File back-up problem

Hi, I recently got a new computer with vista home premium. The total hard
drive space I am using is 130 GB including all of my data and any system
files. I have a 450 GB external HD plugged in that I would like to use as my
back-up device. Through the Vista maintenance menu I selected the proper
location for my back-up, set it do a full back-up once and to do a weekly
update to simply back-up the files that have changed. Well, it has now been
three weeks and my back-up folder is larger than 300 GB. Why is this back-up
more than twice the size of the source? I verified that there is only one
main folder in the back-up location and that it is not simply a duplicate
complete back-up. Any help on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

Evidently you are using a third party backup program since Vista Premium
does not include Vista's Complete PC Backup.

Regarding "... to simply back-up the files that have changed...." would
suggest you are using either an incremental or differential backup.
If using incremental keep in mind that the backups are cumulative and to
reduce space consumed there should be a process of manging the backups in
place, such as limiting the number of backups with deletion based upon age.

"DocJay" <> wrote in message
news:EB9B8FC5-3850-4320-929B-...
> Hi, I recently got a new computer with vista home premium. The total hard
> drive space I am using is 130 GB including all of my data and any system
> files. I have a 450 GB external HD plugged in that I would like to use as
> my
> back-up device. Through the Vista maintenance menu I selected the proper
> location for my back-up, set it do a full back-up once and to do a weekly
> update to simply back-up the files that have changed. Well, it has now
> been
> three weeks and my back-up folder is larger than 300 GB. Why is this
> back-up
> more than twice the size of the source? I verified that there is only one
> main folder in the back-up location and that it is not simply a duplicate
> complete back-up. Any help on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks for the response. However, I am not using a third party back-up
program. I am using "Microsoft Windows Backup" that was installed on my
machine when it was purchaced (it is an HP with Vista home premium). I access
it through control panel, system and maintenance, backup and restore center.
In that menu I have the option to back up files (and the button has a
microsoft logo shield), change settings which has the option to change where
I backup files or start a "new, full backup", or restore files from a backup.
Initially I set it to do a full back-up, and then set it to do a weekly scan
for "new and updated files and add them to [my] backup". The actual folder it
saves to has the same name as my PC, and inside that folder is another folder
titled "Backup Set" followed by the date I backed up the computer. Inside
that folder are three folders each titled "Backup Files" followed by a date,
and another folder called Catalogs. The total size of the Backup folder is
over 300GB and I only have 130 GB of data on my PC. When I look into the
newest set of Backup files I see copies of files I know I haven't accessed,
let alone changed, in months. It seems for some reason that the Backup
program has desided to randomly add files to my backup for no reason. My
question is if anyone knows why this would happen? Also, if I change a file
and the backup program notices and backs it up, does it erase the older
version of the file? On some of my older machines I have had backup programs
that did this so I assume that windows backup program would have this
capacity. Thanks again.


"AJR" wrote:

> Evidently you are using a third party backup program since Vista Premium
> does not include Vista's Complete PC Backup.
>
> Regarding "... to simply back-up the files that have changed...." would
> suggest you are using either an incremental or differential backup.
> If using incremental keep in mind that the backups are cumulative and to
> reduce space consumed there should be a process of manging the backups in
> place, such as limiting the number of backups with deletion based upon age.
>
> "DocJay" <> wrote in message
> news:EB9B8FC5-3850-4320-929B-...
> > Hi, I recently got a new computer with vista home premium. The total hard
> > drive space I am using is 130 GB including all of my data and any system
> > files. I have a 450 GB external HD plugged in that I would like to use as
> > my
> > back-up device. Through the Vista maintenance menu I selected the proper
> > location for my back-up, set it do a full back-up once and to do a weekly
> > update to simply back-up the files that have changed. Well, it has now
> > been
> > three weeks and my back-up folder is larger than 300 GB. Why is this
> > back-up
> > more than twice the size of the source? I verified that there is only one
> > main folder in the back-up location and that it is not simply a duplicate
> > complete back-up. Any help on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.
>
>
>

I too have the same problem, i quickly run out of space in my backup hard
drive. Is it safe to simply delete older backup dates? i'm not sure what
exactly happens or even how to customize the backup besides the dummy wizard..

"DocJay" wrote:

> Thanks for the response. However, I am not using a third party back-up
> program. I am using "Microsoft Windows Backup" that was installed on my
> machine when it was purchaced (it is an HP with Vista home premium). I access
> it through control panel, system and maintenance, backup and restore center.
> In that menu I have the option to back up files (and the button has a
> microsoft logo shield), change settings which has the option to change where
> I backup files or start a "new, full backup", or restore files from a backup.
> Initially I set it to do a full back-up, and then set it to do a weekly scan
> for "new and updated files and add them to [my] backup". The actual folder it
> saves to has the same name as my PC, and inside that folder is another folder
> titled "Backup Set" followed by the date I backed up the computer. Inside
> that folder are three folders each titled "Backup Files" followed by a date,
> and another folder called Catalogs. The total size of the Backup folder is
> over 300GB and I only have 130 GB of data on my PC. When I look into the
> newest set of Backup files I see copies of files I know I haven't accessed,
> let alone changed, in months. It seems for some reason that the Backup
> program has desided to randomly add files to my backup for no reason. My
> question is if anyone knows why this would happen? Also, if I change a file
> and the backup program notices and backs it up, does it erase the older
> version of the file? On some of my older machines I have had backup programs
> that did this so I assume that windows backup program would have this
> capacity. Thanks again.
>
>
> "AJR" wrote:
>
> > Evidently you are using a third party backup program since Vista Premium
> > does not include Vista's Complete PC Backup.
> >
> > Regarding "... to simply back-up the files that have changed...." would
> > suggest you are using either an incremental or differential backup.
> > If using incremental keep in mind that the backups are cumulative and to
> > reduce space consumed there should be a process of manging the backups in
> > place, such as limiting the number of backups with deletion based upon age.
> >
> > "DocJay" <> wrote in message
> > news:EB9B8FC5-3850-4320-929B-...
> > > Hi, I recently got a new computer with vista home premium. The total hard
> > > drive space I am using is 130 GB including all of my data and any system
> > > files. I have a 450 GB external HD plugged in that I would like to use as
> > > my
> > > back-up device. Through the Vista maintenance menu I selected the proper
> > > location for my back-up, set it do a full back-up once and to do a weekly
> > > update to simply back-up the files that have changed. Well, it has now
> > > been
> > > three weeks and my back-up folder is larger than 300 GB. Why is this
> > > back-up
> > > more than twice the size of the source? I verified that there is only one
> > > main folder in the back-up location and that it is not simply a duplicate
> > > complete back-up. Any help on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.
> >
> >
> >

I too am trying figure out the new Windows Backup features in Windows Vista.

I have configured the system for daily backup and have about 40gb of space
left before I run out on an external HD. I'm expecting to get a message soon
asking me whether or not I want to delete older incremental backups. I would
not recommend manual deletion because I deleted one or two backups from 4
days ago and tried to do a restore. Windows Backup said I had no backups to
restore. ( I logged in as Admin and the backups I deleted were there in the
recycle bin, so I restored the recycle bin and the backups were back in
place).

When I used Norton 10 on my XP machine, once per week (let's say Sunday) the
system would create a full backup image then Monday-Saturday an incremental
backup, then again on Sunday would make a full back up and delete the other
six incrementals.

While I am not knocking the new Windows Backup, I would like to see more
documentation on it. I am happy to see a backup program built into the OS...
the thing I don't like is trying to figure out what and where my files must
be in order to be backed up.

I have done both the Full PC back up option and the daily backup. Just for
fun I did a restore to see how fast it would be and how complete and I have
mixed emotions on the restore.

None of my recorded TV Shows in the 'Public' folders (the default save area)
were saved in my daily backups... I had to make a separate folder and move my
recorded shows into that folder or else they would NOT back up. Also, my
media center 'series' settings were not restored... I have to go in and
remember what shows I want recorded while I'm out. Not very convenient.

One other thing off the top of my head is... I use the Microsoft Mail
program and Windows Backup did not save my Mail Rules I had set up. Now I
have a big mess to clean up there after I restore. Not very convenient.

I've only been using Windows Backup for a few days now and am still learning
how it operates. Perhaps I have made a wrong choice when restoring files
however there aren't too many options to make.

When I do a restore, I just want the machine the same way it was... I don't
want to have to go back in (like I do with Mail & Media Center) and fill in
what DID NOT restore.

If someone can point to a site explaining in detail how Windows Backup
works, please post it.

Thank you.


"Henok" wrote:

> I too have the same problem, i quickly run out of space in my backup hard
> drive. Is it safe to simply delete older backup dates? i'm not sure what
> exactly happens or even how to customize the backup besides the dummy wizard..
>
> "DocJay" wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the response. However, I am not using a third party back-up
> > program. I am using "Microsoft Windows Backup" that was installed on my
> > machine when it was purchaced (it is an HP with Vista home premium). I access
> > it through control panel, system and maintenance, backup and restore center.
> > In that menu I have the option to back up files (and the button has a
> > microsoft logo shield), change settings which has the option to change where
> > I backup files or start a "new, full backup", or restore files from a backup.
> > Initially I set it to do a full back-up, and then set it to do a weekly scan
> > for "new and updated files and add them to [my] backup". The actual folder it
> > saves to has the same name as my PC, and inside that folder is another folder
> > titled "Backup Set" followed by the date I backed up the computer. Inside
> > that folder are three folders each titled "Backup Files" followed by a date,
> > and another folder called Catalogs. The total size of the Backup folder is
> > over 300GB and I only have 130 GB of data on my PC. When I look into the
> > newest set of Backup files I see copies of files I know I haven't accessed,
> > let alone changed, in months. It seems for some reason that the Backup
> > program has desided to randomly add files to my backup for no reason. My
> > question is if anyone knows why this would happen? Also, if I change a file
> > and the backup program notices and backs it up, does it erase the older
> > version of the file? On some of my older machines I have had backup programs
> > that did this so I assume that windows backup program would have this
> > capacity. Thanks again.
> >
> >
> > "AJR" wrote:
> >
> > > Evidently you are using a third party backup program since Vista Premium
> > > does not include Vista's Complete PC Backup.
> > >
> > > Regarding "... to simply back-up the files that have changed...." would
> > > suggest you are using either an incremental or differential backup.
> > > If using incremental keep in mind that the backups are cumulative and to
> > > reduce space consumed there should be a process of manging the backups in
> > > place, such as limiting the number of backups with deletion based upon age.
> > >
> > > "DocJay" <> wrote in message
> > > news:EB9B8FC5-3850-4320-929B-...
> > > > Hi, I recently got a new computer with vista home premium. The total hard
> > > > drive space I am using is 130 GB including all of my data and any system
> > > > files. I have a 450 GB external HD plugged in that I would like to use as
> > > > my
> > > > back-up device. Through the Vista maintenance menu I selected the proper
> > > > location for my back-up, set it do a full back-up once and to do a weekly
> > > > update to simply back-up the files that have changed. Well, it has now
> > > > been
> > > > three weeks and my back-up folder is larger than 300 GB. Why is this
> > > > back-up
> > > > more than twice the size of the source? I verified that there is only one
> > > > main folder in the back-up location and that it is not simply a duplicate
> > > > complete back-up. Any help on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.
> > >
> > >
> > >

I'm going back to SyncToy... It's too limitting, and i will need space in the
TB the way things are going.. they should have the folks that did SyncToy be
in charge of the Windows Backup .. works well on Vista too!!

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

"Scagnetty" wrote:

> I too am trying figure out the new Windows Backup features in Windows Vista.
>
> I have configured the system for daily backup and have about 40gb of space
> left before I run out on an external HD. I'm expecting to get a message soon
> asking me whether or not I want to delete older incremental backups. I would
> not recommend manual deletion because I deleted one or two backups from 4
> days ago and tried to do a restore. Windows Backup said I had no backups to
> restore. ( I logged in as Admin and the backups I deleted were there in the
> recycle bin, so I restored the recycle bin and the backups were back in
> place).
>
> When I used Norton 10 on my XP machine, once per week (let's say Sunday) the
> system would create a full backup image then Monday-Saturday an incremental
> backup, then again on Sunday would make a full back up and delete the other
> six incrementals.
>
> While I am not knocking the new Windows Backup, I would like to see more
> documentation on it. I am happy to see a backup program built into the OS...
> the thing I don't like is trying to figure out what and where my files must
> be in order to be backed up.
>
> I have done both the Full PC back up option and the daily backup. Just for
> fun I did a restore to see how fast it would be and how complete and I have
> mixed emotions on the restore.
>
> None of my recorded TV Shows in the 'Public' folders (the default save area)
> were saved in my daily backups... I had to make a separate folder and move my
> recorded shows into that folder or else they would NOT back up. Also, my
> media center 'series' settings were not restored... I have to go in and
> remember what shows I want recorded while I'm out. Not very convenient.
>
> One other thing off the top of my head is... I use the Microsoft Mail
> program and Windows Backup did not save my Mail Rules I had set up. Now I
> have a big mess to clean up there after I restore. Not very convenient.
>
> I've only been using Windows Backup for a few days now and am still learning
> how it operates. Perhaps I have made a wrong choice when restoring files
> however there aren't too many options to make.
>
> When I do a restore, I just want the machine the same way it was... I don't
> want to have to go back in (like I do with Mail & Media Center) and fill in
> what DID NOT restore.
>
> If someone can point to a site explaining in detail how Windows Backup
> works, please post it.
>
> Thank you.
>
>
> "Henok" wrote:
>
> > I too have the same problem, i quickly run out of space in my backup hard
> > drive. Is it safe to simply delete older backup dates? i'm not sure what
> > exactly happens or even how to customize the backup besides the dummy wizard..
> >
> > "DocJay" wrote:
> >
> > > Thanks for the response. However, I am not using a third party back-up
> > > program. I am using "Microsoft Windows Backup" that was installed on my
> > > machine when it was purchaced (it is an HP with Vista home premium). I access
> > > it through control panel, system and maintenance, backup and restore center.
> > > In that menu I have the option to back up files (and the button has a
> > > microsoft logo shield), change settings which has the option to change where
> > > I backup files or start a "new, full backup", or restore files from a backup.
> > > Initially I set it to do a full back-up, and then set it to do a weekly scan
> > > for "new and updated files and add them to [my] backup". The actual folder it
> > > saves to has the same name as my PC, and inside that folder is another folder
> > > titled "Backup Set" followed by the date I backed up the computer. Inside
> > > that folder are three folders each titled "Backup Files" followed by a date,
> > > and another folder called Catalogs. The total size of the Backup folder is
> > > over 300GB and I only have 130 GB of data on my PC. When I look into the
> > > newest set of Backup files I see copies of files I know I haven't accessed,
> > > let alone changed, in months. It seems for some reason that the Backup
> > > program has desided to randomly add files to my backup for no reason. My
> > > question is if anyone knows why this would happen? Also, if I change a file
> > > and the backup program notices and backs it up, does it erase the older
> > > version of the file? On some of my older machines I have had backup programs
> > > that did this so I assume that windows backup program would have this
> > > capacity. Thanks again.
> > >
> > >
> > > "AJR" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Evidently you are using a third party backup program since Vista Premium
> > > > does not include Vista's Complete PC Backup.
> > > >
> > > > Regarding "... to simply back-up the files that have changed...." would
> > > > suggest you are using either an incremental or differential backup.
> > > > If using incremental keep in mind that the backups are cumulative and to
> > > > reduce space consumed there should be a process of manging the backups in
> > > > place, such as limiting the number of backups with deletion based upon age.
> > > >
> > > > "DocJay" <> wrote in message
> > > > news:EB9B8FC5-3850-4320-929B-...
> > > > > Hi, I recently got a new computer with vista home premium. The total hard
> > > > > drive space I am using is 130 GB including all of my data and any system
> > > > > files. I have a 450 GB external HD plugged in that I would like to use as
> > > > > my
> > > > > back-up device. Through the Vista maintenance menu I selected the proper
> > > > > location for my back-up, set it do a full back-up once and to do a weekly
> > > > > update to simply back-up the files that have changed. Well, it has now
> > > > > been
> > > > > three weeks and my back-up folder is larger than 300 GB. Why is this
> > > > > back-up
> > > > > more than twice the size of the source? I verified that there is only one
> > > > > main folder in the back-up location and that it is not simply a duplicate
> > > > > complete back-up. Any help on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >

DocJay, the Vista Backup team has a couple blog posts you might find
interesting.

This one explains why incremental backups are larger than expected:
http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/arc...-expected.aspx

This one is our general FAQ based largely on questions I've seen in the
newsgroups:
http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/pag...vista-faq.aspx

I'm hearing a lot of people complain about the size of their incremental
backups. Something on your computer is changing those files, even if you
aren't personally. The first blog post above gives some possible
culprits--antivirus software, for example.

To everyone else who has responded--this is really great, actionable
feedback.


--
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Want to learn more about Windows file and storage technologies? Visit our
team blog at http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/default.aspx.


"DocJay" <> wrote in message
news:EB9B8FC5-3850-4320-929B-...
> Hi, I recently got a new computer with vista home premium. The total hard
> drive space I am using is 130 GB including all of my data and any system
> files. I have a 450 GB external HD plugged in that I would like to use as
> my
> back-up device. Through the Vista maintenance menu I selected the proper
> location for my back-up, set it do a full back-up once and to do a weekly
> update to simply back-up the files that have changed. Well, it has now
> been
> three weeks and my back-up folder is larger than 300 GB. Why is this
> back-up
> more than twice the size of the source? I verified that there is only one
> main folder in the back-up location and that it is not simply a duplicate
> complete back-up. Any help on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.