Defining a Full backup

[jeepxo]

I have a 40GB tape backup. We currently have 67 GB of data.
I don't need all of it.

I'm a little unclear on whether this will work or not.

If I set my "full" backup to backup the OS the registry and the critical data but NOT extra programs that we have installed (PC anywhere, site server etc) does this mean that when I do my first differential backup that these files and folders will be picked up (since they are different then what is on the full) or will the differential only pick up changes to the folder structure from the "full" backup?

Ultimately I don't care to backup things that I can reinstall easily. Since the backup runs early in the morning, and no one is here to swap tapes, I don't want to do a "full" backup that requires 2 tapes, and I don't want to get in a possition where my differential backup requires 2 tapes.

"Every day is like a precious gift, you have to make it count" James Birrell 1994-2002

 

[JimInKS]

The Archive bit is used to determine what files have been backed up. Whenever a file is modified the Archive bit is Set. So here are the possible scenarios:

1- Full-Backup clear Archive bit.
Every file you specify for the backup will be copied to tape and the Archive bit cleared. This is the "normal" full backup. If you did a Differential or Incremental backup for the same file set right after this no files would be backed up.

2- Full-Backup Keep Archive Bit.
Every file specified will be backed up but the Archive bit will not be touched. This is a way to get a backup of specified files without affecting your "normal" backups which rely on the Archive bit.
A differential backup done right after this will backup all the files with the Archive bit set.

3- Differential Backup.
For the fileset specified, any file with the Archive bit set will be backed up. The Archive bit IS NOT CHANGED. If you run the differential backup again you will get the same files again. Differential backup is intended to backup files that have been modified since the last full backup.

4- Incremental Backup.
For the fileset specified, any file with the Archive bit set will be backed up. The Archive bit WILL BE CLEARED (This is the difference between a Differential and Incremental backup). If you ran the incremental backup again, the backup will be empty. Incremental backup is intended to backup all files that have been modifed since that last full or incremental backup.

 

[jeepxo]

This is all information that I know and doesn't really address what I am asking.

If I have 100 folders on my drive

I choose 49 folders as my "full" backup
Then tomorrow when I do my differential will I get the other 51 folders as well as any changes to the original 49?
Or
will I only get changes to the original 49?

"Every day is like a precious gift, you have to make it count" James Birrell 1994-2002

 

[JimInKS]

The backup job is only going to look at the files you designate for the "source" of the backup. If you only select 49 of 100 folders then the backup will only run against the 49 folders.

 

[lzcwsq]

hi

here is a warning , if you unselect files via the sorce tab gui, and a new folder is then added at that level it will not be included in the backup

eg. if you select c:\program files, and c:\winnt
these are the only two folders (and any sub folders within these) are backed up , hence if someone adds c:\programfiles2 to server hard disk this will not be included in backup.

much better to deselect via the filter, this way any new data added without your knowledge will be backed up automatically, (you can also exclude file pattern = *pagefile.sys & *.tmp also, should save you another 2GB or so )

this way you can exclude your soarce file directories

hope this helps

 

[jeepxo]

Thanks guys.

Clears things up a lot

"Every day is like a precious gift, you have to make it count" James Birrell 1994-2002