WindowsImageBackup - Files Changed During the Backup

[DennisCPA]

WindowsImageBackup 7.1

What happens when files are changed by the user during a WindowsImageBackup?
* Is the composition of the backup frozen at the start - like a snapshot?
* Or is the pre-final image changed on-the-fly so that is represents all file changes?

TIA Dennis

 

[DennisCPA]

File Changed During Backup

Before I asked this question, I Googled/Binged for a few hours to no avail.

Thus, I can understand why no reply yet.

In the background Windows changes numerous files - as can be monitored in the %Temp% folders. Emails may occur during the backup period.

Good news is that I downloaded and began using Macrium Reflect. (Love it!) One of their videos touched on the point to "avoid modifying files" but did not firmly say no.

Still, I would like to hear some opinions on the question or even "the" answer as it applies to WindowsImageBackup and/or Macrium Reflect?

Dennis

 

[Deaf Dave]

Hi Dennis,
I use Macrium almost exclusively (love it too). I'll only refer to cloning as I hardly ever do a windows backup because it takes too long to do. I have never had a problem with either receiving, sending or reading e-mails during a clone procedure or having e-mails screw one up. I do not however, create any files while doing a clone. I hope this partly answers your question.
Regards,
Dave

 

[mjf]

What happens when files are changed by the user during a WindowsImageBackup?

Like Dave I use Macrium but also Windows inbuilt.
A system image is a very important backup. If you have a reasonably sized OS partition (~50 GB) then imaging with USB3 or another internal sata drive should take ~10 minutes. When imaging I just let it do its job especially if using Windows inbuilt system imaging.

 

[DennisCPA]

The issue behind my question, is what activity will cause a corrupt image, in and of itself not a disaster, but restoring a corrupt image is a disaster. Macrium does provide a verify option. I was not successful at finding a verification tool for WindowsImageBackup.

An accurate image backup saves a complete rebuild/reinstall. Also, the ability to view later-deleted files in those (historical) images may provide access to those deleted files that, for some reason, need to be back in real time.

Dennis