Multiple Backup Images on USB Disk

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  1. brj
    Posts : 25
    Win7 Home Premium 32
       #1

    Multiple Backup Images on USB Disk


    hi,

    i have a large 1.5TB external usb disk i use to store the backup images created by windows 7 image backup.

    the backup is started manually and includes the drives C:, D: and E: . although the disk has plenty of free space, i can only store one single backup set on it. older sets under WindowsImageBackup\[ComputerName] are always deleted.

    what can i do to store multiple images on this drive ?

    thanks
    jakob
      My Computer


  2. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #2

    This is for Images NOT file/folder backup.
    You can do one of 2 things or a combination.
    Let's say you've just made an image in the root of your 1.5TB ext USB HDD.
    Say it's F:
    You have
    F:\WindowsImageBackup
    (1) Move
    You can rename it and/or move it to a folder, say wstore
    giving
    F:\wstore\WindowsImageBackup
    Windows will happily make another Image in F:\ because it does see one now.
    (2) Rename
    Rename F:\WindowsImageBackup to say F:\WindowsImageBackup_24_11_10
    Windows will happily make a new image now under F:\

    When it comes time to reimage your old versions move and or rename them back to
    F:\
    If and F:\WindowsImageBackup already exists there then move or rename it first.

    You can make as many images on a single partition as you have space using these very simple procedures.

    Recovery using the System Repair Disk of any of these multiple copies is described in the Tutorial
    Recovering Images


    NOTE: Move and rename is almost instant because it's a directory change. Don't use Copy unless you really want a copy. It will take ages.


    File/folder backups will not be deleted unless you choose to. They will be added to and occasionally the old one will be kept and brand new one complete new one created.
    Last edited by mjf; 14 May 2011 at 02:21. Reason: Apparent need to emphasize the obvious
      My Computer


  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #3

    If you want to make your life easier, use Macrium for imaging. That is a lot easier and flexible. You can keep as many images as you like. You manage the images yourself. Imaging with free Macrium In my book, the Windows7 imaging sucks - but that may be just me.
      My Computer


  4. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #4

    brj,
    you will find passionate opinions on this forum. I along with many use windows imaging because it has proven itself to me. BUT there may come a day when it like anything else may let you down.
    Solution: Use 2 imaging packages.
    I also use Macrium free "just in case" but keep fewer images.
    1.5TB is heaps of space. Now buy a 2nd HDD in case the first one dies.

    No software package or hardware is foolproof.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 26,863
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    mjf, is absolutely correct. I have 4 external HDs totaling about5 TB. I like to use external 3.5" enclosures. In an emergency, you can pull them out of the enclosure and install them in your machine. Back to the issue, the safest is to use at least two imaging programs and back them up on multiple hds. Also, switch hds on the imaging programs so you have several of each on all externals. I guess I am both a belt and suspenders type.
      My Computer


  6. brj
    Posts : 25
    Win7 Home Premium 32
    Thread Starter
       #6

    hi all,

    in other words: windows image backup can't store multiple images on the same partition !

    i split up my large disk into 3 partitions, so i can store 3 backups. but i'll try macrium for sure.

    thank
    jakob
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 26,863
    Windows 11 Pro
       #7

    Another suggestion. I do the same but when you do the image backup, rename it- like the backuo is called windows image backup, I rename it to like 11-24windowsimage backup. If you do that windows will create another backup. The only thing you have to remember is that in order to use it, you will have to rename it back to windowsimage backup. That way I can keep as many as I want and also can pick the date I want to backup. I do this on at least 3 different externals so I have plenty of choices from any backup.
      My Computer


  8. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #8

    brj said:
    hi all,

    in other words: windows image backup can't store multiple images on the same partition !

    i split up my large disk into 3 partitions, so i can store 3 backups. but i'll try macrium for sure.

    thank
    jakob
    There is no need to make 3 partitions. Just pick 1 partition that is large enough to hold as many Macrium images as you like to keep and define a folder in that partition (I always call it Macrium Images - LOL). Then image to that folder. Figure that an image is about 50% (in bytes) of the used space in the partition that you image. You can also image multiple partitions at the same time. I do that because my OS partition and my data partition are seperate (which is a good practice - Data Partition ).

    And when you start with Macrium, your first task should be to burn the recovery CD so that you have a means to pull an image in when you want to restore your system (that's explained in my Video tut).
      My Computer


  9. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #9

    essenbe said:
    Another suggestion. I do the same but when you do the image backup, rename it- like the backuo is called windows image backup, I rename it to like 11-24windowsimage backup. If you do that windows will create another backup. The only thing you have to remember is that in order to use it, you will have to rename it back to windowsimage backup. That way I can keep as many as I want and also can pick the date I want to backup. I do this on at least 3 different externals so I have plenty of choices from any backup.
    essenbe, seriously, who wants to jump thru all those hoops. That is exactly one reason why I always recommend Macrium (and I have no stake in the product). But it is so much easier to use and so much more flexible.
      My Computer


  10. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #10

    brj said:
    hi all,

    in other words: windows image backup can't store multiple images on the same partition !

    i split up my large disk into 3 partitions, so i can store 3 backups. but i'll try macrium for sure.

    thank
    jakob
    Of course you can store multiple images on one partition.
    Didn't you read my Post Number 2??????
    I gave you 2 ways to do it. It's simple - Read Post #2
    Last edited by mjf; 14 May 2011 at 02:22.
      My Computer


 
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