Problem with backup zip files

I have Win 7 set to backup my files every night However, I tried to open one of the zip files (there are a lot of them) and got the message "Error in packed file E:\TOM-WIN7DESKTOP\Backup Set......" (I won't bore you with the details). I try that on each file, including the first one, and get the same message.

Backup is set to make copies of my documents rather than the whole space- I thought that would be better. I could eliminate all the files that can't be unzipped and have enough room on the backup disc to do system images.

If I remember correctly, this used to work- I could unzip the backup files. Suggestions?

If I was backing up my personal files, I'd probably try to avoid anything that might complicate accessing the backed up files----such as zip files or imaging technology. Instead, I'd just make ordinary copies that can be as easily accessed as the original versions.

I have no idea if Windows Backup forces you into zip files. If it does, that would be enough reason for me not to use it. Hard drive space is cheap and you may not save a lot of space by zipping anyway.

I was accessing the backup files directly on their hard drive. I may move to doing a disk image rather than zip files. Are there good backup programs out there? There have to be programs better than Microsoft puts out!

tjeffries said:

I was accessing the backup files directly on their hard drive. I may move to doing a disk image rather than zip files. Are there good backup programs out there? There have to be programs better than Microsoft puts out!

There are a number of them.

Ask yourself: what do I want to back up?

"Windows" only?

Whatever is on the C partition only?

Personal data only?

Each and every thing on each and every partition on each and every hard drive?

The proper tool depends on what you want to do, so tell us.

Are your personal files (mp3s, videos, pictures) on the same partition as Windows on your PC? Or are they kept on a separate partition?

Everything is on the same partition- basically the C drive. I want a backup of everything, but the files that change the most frequently are the ones in the \Users directory. My backup drive has enough space to keep a copy of everything, but there's not a lot of extra space. I use cloud backups for the stuff I'm working on, so maybe I should just get Windows to do an image of the hard drive once a month.

tjeffries said:

Everything is on the same partition- basically the C drive. I want a backup of everything, but the files that change the most frequently are the ones in the \Users directory. My backup drive has enough space to keep a copy of everything, but there's not a lot of extra space. I use cloud backups for the stuff I'm working on, so maybe I should just get Windows to do an image of the hard drive once a month.

An image file of the C partition made with Macrium would take up 40 to 50 percent of the occupied space on the C partition. You'd normally keep at least 2 image files, and make a new one every week, month, or quarter.

That image would include both Windows and whatever personal data is on C.

You'd also need to make an image of the small "system reserved" partition if you have one. Most people do.

I wouldn't fully rely on imaging for a backup of my personal data.

You might be a candidate for splitting your primary hard drive into 2 partitions: C for Windows only and D for personal data only. And then back each up separately--Macrium for C and system reserved and another non-imaging program for personal data.

Good luck with the cloud backup. I wouldn't get near it.

Post a screen shot of Windows Disk Management if possible.

What is on your backup drive other than backups? Or is it just quite small compared to C?

I'll give Macrium a try- thanks.