System Image Bloat

[jmackenzie]

Hello,

I recently installed Windows 7 on a new machine. It has an SSD and an HDD. The original installation was on the SSD. Using the threads on this site, I moved the user directory and the ProgramData to the HDD. In addition, I created "program files" and "program files (x86)" directories on the HDD to install my kids junkware. Programs like Office are on the SSD. My strategy was to image the SSD periodically, and use the backup tool on the HDD. Unfortunately, something I did has had an unintended side effect. The system image tool now insists on including the HDD in the system image which makes using DVDs impractical.

Three questions.

1) How can I get the windows system image tool to only image the SSD?
2) Have I moved something that actually should be in a system image (not my intent) ?
3) Is there a better strategy for backing up an SSD/HDD system short of buying another drive to hold the system images.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

3: Probably not. Backing up to DVDs is full of problems. Not only time and expense, but there have been situations on this forum where a user could not restore from his DVDs. He'd get partway through a series of 8 or 10 CDs and then could not proceed. DVDs are just too spooky for the purpose in my opinion.

 

[seekermeister]

What backup program are you using...Windows? I will admit that I have not worked with SSDs, nor split my files to the degree that you have, but I have stored my libraries on other drives without any issue, using True Image. It will either image a partition(s) of your choice, or specific files that you choose. If cost is a factor in buying another drive, then TI may not appeal to you either, because it isn't particularly cheap.

 

[whs]

The way you set it up (system files on the HDD) you have to expect that. You are probably using Windows7 imaging which not only sucks but there is nothing you can do about it.

And imaging to DVD is a VERY BAD idea for a variety of reasons. If imaging makes any sense, you have to do it frequently - you imagine the amount of DVDs you would need, and the cost. Get an external disk or two and image to those. I would recommend at least 500GB to 1TB in size.

And then use a sensible imaging program with which you can control things. Free Macrium or free Paragon are excellent choices. Start here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I - then you can even image the SSD alone without dragging the HDD along.

PS: Here is a website where you find the best deals of the day for storage devices: http://www.deals2buy.com/categories/storage-devices/deals

 

[seekermeister]

With that large of backup drives, I'm wondering how many images that you store? I only use a 250GB drive, but it still holds 4 images.

EDIT: Then again, those are only 4 system images. I suppose that images of other partitions would require more space, but I find it hard to imagine needing more than 500GB...unless I imaged my video archive, and then even 1TB would be too small.

 

[whs]

With that large of backup drives, I'm wondering how many images that you store? I only use a 250GB drive, but it still holds 4 images.

On average i keep about 20 images.

 

[gregrocker]

You'd need to use another imaging program like the one Wolfgang suggest above, since you have moved User folders off the SSD Win7 imagingrequires the partition containing these System Files to be imaged as well.