Backup failures: Is my computer too busy?

BottomLiner · 18 Apr 2018

Hallo :)

My computer is consistently failing to complete a backup including system image, regardless of the time (on a 24-hour clock) at which I attempt the backup. There have been successful backups in the past that required at least 6 to 7 hours to complete so my first thought was are all the services making the machine too busy? I've listed all the services, obtained via Task Manager, in the attachment services_all.pdf

But I lack the wisdom to know which services I may safely disable or uninstall.

Here, in attached screenshots and files, is how I set up the backup, and its epilogue:

Set_Up_Backup_01.jpg

Set_Up_Backup_02.jpg

Set_Up_Backup_03.jpg

When the backup had completed ...

Windows_7_Backup_Error.jpg

Windows_7_Backup_Options.jpg

Windows_7_Backup_Options_Details.jpg

Settings.jpg

A suggestion that the backup destination TOSHIBA EXT [I:] might be corrupted ...

Set_Up_Backup_04.jpg

Running chkdsk I: /f /r > chkdsk_I.txt

did result in ...

Correcting errors in the Volume Bitmap.
Windows has made corrections to the file system.

... so I did a full (not quick) format of I:, ran chkdsk again, and got the 'all clear' on I:

But nothing seems to have changed. Another attempt to backup with system image included produced the same failed result. Which lead me to thinking that perhaps my computer is overloaded with services and applications.

Footnote: Although I have used Macrium Reflect v7.1 to do File and Folder backup, clone, and image I'd still like a successful backup from Windows 7 itself to use if ever I need to restore my computer to a previous configuration.

fireberd · 19 Apr 2018

You are much better off doing a full disc image (all partitions) with Macrium than using the clunky (and not complete) Windows backup.

Even if you finish the Windows version backup, its not a "one step" restore like Macrium would be.

Lady Fitzgerald · 19 Apr 2018

I second using Macrium Reflect Free instead of Win 7's backup. Be sure to make a rescue disk or USB stick. You will need it should you ever need to make a restore.

Also, make sure you are backing up to an external drive, not to a drive inside the computer.

mitchell65 · 19 Apr 2018

To add just my two pennyworth. From your system specs i can't see that you have an actual anti virus software installed. Some of your screenshots suggest that you might have a virus or two lurking in the background

abbeyon · 19 Apr 2018

Agree with @mitchell65 there must be some dubious nature of files that are taking time or system unable to backup. so installing an antivirus might clear the picture..

mrjimphelps · 19 Apr 2018

I agree with everyone on Macrium Reflect Free. And be sure to follow Lady Fitzgerald's suggestion about the emergency boot CD, DVD, or USB flash drive.

I replaced my hard drive with a solid state drive. I first backed up the hard drive using Macrium. I then swapped drives. I booted with the Macrium emergency CD, plugged in my USB external drive where the backup was stored, and did a restore to the SSD. After the restore was completed, I booted to the SSD. Restore was successful, everything worked perfectly. Best of all, the whole process was very easy.

Snick · 20 Apr 2018

M$ backup & restore is clunky to put it mildly, most every time you need to use it, it fails, at least in my experience.
I agree with everyone on Macrium Reflect free, adding, AOMEI backupper free is also an excellent choice due to simple GUI (graphical user interface). I've experienced, more than once, M$ backup & restore, failing when needed most.

OP's specks indicate HitmanPro Alert (real-time ransomware scanner) & Malwarebytes anti-malware (not specified free or premium). If OP is running premium then HitmanPro Alert is redundant, as Malwarebytes premium incorporates Malwarebytes anti-exploit and Malwarebytes anti-ransomware. If OP is running free, a scan with Malwarebytes should be run now.

Quite possible OP has corrupt system files relating to M$ backup & restore. One of OP’s screenshots indicates disk corruption and recommends checking disk for errors.

Backup failures: Is my computer too busy?-capture.png

I’d recommend running:
chkdsk /r
then
sfc /scannowfrom administrative command prompt.
Unfixed errors
sfc /scannow again once or twice
still unfixed errors
SFCFix.exe by Niemiro
still unfixed errors
run System Update Readiness Tool
and post CheckSUR.log
Located: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS

mitchell65 · 20 Apr 2018

OP does use Macrium Reflect see "Footnote" in post #1

mrjimphelps · 20 Apr 2018

mitchell65 said:

OP does use Macrium Reflect see "Footnote" in post #1

I totally missed that one.