The basic difference between incremental and differential backups is that
both start by making a copy of the files to be backed up. Then the
incremental backup makes a copy of the files that have changed since the
last backup was done. Assuming daily backups, on day 1, all files are
copied. On day 2, the files that have changed since day 1's backup are
copied. On day 3, the files that have changed since day 2's backup are
copied, etc. This results in smaller backup file sizes but means that all
files must be restored starting with day 1's backup followed by restores of
each succeeding backup to get back to the file status as of the last backup.
The differential backup makes a copy of the files that have changed since
the original backup. So on day 1, all files are copied. On day 2, the files
that have changed since day 1's backup are copied. On day 3, the files that
have changed since day 1's backup are copied, etc. This results in larger
backup file sizes but means the the files can be restored starting with day
1's backup followed by a restore using the latest backup. So, in a nutshell,
for incremental backups, the first and all succeeding backups must be
restored; for a differential backup only the first and the last backups must
be restored. If speed of restore is not a concern but space is, use an
incremental backup method. If speed of restore is a concern but space is
not, use a differential backup. Some people recommend in the case of
incremental backups to periodically make a new full backup to repeat the
process over again to reduce the number of backup files to be restored. Many
people recommend using Acronis for backups as it is much more flexible than
Vista's backup.
Tyro
"Bill" <> wrote in message
news:#...
> Hi
>
> Are you saying, that as I do a backup weekly, if I need to do a restore
> after 12 months I need to restore 50 odd files.
>
> There must be some sensible alternative surely using Vista Backup
>
> Bill
>
>
> "Tyro" <> wrote in message
> news:yqNkl.13583$...
>> Be very careful doing a manual restore. Vista does an incremental backup.
>> You must start with the original backup and restore all succeeding
>> backups to get the current status of all the files. Vista does not do a
>> differential backup.
>>
>> Tyro
>>
>> "Charles W Davis" <> wrote in message
>> news:B40DC108-C016-4CAE-870A-...
>>> Tyro,
>>>
>>> I used the Window Vista backup. I've been attempting to Restore files
>>> from another computer, but it only allows minimal selection of folders.
>>>
>>> I tried your suggestion, and I believe that I am on my way at last.
>>>
>>> Thank you!
>>> "Tyro" <> wrote in message
>>> news:KQMkl.13581$...
>>>> What backup program are you using? I use Vista backup. It creates zip
>>>> files on the target drive. All files may be unzipped and retrieved with
>>>> their original names. I have nothing like xxxxxxx.nws
>>>>
>>>> Tyro
>>>>
>>>> "Charles W Davis" <> wrote in message
>>>> news:1EDD0E52-C83A-4122-AEFC-...
>>>>> I have been placing my backup on an external USB 500GB drive.
>>>>>
>>>>> My computer with Windows Vista Ultimate melted down. I have been
>>>>> attempting to restore my documents from the USB Drive.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have restored some folders and now have 89,378 files mostly
>>>>> unrecognizable, such as:
>>>>> 7D6a3B81-0000DD52.nws
>>>>>
>>>>> Isn't there a reasonable way to see the folders in the back up files
>>>>> so that one knows what to restore?
>>>>>
>>>
>
>
>
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