Hard Drive Backup - Partitions or Disk?

[aussiegtc]

Hi,

A few questions to "those in the know" about getting a full system backup that is reliable and can be restored effectively.

I am running Windows XP MCE SP2 and have an internal 750GB SATA drive which is partioned into three drives (C: Windows and Applications, D Drive for Documents and Pictures and E: for Video Recordings made with media center).

As I don't need to backup the video recordings on the E: drive (and they're big and always changing anyway), I am currently only running a partition backup of the C and D drives. Monthly full, Weekly incrementals..

Is this strategy and "partition backup" sufficient to enable a full recovery of the boot drive and documents drive? I have read elsewhere that you might need to actually backup the "disk" rather than the "partition".

Thanks,

[Menorcaman]

Hello aussiegtc,

If using True Image 9.0 Home Build 3567 or later then the answer is "yes" as the MBR/Track 0 data is included in the image at all times. When using any version/build of TI prior to Build 3567, the MBR/Track 0 data is only included in the backup image if you selected the whole of the disk drive.

Just remember, if restoring the partitions to a replacement drive (or the boot info on the original drive has become corrupted), you will also need to select the MBR and Track 0 data as part of the restore.

Regards

EDIT - additional clarification provided

[Rickk]

Dear menorcaman,
I think I may have a similar situation.

This may be a silly question but when you say: -{ Quote: ""If using True Image Build 3567 then the answer is "yes" as the MBR/Track 0 data is included in the image at all times. Prior to Build 3567 the MBR/Track 0 data was only included in the backup image if you So, selected the whole of the disk drive."" }-
Which ATI would you be referring to: 8 9 or 10?
I have ATI Server 8.0 build 800, btw.

[dld]

-{ Quote: "Dear menorcaman,
I think I may have a similar situation.

This may be a silly question but when you say:
Which ATI would you be referring to: 8 9 or 10?
I have ATI Server 8.0 build 800, btw." }-

Menorcaman was referring to ATI Home 9.0.3567

[aussiegtc]

Thanks Menorcaman - much appreciated!

I'm running TI10 so the partition backup will be fine..... it's a little hard to understand the documentation wording at times... :)

cheers,
Andrew

[Menorcaman]

-{ Quote: "..... it's a little hard to understand the documentation wording at times... :)

cheers,
Andrew" }-Hi Andrew,

The sheer number of posts/threads in this forum suggests that you're not wrong :P ;D

Regards