Backup/hard link question


  1. Posts : 289
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #1

    Backup/hard link question


    In an effort to make more space on my HDD I moved some folders to another partition and used a hard link to make it look like the files are still on the C drive.

    For reference the command is:
    mklink /J <link> <target>

    How will this effect my backup? Will it backup the folders as though they're on the C drive?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 28,845
    Win 8 Release candidate 8400
       #2

    mlevy said:
    In an effort to make more space on my HDD I moved some folders to another partition and used a hard link to make it look like the files are still on the C drive.

    For reference the command is:
    mklink /J <link> <target>

    How will this effect my backup? Will it backup the folders as though they're on the C drive?

    Good question. Gut feeling, no. It will back up the mklink but not go looking for what it represents. Let us know if you find out. Great question

    Ken
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 31,249
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #3

    I think this would depend on the software used

    I have seen reports where problems were encountered with backup programs backing up both the actual files and the the same files through the hard link, this would occur in locations such as the WinSXS folder which contains many links to DLL files in other parts of the folder structure.

    Windows 7 backup is designed to back up all NTFS properties except hard links
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 289
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I'm using the built-in backup.

    I'm also using the RC still, going to milk it as long as possible in hopes of building a new monster rig.

    Barman, thanks for the info, guess I'll add the new location to my backup plan, if possible..
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 31,249
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #5

    What I would suggest you do is set-up a small test backup that includes a hard link or two that links to external data and check what happens - if the links are followed or not then the backup policy could be adjusted accordingly. You could also test the recover process before committing you actual data to the plan
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 289
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I can't verify that the default backup will back the hard linked files, it won't let me browse that data.

    I'll see if i can create another backup job but it looks like no. I may just create a batch file to run and schedule it, that way I'm sure it's backed up...
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 16:16.
Find Us