backup of pagefile.sys

Discussion in 'Paragon Drive Backup Product Line' started by guest, Jan 16, 2012.

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  1. guest

    guest Guest

    While doing a total C:\ drive backup, I noticed that it was stated that the 'pagefile.sys' and 'hiberfil.sys' files would not be backed up. I would welcome confirmation that there would have been no data in these files and that they would be recreated during recovery.
     
  2. cincinnatijack

    cincinnatijack Registered Member

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    You are right, the 'pagefile.sys' and 'hiberfil.sys' files are excluded from backup, the backup image will have the 'pagefile.sys' and 'hiberfil.sys' files but they will be empty 0 KB.
     
  3. seekforever

    seekforever Registered Member

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    These files are essentially recreated each time you bootup Windows so a backup would be meaningless.
     
  4. guest

    guest Guest

    Thanks Seekforever.
     
  5. guest

    guest Guest

    Thanks cincinnatijack
     
  6. TheMozart

    TheMozart Former Poster

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    Are you saying that everytime we shut down windows, that 'pagefile.sys is deleted and any private or sensitive data inside is erased?

    If so, then why do some programs like Eraser from Heidi etc recommend we wipe the 'pagefile.sys all the time?
     
  7. seekforever

    seekforever Registered Member

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    Most likely it is just like other files, deleteing the file just removes its entry in the file table and does nothing to overwrite the information contained in the sectors that made up the file. This is how file recovery programs are able to restore deleted files and why secure delete programs overwrite the sectors with various patterns. It isn't normally done because it would slow the PC down for no real benefit in most cases.
     
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