Solved Backup size

[Uniman]

Hi,
Can anyone explain why when I do a backup of my C Drive ,the backup size shows 19Gb,whilst if I check size of C Drive it shows "used space" 70Gb.
This seems to be a big difference even allowing for temporary files . I did a re-image using the backup and all files, videos, games etc were there.
Any explanation please.
Uniman

 

[Layback Bear]

First off could you complete this Tutorial by Golden with all drives installed?

Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image

What backup program did you use?

 

[Uniman]

Backup Size

Screenshot attached as requested

 

[profdlp]

What program are you using to create the backup?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I'd guess it's a combination of compression plus whatever files that are on the source but are not part of the image.

I'm not sure what files are not part of an image--maybe page file, hibernation file, recycle bin, etc. That would probably depend on the imaging program used.

Some types of files are much more compressible than others. Most imaging programs will offer more than one level of compression.

I just made an image file today of my C partition--35 GB occupied, image file is 17 GB plus--just about half. That's using Macrium with the default medium compression level.

 

[Uniman]

Hi,
Using Windows 7 backup facility.

 

[samuria]

When backing up you need to backup the system partition as well use a free imaging software

 

[profdlp]

Hi,
Using Windows 7 backup facility.

I'd look at your settings for that. It looks to me that it is only backing up files. Like samuria suggested, if your system goes you would not be able to restore everything quickly as you would need to reinstall your OS and programs first.

 

[Uniman]

Thanks Sumaria and Prof, looks like I was only backing up files.
I will do another bckup with "Windows" included and see what the result is.
I'll let you know
Uniman

 

[AddRAM]

There are backups and there are Images, your Disk Image should be 70 GB

You should also consider using Macrium Reflect.

Macrium Reflect Free

 

[Uniman]

Doing backup including Windows is now 32Gb. Thanks to everyone, I'll mark this as solved

 

[profdlp]

I'd still recommend imaging your whole C:\ drive. Not having to reinstall everything after a disaster is a wonderful thing.

Glad you got the data backup working!