Running Programs While Backing Up (ATI 10)

Quick question:

1) If my computer can handle it (RAM and CPU wise) are there any negatives to running other programs while doing a backup (for example of my C drive) -- just a few programs such as Firefox and iTunes?

2) i.e. is the likelihood of a faulty image higher when running other programs, or is it just a matter of eating up more resources during that time?

I'd like to hear people's thoughts on this matter.

Thanks

 

I have never thought that it was a good idea to continue working during a backup - but must admit that this may be totally irrational. However I do keep my C: drives slim and can do a full image in less than 1 minute on my fastest and about 5 minutes on my slowest. The slowest is usually an opportunity to have another beer - so I intend to continue to be irrational and suggest others do likewise.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Is there anything actually bad about doing so though?

 

Some people don't like doing the backup from Windows under any circumstances. Others (like myself) do it that way and it works fine. I also do some backups from the CD or flashdrive too.

I would think that any normal programs shouldn't cause any problems. Windows is always running something anyway.

However, I wouldn't recommend running a defrag or using any other high disk usage program (like creating a DVD or recording DV files) while the backup is taking place if those programs are using the partition(s) you're backing up.

 

If you dont back up in Windows, how do you backup?

 

You boot from the TI CD, BartPE CD, VistaPE CD, etc. and do the backup from there.

 

Well , you CAN do it but its faster to run it by itself-mine takes about 20 min. for a 5.8G restore but with default compression too. I do it by itself figuring-the faster ,the better.

 

20 mins for 6 GB is fast?

 

I guess it depends ;sure beats 4+ hours the 'old way' BEFORE Acronis ! Mine's an old Dell Inspirron 1000 so that has something to do with it. Hope thst helps;never said it was 'fast' but beats the old way.

 

I get the best backup speeds by running them in Windows when the computer would otherwise be idle.ie lunchtime . When the TI icon pops up I know it is time to take a break.

Xpilot

 

If you ever run anything like Regmon or Procmon, these will display all the activity that is going on with regard to registry accesses. Loads can be happening even when you think the processor is idle. Lots from windows services especially network, and from your own processes whatever they may be.

My advice is ALWAYS this - If you want to minimize any problems with system backups, do them offline i.e. from startup recovery manager or boot CD, and move your documents, emails, and all user data to other partitions and leave the system in its own world.