How disk space is used by Windows Backup ? [Question]

orion310591 · 05 Jul 2012

Ok, take a look here...

100gb E back up partition formatted and created new fresh backup, whole C partition + sys image

1. Can someone explain to me, what goes where? What data is going to data backup what goes in system image and what are "other files"?

2. My settings atm is Let windows manage the space used for backup history (maximum 30GB) why my system image is 45GB?

3. Is there any possibility to set up this backup utility, to delete OLDEST data backup when partition runs out of space? (As far i was reading on net, system image gets updated but every time data backup is created again and older is left)

kado897 · 05 Jul 2012

Hi Orion and welcome to Seven Forums.

I will attempt to explain although much is a mystery known only to Microsoft.

1. Your data goes into a folder with your PC name. The last image goes into a folder called WindowsImageBackup. Older images are differenced into Shadow Storage. You can see what data is going into the backup by clicking on the Change Settings link on the backup and Restore dialogue

2. The 30% refers to shadow storage (I think) which holds the differenced images. When the space fills up the oldest is deleted.

3. You need to manually control what data backup sets are deleted. There is nothing automatic.

Hope this helps. I will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.