Differential Backups.

[badger]

Set a scheduled task to create a differential backup to existing full one. In the task setup specify a pre command to rename/move the existing differential backup (it will always have the same name), and a post command to delete the renamed/moved file if the new backup was successful. This will ensure that at any point you have a good full backup and a good differential one. Please see chapter "pre/post commands" of the respective User's Guide for more information.
I have copied the above from a previous thread. I would like to be able to do what is suggested. I have tried but was not successsful. Can someone please tell me EXACTLY what I type in the pre and post command boxes. Thanks. J

[Strangeman]

If you set up a 'backup location' this sort of thing is handled automatically,

I have a location set up with a rule to store a maximum of 15 files, and the backup task creates a new full backup after 6 differentials, so I have two weeks worth on the go (I set the limit to 15 just to avoid pushing my luck). Not perfect, because if you're a purist, the oldest one should be somewhere else, but it's a bit improvement on the 6 monthly (maybe) ones I was doing up until last year.

[badger]

Thank you for your reply. I have created a "Backup Location".and always use this.
I wanted to do as suggested by the Acronis Support team in one of their replies in a thread by "evivame".
I wanted to know what exactly I had to type in the pre and post commands.
I want ,if possible, to have 1 full backup and only 1 differential at any one time. At the moment I get a differential backup each day, and have to manually delete the previous one. As I understand these pre and post commands will delete the previously made diff.backup when a successful new diff. has been made..
I have read the manual (actually I have printed it) but It is not very explanatory.
Thanks again for your help. J

[Strangeman]

That's OK, although someone else will have to answer that question, as it's not something I have attempted myself. I did see a thread a while ago with a more complicated example of what you wanted, but I preferred the simpler option myself.

[badger]

Strangeman Thank you very much. I do appreciate your help J

[badger]

Any one else able to help me please. J

[MudCrab]

What you need to do is just create a simple batch file that you run from the "pre" command in the backup task.

Here is an example:
@echo off
c:
cd \test
if exist backup1.tib rename backup1.tib "DIF %date:/=-%.tib"

Using the Windows Notepad program, enter (or edit) the code and save it in a batch file in your PATH or in the folder with your backup image files. I named it renbk.bat for my test.

Here is a breakdown of the code:
@echo off - hides display output of the commands
c: - changes to the drive that contains the backup directory
cd \test - changes to the directory that contains the backup files
if exist backup1.tib rename backup1.tib "DIF %date:/=-%.tib" - checks if the file exists and then renames it if it does.

You would need to change the drive, directory and backup filename to what you want to use.

In this example, backup1.tib will be renamed to DIF Sat 01-19-2008.tib when the batch file is run (if run today).

In the "pre" command option of TI, you would just enter the path to the batch file: c:\test\renbk.bat and the script will run before the backup begins.
197068

The attached renbk.txt would have to be renamed to renbk.bat (or another name with the .bat extension before it could be run).

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If you want to delete the previous differental backup file:
@echo off
c:
cd \test
if exist backup1.tib del backup1.tib
Again, make the necessary changes to the drive, directory and filename.

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More information can be found here: Automatically Renaming Image Archives (http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/support/kb/?aid=364)

[badger]

MudCrab Thank you so very much for your help and your very comprehensive explanation and instructions.. Much appreciated. J

[MudCrab]

You're welcome. Hope it helps.