Windows 7: Can't backup my computer

imeem · 27 Dec 2010

(Mods, please move this thread if it is the wrong section)

Whenever I try to back my computer with Windows Backup, I keep getting this error message

I'm trying to back it up to my new WD My Book Essential 1 GB WDBAAF0010HBK.
I installed the latest firmware for the drive, but I did not install the software.

ignatzatsonic · 27 Dec 2010

If the error is right, it is a size issue.

Regarding the source disk: how many partitions, what size are they, which of them are you trying to back up, and how much occupied space in each of those partitions?

Regarding the destination disk: how many partitions, what size are they, and how much space is free in each of the partitions?

imeem · 27 Dec 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by ignatzatsonic

If the error is right, it is a size issue.

Regarding the source disk: how many partitions, what size are they, which of them are you trying to back up, and how much occupied space in each of those partitions?

Regarding the destination disk: how many partitions, what size are they, and how much space is free in each of the partitions?

AFAIK, my external HDD has no partitions, It's just 1 big thing. When it ask you what do you want to back up, I choose Let Windows Choose.

I have over 900 GB of free space left.

mlevy · 27 Dec 2010

The MyBook comes formatted as FAT32. FAT32 has a file size limitation of 4 GB, your backup is surely larger than that. Click the start orb, in the search box type cmd, right-click the command prompt in the results and select to run as administrator. At the command prompt type

Code:

convert [drive letter for the MyBook]: /fs:ntfs without the quotes.

This will convert the drive to the NTFS format without wiping the existing data.

imeem · 27 Dec 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by mlevy

The MyBook comes formatted as FAT32. FAT32 has a file size limitation of 4 GB, your backup is surely larger than that. Click the start orb, in the search box type cmd, right-click the command prompt in the results and select to run as administrator. At the command prompt type

Code:

convert [drive letter for the MyBook]: /fs:ntfs without the quotes.

This will convert the drive to the NTFS format without wiping the existing data.

It came formatted to NTFS.

imeem · 27 Dec 2010

Does this mean that I have to use the software that came with the hard drive to back up my computer?

ignatzatsonic · 27 Dec 2010

What are the specific answers to the specific questions in my first post?

All drives have at least one partition. Some have 2, 3, 4, or more.

We need more info.

imeem · 27 Dec 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by ignatzatsonic

What are the specific answers to the specific questions in my first post?

All drives have at least one partition. Some have 2, 3, 4, or more.

We need more info.

What are partition?

Coram Daes · 27 Dec 2010

I have a MyBook 2TB, hooked up and done.
But I used the bundled software to format the drive before I gave Windows instructions to use it for backup.
Something about removing all custom stuff on the myBook. Need to check.

ignatzatsonic · 27 Dec 2010

Go to the start button search box.

Type in disk management

Take a screen capture of disk management when it comes up.

Post that picture in this thread.

It may or may not be a size issue, but you have to find out.

Windows 7: Can't backup my computer

Can't backup my computer problems?