Size of backup files seems to large

I did a full backup, and then set my computer to do automatic backups using the differential method. Why are the ensuing backup files so large? I haven't made that many changes, and the total size of the backup files added together more than double the amount of data on my original disk.

How can I do backups without the size of the backup files getting out of hand?

 

Even if you didn't make changes, changes may have been made by Windows, Windows Update, automatic defragging, etc. You neglected to provide any details of your setup (ATI version, Windows version, etc.), so I can't be more specific.

 

I have Acronis True Image, home version 11. My OS is Vista Home.

Thanks for the reply. Even if there are changes to windows and updates, why would the backup files take up so much more room than my entire hard drive's files?

If the size of the backup files continues to grow like this, perhaps I should start over with a new Full Backup every so often?

 

By their very nature, DIFF backup images will get bigger each consecutive run.

 

What do you mean by "my entire hard drive's files"? If you mean your data files, then you misunderstand how a disk image works. ATI creates an image of the entire disk, not just your files but the entire system.

Vista is set to automatically defragment the hard drive during idle time, so a lot will change at the disk level. Thus when ATI tries to create a differential, so much has changed that it's essentially creating a full image again.

Unless you delete large files, such as video, your drive's used space and therefore your ATI images are likely to increase over time. Windows Updates alone will add to used space, as will anything you create.

 

I'm not an expert, so can someone give a simple recommendation on the best backup procedure for my entire hard drive (mirror)?

I think there are 3 different methods to pick from. I can't afford my backup files to use up 250GB when my hard drive has a total of 105GB (using the DIFF method). What is the best way to use less space for backups and still be safe?

 

“ … and still be safe … “
You really have to define just what your needs are as far as backups go. What does “safe” mean to you? What do you want to accomplish?
Are you only interested in disaster recovery and therefore only need to go back a day or two if a drive fails or the system gets FUBAR?
Do you want to archive data to allow you to go back to any point in time from the last few weeks/months/years?
I’ve been in the business going on 35 years and I have never heard anyone say “I have too many backups”. I have, however, often heard “Damn! I should’ve backed that up once more” or “I wish I had kept that backup one more week”.
I know this is not much of an answer, but really, only you can answer this for yourself. Give us more detailed info and maybe you will get a few suggestions.

 

Hey TheWeaz I had to look that up (FUBAR) I figured that I knew what it meant but had to be sure.
aces1202 as theweaz says you have to decide what you will feel safe with. This is how I feel safe. I first of all named my internal drives, "main drive" and "Backup". TI has an annoying habit of changing the letters, but the name will remain the same and cause less confusion.Then I made 2 copies of the "rescue disk" ( hopefully you made one) then I made a VistaPe ( yes I am paranoid) then I made an Image/backup of my "barebones" vista which I copied to a DVD and 2 USB drives ( I did say I was paranoid didn't I?). I made an image with all the patches of my first time on line. I make an image to a second internal hard drive and alternate between each drive,Ie: one internal hard drive and 2 USB drives. I delete Images as each drive becomes full always making sure I have an image that I know has no virus or worms. About every two months , Before making an image I run my anti virus then I delete unnecessary files, clean out the registry and check for ADware and run my defrag and marked them as such. I make an image once a week without doing the above. A lot of data I can retreive by "mounting" the image. Hope this gives you some ideas.
I am sure others will give you some ideas too, good luck.

 

aces1202,

You may need to consider getting a larger backup drive.

On my main Vista system, I've found that it's not worth wasting the space doing incremental or differential backups. Unless it's only been a day or two (max) since the last full, the non-full backup is usually only a slightly smaller than the full and any validation will take twice as long or longer. As a result, I mainly just do full images.

For my data partitions, incremental backups work well with new full backups as necessary.

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dbknox,

I suppose I'm a bit on the paranoid side too (for good reason). In addition to images I keep with the computers, I keep copies of recent images on several drives I swap in a safe-deposit box at the bank.

 

MudCrab I am getting old I forgot to mention one
step, I leave a copy at a friends house and he leaves a copy at my place.
aces1202, There seems to be more and more people that have started to just make a full image every few days, depending on how many changes have been made on their computers.