Windows 7 backup option doesn't work as expected

[dc2000]

Hi everyone:

I was curious what am I doing wrong here. I am using Windows 7 Ultimate. I set up a built-in backup utility to do backups of my system on an external hard drive. (Control Panel -> Backup and Restore. I set it up to backup my system every Sunday @ 7 pm.) The external hard drive is 1TB in size (that is bigger than my actual HDD) and I thought everything was working right....

Until yesterday I noticed this flag icon with a red X next to the clock that told me that "I need to solve 1 important message." I clicked on it and it showed this, "The disc that your backup is saved on doesn't have enough free space."

Well, yes, it won't have enough free space if old backups aren't removed :) So I was trying to find an option of how to set it up to automatically remove old backups but I couldn't seem to find it. Can someone suggest a location for that setting?

(The built-in Windows backup utility cannot be that dumb as to expect me to remove old backups manually, can it?)

[MANEMAN]

(The built-in Windows backup utility cannot be that dumb as to expect me to remove old backups manually, can it?)

Bit strange this one, as they quote "By default, Windows automatically saves as many system images as it has space for without taking up more than 30 percent of space on the backup disk."

Note that this reference is for "System Images" and does not mention ordinary data backups !

You are not the first to realise this of course, and many have come up with their own solutions, some using the built in task scheduler.

Here is one example of automatically deleting old files: http://winhlp.com/node/386

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(Not Mine) "It's a very small tool which does exactly what you want, and it is available as a .jar file, wrapped java executable, Visual Basic executable (MSVBVM60.DLL required), and of course as source code.

Simply supply it 2 command-line arguments -- the path of the folder, and the number of days before a file should be deleted. It can also be run through a batch script via Task Scheduler.

example:"

DelOld.exe "C:\Downloads" 30

"This will delete all files older than 30 days under C:\Downloads."

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Obviously you would need to alter the path to delete from your external drive.

There are lots more fixes but I wont go through them all.

Click on This Link for lots more suggestions: http://www.lmgtfy.co...les+and+folders

Hope that has been of some help to you.

John.

[MANEMAN]

Here's another workaround that would be easy to implement by just changing the time period in Task Scheduler. :)

http://www.ampercent...ile-trick/7589/

John.

[bludgard]

Nice info provided, MANEMAN.

Now, if I could just come up with a script that can delete/expel the dust and debris from the bowels of my machines when the levels reach a certain point. Maybe when dust bunnies start to propagate and spill out of the holes?

Can you help me with this?

I agree with OP that MS goofed on old backup deletions. System Restore clears it's own space but the "more advanced" (Backup and Restore—improved for Windows 7 :lol: ) feature of Windows Backup and Restore misses the most basic ability to clean it's own home.

Jobe

[dc2000]

Oh man, you mean I need to write a script to clear it.... I'm not really good at that. I like what they call, "set it and forget it" options. Any ideas about 3rd party solutions for solid/reliable backups? Don't want to deal with bugs and glitches like this one. (What would really be cool is the ability to select which folders one wants to back up, when to backup, easy way to restore, maybe encrypt backup data with a password, etc.)

[MANEMAN]

Oh man, you mean I need to write a script to clear it.... I'm not really good at that

No there are no scripts to write just implement the supplied batch code into the Task Scheduler ! - Jeez. From that statement it's pretty clear that you didn't even bother to read what was on that last website.

The guy even gave you a screencast in that last link. Apart from coming around to your place and doing it for you I cant think of any more he could have done in that article.

I like what they call, "set it and forget it" options

Isn't that called a Television though ? :lol:

You'll probably spend more time searching/buying/ setting up new software than giving the task scheduler a go.

I use "Second Copy" + Acronis or Macrium. I'm a bit afraid to recommend them to you though if you thought what was said on the links was too hard to follow.

Other third party software ?

Dont move from the chair for God's sake !

Click on the next link and I'll automate the whole trauma of the search process for you.

http://www.lmgtfy.co...BACKUP+SOFTWARE

John. :)

[dc2000]

No there are no scripts to write just implement the supplied batch code into the Task Scheduler ! - Jeez.

No offense, MANEMAN, but backups are not something that I'd want to fiddle with. There's too much at stake to learn on a trial-and-error basis. I'll try to implement your task scheduler approach and see if it works... But if someone here comes across a solid piece of backup software I'd be glad to learn about it.

Thank you!

[bludgard]

No there are no scripts to write just implement the supplied batch code into the Task Scheduler ! - Jeez.

There's too much at stake to learn on a trial-and-error basis.

Pardon, just a penny/pence~2.

Creating system/disk images and/or backups is the essence of the thread. Surely one would create a standalone backup before fiddin' 'rouund. I'll give it a go after filling up a HDD. It will have to wait til tomorrow, though.

I need that bunny code, MANEMAN. No rush....

"set it and forget it"

That is hilarious!

Edit: Removed magik code.

[MANEMAN]

Your points taken dc2000. :D

On the whole Windows 7 is quite a nice stable operating system. People are always going to find, or perceive a fault or design flaw which they think, or wish was not there. So we have many "Workarounds" so that Windows 7 can be tailored to an individuals needs.

For instance we can look at the start menu and explorer of 7 and the good work done by the opensource community by producing "Classic Shell" : http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/

There are many more examples of this "Tailoring & Customization to Individual Needs" which apply to Windows 7.

Another good website for anyone seeking customization is: http://www.askvg.com/

The information gleaned from your original post led me to believe that you were quite satisfied with the backup procedure within Windows 7, but were disgruntled with the fact that there was no automation to delete old backups.

There was no mention at that stage of a wish on your part to use Third Party Backup Software. I in turn pointed you towards a method that was already contained within Windows 7. (Task Scheduler)

Safest backups are those that do not rely on automation, or at the very least include a passing interest by the user as to where the backup is kept, how to reinstate files by means of that backup, and a general willingness on the part of the user to practice "Good Housekeeping" to make sure that disk space is not overstepped, and backup files not corrupted.

Incremental file backup will of course save a great deal of disk space. I am not terribly fond of Windows 7 backup procedures either, not for files and folders, or system image.

As mentioned, I do use Second Copy, Acronis, and Macrium. Whether these would suit you or not would of course require that you research them first. (Or any other Third party backup software that may be suggested to you. - One mans meat is another man's poison.)

You have the answers. You have the solutions. As Bludgard has pointed out it is only neccessary for you to set up a "Dummy Folder" to be able to experiment with the Batch file & Task Scheduler. No need for you to go anywhere near your backup files. No need for third party software.

My personal feelings when coming across certain attitudes to computing is that people will eventually get eactly what they want and deserve.

Namely a Tablet PC that they can do very little with in equation with the Desktops and Laptops that we now use.

Buy an iPad/Android Tablet. Install a few apps. When the battery goes dead - Oh well..........Price is prohibitive, so throw it away and buy another one.

No computer forums. No questions and answers. - It's a no brainer. Everybody is happy ?. :(

You were given a solution, and you were pointed towards some third party software. Does your annoyance come from the fact that you were given the answers you needed, rather than the answers you wanted ?

John.