I'm using Macrium Reflect, but I hate it. Every time I create a new system image, it creates a new +40GB system image. I want it to updates/replace on top of the old system image file. I tried both Incremental and Differential back up, but still the same problem.
I use Acronis True Image 2014 and it has worked well for me.
I have not used the later versions.
Is there a differential option, that sounds like what you are wanting.
I'm sure someone else will chime in, I don't use Acronis so I can't offer any other suggestions.
Do you know any system image software which can update/replace an exist system image file?
I can force Acronis to only keep 1 of the latest version and automatically delete the previous versions, but this is a waste of CPU usage. I'm looking for a back up software which can overwrite the existed system image.
Macrium Reflect Free has differential images. My full backup is around 40GB and my differentials usually come in at about 3-5GB. But I have all my data on a separate partition to my OS.
If you want to keep system images small you should split your OS from your data.
You can only overwrite an existing full backup with a new full backup. I don't know of any backup software that can merge the differential/incremental into one file.
It would help if you fill in your System Specs so we know what CPU, RAM, etc. you have.
This tutorial can help with updating System Specs:
System Info - See Your System Specs
In addition to what Brds7t7 suggested about storing Data on a different partition:
If you have Hibernate enabled and don't use it, disable it.
If you have a lot of RAM, you may have a large Pagefile that could be reduced in size.
Do you have System Restore enabled, and don't use it ?
Do you periodically run a temp file cleaner such as CCleaner ?
The more you can reduce the (unneeded) space used on the [C] drive, the faster the Backup will run, and the smaller the backup image will be.
What type of storage device are you backing up to ?
USB2 will be slower than other options such as USB3, SATA, etc.
I don't understand why you think it might be possible to reduce CPU usage by overwriting or update an existing imageI can force Acronis to only keep 1 of the latest version and automatically delete the previous versions, but this is a waste of CPU usage. I'm looking for a back up software which can overwrite the existed system image.
What are you seeing for CPU usage that is a "waste of CPU usage" ?
It would help if you post screen prints of the problem you see.
Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums
How often do you create Backup Images ?
Do you make a lot of System changes so you need a lot of backups ?
I used Acronis paid for many years and it always worked reliably for me.
The last 1-2 years i've been using Macrium Reflect free, it works reliably for me, and i prefer it.
I keep several backup images on multiple backup devices, in case any image/device fails to restore.
I would not trust a program that updates the previous image, and depend on that image only.
fyi, Version 6 of Macrium has Retention Rules options that might help you.
I don't know what version of Macrium you have.
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