X full backups, then delete oldest

Discussion in 'Acronis True Image Product Line' started by Hans L, Dec 16, 2008.

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  1. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    I saw another post about this, but I did not understand the solution. I would want to do what I could do in 2008 Home with my new 2009 Home, namely schedule 4 full backups, and when the 5th backup is made, the oldest backup is deleted.

    I would greatly appreciate a description of how to achieve this in ATI 2009 Home.

    Thanks a lot,

    Hans L
     
  2. shieber

    shieber Registered Member

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    ATI doesn't do that anymore. You need version 10 or 11.
     
  3. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    Okay, I will ask for my money back then.

    Thank you!

    Hans L
     
  4. Vlad V

    Vlad V Registered Member

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    The latest build of ATIH 2009 (9646) allows you to get what you want, though the solution is not obvious. Here's how:
    1) At the "Backup method" step choose either "Incremental" or "Differential" method, select the "Create a new full backup after" checkbox and set "0" (zero) in the number of backups field. This will result in creating only full backups, but, in addition, will enable the "Automatic consolidation" step (disabled for the "Full" backup method), which will be needed for ensuring automatic deletion of the oldest backup.
    2) At the "Automatic consolidation" step select the "Number of backups exceeds" checkbox and set a limit of 4 backups.
    The program will create 4 full backups, then on the 5th run it will create a fifth backup thus exceeding the limit set on the number of backups. ATIH can't consolidate full backups, so it will simply delete the oldest one. This procedure will be repeated during the next task run, etc.
    P.S. You must have space for at least 5 fulls. If there is not enough room for the 5th backup, the task run will be aborted, and the program will neither create a new backup, nor delete the oldest one.
     
  5. jehosophat

    jehosophat Registered Member

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    Thanks for this I will try it. Acronis have several times told me that Full automatic daily backups are not possible in ATI2009 build 9646. So if Acronis dont know how to use their own software, it is not a surprise that I struggle.
     
  6. shieber

    shieber Registered Member

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    rotflmfao

    This certainly isn't a straightforward way to use the software; it's sort of like sneakin' 'round back while the door is open. But if it works, a workaround is a workaround -- Who says there isn't enough duct tape to wrap the entire world? ;-)

    I hipe Acrdonis doesn't find out that this method works or their liable to do something to stop it and re-hobble the program, a goal upon which Acronis management seems intent. ;-)


     
  7. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    Vlad, I will try this later today – morning and lunch are busy times today.

    Thank you for the method, though.

    It is kind of mind-boggling that an upgrade that you pay hard cash for has a crucial function removed. I will, for sure, let everyone I know in on this – if you do not strike back, they will just go on and do whatever they want.

    Regards,

    Hans L
     
  8. oldtimercurt

    oldtimercurt Registered Member

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    Vlad,
    Based on this thread I reinstalled 2009 and scheduled as you indicated--I used 7 for number of backups exceeds in automatic consolidation. However, I'm confused because I don't see the automatic naming and if every backup is named e.g. MyBackup they'll just overwrite. Did I miss something about how to create the backups using the autonaming as done in version 11?

    Thanks,
    OTC
     
  9. A J kadashevich

    A J kadashevich Registered Member

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    The textile has terrific write up for AT11, but the same procedure does not apply to the latest version ATI2009.

    I am trying the suggestion with 0 incrementals, but all full backup limits the number of historical backups I can keep. I would have liked to have 30 day history.

    The release noes for 9608 version have two interesting points (below).

    But I did not find any references in UI to rotations/backup policies or a way to specify location like used to be able to do ATIH11.

    (1) Backup Policies (Rotations) (back by popular demand from Acronis True Image 11, Rotations makes it possible to customize archive chains and automatically consolidate or delete outdated slices! This set and forget feature expands on the functionality of its ATIH 11 predecessor by adding the ability to automatically consolidate slices.)

    (2) Improved Automatic Consolidation feature – it is now possible to apply backup policies in the tasks (the functionality is similar to Backup Location Management in earlier product versions)

    If anyone found these, can you post more details on how to find them and if I can get 30 day (ideally 1 full backup every week, followed by 6 incrementals) history and automatic deleting of old backups after 30 days.
     
  10. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    Geez, what crap. I guess the developers get fired if they do not introduce 10 new unintelligible terms a week.

    Hans L
     
  11. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    Vlad, what happend was that "Drive Images.tdb" was overwritten by the new "Drive Images.tdb". Withe the same name, I do not see how your method can work? I am sure I am missing something, so I look forward to your clarification.

    Regards,

    Hans L
     
  12. Vlad V

    Vlad V Registered Member

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    Hello Hans,
    I've tried this approach on my computer and it works for me. After the first run the program created file DriveC.tib, and during the second run it hasn't overwritten the file but created a new file DriveC(1).tib.
    May be you've checked the "Remove old archives" box at the "Backup method" step? It must be unchecked for the approach to work.

    Regards,
    Vlad V
     
  13. shieber

    shieber Registered Member

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    you might need to leave "tib" as the file extension.



     
  14. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    Vlad, while it did not work the first night, I removed all old files in the directory where backups are saved, leaving only the newest .tib file, and this morning, I had

    X.tib
    X(1).tib

    So, Vlad and shieber, I am in business!

    I am still asking for my money back for this version, but I will look at what other changes were made in this version and decide if it is still worth keeping it (any thoughts about that?).

    Regards

    Hans L
     
  15. shieber

    shieber Registered Member

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    I think, generally, ver 12/2009 has better hardware suport than 10 or 11, etc. That could not be said of it's predecessor. It still has some serious bugs in the Task Editor and possibly a problem with desktop icons etc. Anda few less serious probs. A ver 12/2009 that had those things fixed would be a pretty reliable program and enough to make me move from 10 to 12 (I too sought a refund on 12 soon after trying it -- just because of the multiple fulls issue -- but with a reasonable workaround, that's not much of an issue anymore. But hose other bugs are still giving me pause.

    It's not clear that they will be fixed in a ver 12 update or if we'll have to wait and see what 13 looks like (probably some fixes and a whole new set of bugs ;-)

    So, for me, it's a tough call, but I haven't made the move to 12.
     
  16. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    Well, Sieber, since I have made the switch and paid the money, I might stay with 12. But I am angry that Acronis has not responded to my request.

    Hans L
     
  17. meerkat

    meerkat Registered Member

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    Glad to have found this forum. :)
    After months of trying to get anything from Acronis Support, I've completely given up on them.

    To the point.

    ATI 2009, Vista HP.

    For daily scheduled Full Backups, I have my setup as "Incremental" and create a new full backup after "0" (zero) incremental backups. This seems to be working correctly after several weeks. (Support told me it couldn't be done.) Anyone else doing this? Am I missing some that might jeopardize my archives? :doubt:

    But I have yet to find how to get it to automatically delete old backup as in ATI 11. Any new information about how to accomplish that?


    Thanks,

    Kat ;)
     
  18. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    I have uninstalled my 12, but I had the same problem. But I also seem to remember that there was a setting about deletion that I had not checked, so liik through the whole setting procedure again, and you may find it.

    Regards,

    Hans L
     
  19. Abaris

    Abaris Registered Member

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    You need to use Automatic Consolidation by number of backups. As there won't be Incremental or Differentials to consolidate, the program will just delete the oldest Full backups.

     
  20. Faust

    Faust Registered Member

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    Well I'm just glad Vlad V triumphed where Acronis support has failed.

    setting the number of incrementals to 0 and then the above does actually work. I now have scheduled auto full backups one after the other and the oldest being automatically deleted after set number. :D I reckon even Sheiber might try this latest version again as this was his biggest complaint about version 2009
     
  21. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    In the beginning, everyone bragged about True Image, but now, it seems as if the company has become too "important" for its own good.

    Does anyone know of any good open source program?

    Regards,

    Hans L
     
  22. Xpilot

    Xpilot Registered Member

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    Well I certainly will not be buying nor trying out Version2009. The fancy workaround is great but it can still trip you up.
    In the example given one has to have sufficient space for five full backups even though only four are wanted. Now unless one is keeping the size of full backups under continuous review a point will be reached where the so called automatic deletion and the task will fail.

    In version 10 and all previous versions ( I can't speak for version 11 because I only kept it for 36 hours as it was so bad) It is possible to set up one simple task to create full backups.
    For this I use a secure zone, it truly is a fit and forget system. Full backups are created and managed with no further input being need by myself ever.

    Xpilot
     
  23. Faust

    Faust Registered Member

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    That's OK if secure zone works - it sounds like it does for you. However, SZ caused me nothing but problems and did so for many other users with the common advice given on this and many other forums to steer well clear of SZ. No, for me 2009 works much better and with full backups now sorted 2009 for me at least is the perfect back up solution.
     
  24. Xpilot

    Xpilot Registered Member

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    It is good to see such a satisfied customer for V2009. I suppose that you have not explored many of its " features" other than straight forward backups and restores of partitions or whole drives.

    If you ever do you may find one of your full backups will be very handy.

    Xpilot
     
  25. Hans L

    Hans L Registered Member

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    I have now reinstalled v. 11, and I will stick to it until I know that a better version of TI has been released. However, I will seriously start (in late Feb) looking for a open source version, because I see the handwriting on the wall – Acronis has lost its edge and I can no longer trust them.

    My tendency in general is to avoid the larger brands. For instance, when Dell made it virtually impossible to find the best deal for a computer on their website, I vowed not to buy a Dell again, and I guilt my own computer (for the first, but not the last, time).

    I have to use Windows, unfortunately, but the moment I do not need it anymore, it will be Linux. The only big name I am sticking to – for the time being – is Norton Internet Security. since it has, against expectations, worked very well on my computers.

    Regards,

    Hans L
     
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