Size For Split DVD Image

[bobdat]

I bought a DVD-RAM drive for my laptop.

I've created data disks of almost 4.7Gb using single layer DVD+R disks. I'm not interested in writing dual layer disks, although my burner claims that capability.

I want to create a TI9 image of my drive (XP Pro) booting from the TI9 Acronis Recovery CD and store the split image archive temporarily on my external USB drive (NTFS). Then, I'll burn the split images to DVD+R disks.

I don't want to use Acronis' buggy direct-to-DVD technology nor try it with my Sonic Digital Media. I just want to create my good old reliable data backup the slow, reliable way. ;)

Some users recommend split files in the 2Gb range. This seems too small for my DVD+R's. Should I create split backup files of, say 4.6Gb or am I missing something that would require the smaller data file sizes?

Thanks in advance.

[Mooron]

I select the DVD size from the pull-down menu and write the files
to a USB drive. TI creates files that fit nicely on a DVD I don't know
why anyone would choose to use a smaller size unless they were using
FAT 32 or something. I burn the files to DVDs using Nero.
I agree, direct-to-DVD is something to be avoided if possible.
I don't like that you can't recover from a bad burn, you can't
control the speed and there is no data verification pass.

One thing I don't like is booting from the CD to do your backup.
The USB drivers on the CD may not work well with your USB
hardware. You are much better off doing it from Windows.

- Mooron

[seekforever]

Once you go over 2GB the DVD uses the UDF file system. UDF is readable in Windows and TI can read it but it is not as universal as ISO. Note that TI and I believe XP have a restriction that the higest version of UDF it can read is 2.01. If your burning software allows you to select the UDF version be sure you stay within this restriction.

I split at 1492 MB since it is easy to remember thanks to the story of Christopher Columbus. TI will change it to 1.457 MB after you enter it. Three of these tib file fit nicely on a DVD and also work readily with FAT32 HDs and ISO DVDs.

The choice is yours and either way works.

[Mooron]

That's not a bad idea in case you ever have to put the files on a FAT 32
partition for some reason. Smaller files are easier to manage anyway.
I have also considered making CD sized files and writing 6 on them
to each DVD ( I think 6 will fit on a DVD ).

[Menorcaman]

Forget TI's dropdown picklist and just enter one of the following manual split sizes into the space provided:

635 MB and burn one .tib file per CD-ROM (ISO) data compilation or up to seven .tib files per DVD-ROM (ISO) data compilation.

1492 MB and burn up to three .tib files per DVD-ROM (ISO) data compilation.

4.3 GB and burn one .tib file per DVD-ROM (UDF) data compilation.

Regards

[bobdat]

Thanks to all for the great suggestions and explanations. :)