Backup problem

[xChase]

I always back up to my HDD that is 1tb in size, but lately my C:\ has gotten a lot bigger and it won't fit on my HDD. Was wondering if there is a way to essentially 'zip' a backup to a smaller size or something like that?

 

[kado897]

It would be helpful if you told us what what size of disk you are trying to back up and what backup software you are using. Also are you doing an image backup or just backing up files.

 

[xChase]

Trying to backup about 480G to a disk that only has 400G free using the windows backup tool. Basically I want it so that if this computer crashed I could completely restore it from a backup.

 

[karlsnooks]

Actually, should be no problem.

But let's see a pic of the output of disk management.

Please read very carefully the following and drag the field separators as requested. Thanks.

HOW TO POST A SNAPSHOT OF DISK MANAGEMENT DISPLAY
Run disk management:
WIN | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER
WIN is the key with the wavy flag.

Maximize the output of Disk Management:
ALT-Spacebar key combo (this pops up a menu) followed by X key (selects Maximize) |
Drag the field separators (such as between Status and Capacity) to show entire field. This is very important, otherwise, needed info is not visible.

Make a snapshot:
WIN | type SNIPPING | ENTER | New
Drag the cursor around the area you want to snip.
File | Save as | select save location and name | Save

Post the snapshot:
Upload a File or Screenshot in Seven Forums

 

[kado897]

Trying to backup about 480G to a disk that only has 400G free using the windows backup tool. Basically I want it so that if this computer crashed I could completely restore it from a backup.

You could probably get one Image on there with Windows backup. Unfortunately you can't alter the compression on this. You could also try the Free version of Macrium Reflect which can do a better job of compressing the image. Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download
There is an excellent tutorial on using this software here. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?filter[2]=Backup%20Restore

 

[karlsnooks]

xChase,

You are leaving us in the dark about your system.

Would you please fill out your System Specs.

Do me a favor and read carefully this short write-up.

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (3rd item in the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use SIW or Speccy or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.

 

[xChase]

 

[karlsnooks]

System Info - See Your System Specs
How to See Your System Specs with "System Info"

 

[xChase]

Ok I updated my specs.

 

[kado897]

One thing you didn't say. How full is your C: drive.

 

[xChase]

63.8 GB free of 465 GB.

 

[kado897]

Yes it is getting a bit full. have you considered moving some of the data onto another drive to make your images smaller?

 

[xChase]

Don't have any more space, unfortunately .

 

[kado897]

I know how you feel. I recently had to invest in a new USB external drive so that I could shift slow moving data off my C drive.

 

[xChase]

That was going to be my next option, but I was wondering if there was some sort of 'zipped' option for backups before I purchase extra hardware.

 

[kado897]

Unfortunately not the compression is built into whichever backup software you chose.

 

[xChase]

Any recommendations for programs that could achieve this?

 

[kado897]

As I mentioned earlier. Macrium Reflect is good and recommended by many on this forum. I find that I get a 50% compression ratio on an image of my C drive using the moderate compression setting. I have tried the higher setting but it didn't make that much difference and slowed the backup down. How much compression you will get depends a lot on what you are backing up. If you have a lot of image files or videos then they don't compress much at all.

 

[karlsnooks]

xchase,
Actually, you have enough free space on your E (~385 GB) to hold a backup from you C.

Your Disk2 also has one unused partition, albeit less than 100 GB, but still not to be laughed at.

You also have a "raw" formatted partition on that Disk2.

What do you have there?

With a bootable Partition Wizard CD and maybe even only using Disk Managment you could do some shuffling on that drive.

Using some normal "tricks" you can probably get your C down to where you have at least 20% free.

As things presently sit, you might consider going to your local electronics store and picking up an external USB drive. I had one chap tell me that he picked up a 500GB for $50 which is a very good price. My biggest external usb drive is 300GB,

With such a full C drive, you must have many videos stored on the drive. I can't even use 50 GB for Win 7, documents, pics, movies, etc.

Let us know your plans for your Disk2 and whether you want to consider putting your videos onto an external usb.

When we have a good idea of your plans and needs, we can make better recommendations.

 

[xChase]

The 100G partition is a backup for my brothers Wii games, so I can't delete that.

As I said I would like to be able to back this computer up once a week with minimal hassle, and without spending too much; that is my ultimate goal.