videos), and files that don't need to be backed-up like downloads, CD or DVD copies; (rest of disk space, 890Gb)

This last partition's files would be on disk 1; partition 2 if I had only 2 disks.

Of course I have external drives to which I make weekly backups and store archives and recorded movies I might want to watch at some later time. they are not partitioned, just folders.

Hope this helps.

 

JC, I think it's a bit late for the partitions. My primary HD is partitioned in a similar fashion to what you've suggested.
Now I'm looking for clues on the enclosure set up.