Windows 10: Macrium Backup Strategy + What Happens if Backup Drive is Disconnected

Hi all. I've on the advice of this forum installed Macrium Free for disc imaging (it feels like a really well put together application) to provide an additional backup for my writing, but would appreciate some help with a few questions from experienced users:

1. The designated drive is on occasion (eg when not at home) disconnected from the laptop when Macrium tries to run a backup. This seems to result in no option being offered to run the missed scheduled task manually when the drive is reconnected.

Is there a way to manually run (and if possible to flag that it's outstanding) the missed scheduled task (there's a full image button, but that's different I think?) when the drive is reconnected?

2. The drive (it's one of a couple plus some USB sticks in use) seems to be assigned a different drive letter (eg H every time it's reconnected which messes up the schedule/isn't necessarily the one specified.

Is there a way to permanently assign a drive letter to a given drive? (at least until it's no longer used)

3.Given the 500GB size of the current backup drive (a full image requires about 120GB at present) I've gone for a monthly full image, and a differential every 3 days, with retention set at 3 full images and x12 differential images.

As I think I understand it that should if needed permit restoration of the drive as it was at worst 3 days ago...

I'm figuring that a restoration is delivered by combining the monthly full image and the most recent differential image? Is this how it works?

I'm a little cautious about running the differential only every 3 days. Is this a reasonable strategy, or is it typical practice to use a larger backup drive and much more frequent backups?

Thanks

:)

 

Changing target drive for backup

Hi Ruby. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Type Backup in Start Search, open Backup, under Backup button choose More Options, on next screen scroll down to choose Backup to a different drive.

File History and Windows file and image backup are dysfunctional and may be phased out in a future version. I suggest using a better backup like the experts's choice free Macrium for both file and System image backups to external, then have one other Cloud
backup so your files are safe from fire and theft and easily accessible via the internet just like email.

Some suggestions to help ease into this habit:

You can drag 5gb for free into OneDrive app to store in the cloud where they are safe from fire and theft.

If you install Google Drive, you can use their new Backup to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud.

Or you can drag or copy them to a USB external or flash drive.

Here's how to drag, copy or move large groups of files:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2086566/the-man...

A better file backup to external disk is free Macrium which is the choice of the experts:

http://knowledgebase.macrium.com/display/KNOW/B...

Besides your files you should back up a System Image to use in place of reinstall in 20 minutes. The best free alternative is Macrium:

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-ref...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

 

Changing Destination Drive for Backup in Windows 10

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if this helps:

• Press Windows key.
• Type in Backup and Restore.
• Under Backup or restore your files select set up backup.
• Once the set up starts you'll get an option to choose the destination drive.
• And then follow the onscreen instructions.

For additional information refer to the link below and check if this helps:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/backup-and-restore-in-windows-10

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.