Hi. I was just wondering if it matters when making let's say a 2nd Differential Image if I make it from the 1st Differential or from the Full Backup. I think it probably doesn't matter but I want to make sure. Macrium Reflect (free) is a great program! My computer is Windows 10 1909 build 18363. Thanks in advance for any replies.
Mcd73165
Hi, it doesn't work like that- differentials are the difference with respect to the base (initial) image.
Thus when you set up a backup task (definition file) you can specify how many differential images are kept - that is, space on your backup disk is managed. Older differential images are deleted automatically.
To create a diff. image I simply rt click on the backup definition file name shown just above that screenshot, Run Now, Differential.
Thus restoration can use
- the base image
or
- the base image + ANY differential image.
I'll try to explain a little clearer. In Macrium Reflect I click on the Restore tab which will then show me the Full and Differential Images that I created. On the right side of those there is Restore Image and Other Actions drop down menu.. From that I can delete the file (Differential) or create a Differential or Incremental backup. Can't do Incremental on the free version). So what I'm trying to find out is would it matter if I create another Differential Image from my Full Backup or from the Differential Backup. What I have been doing when changes are made to the computer is to delete the Differential and create a new Differential from the Full backup other actions list. This way I have 1 Full Backup and 1 Differential Backup.
And- thank you for your reply.
Don't manage the backups manually.
Use a backup job- you are presented with the options when you set up a full backup.
This manages the deletion of the differential images for you.
Question makes no sense. Differential backups are created as the difference between the base image and now.So what I'm trying to find out is would it matter if I create another Differential Image from my Full Backup or from the Differential Backup.
Previous differential images areirrelevant to creating an image.
When you manually select partitions to make a backup, then run it, it offers to save your choices as a backup definition file as well as to run the backup.
This saves a lot of work next time. Go to the 'Backup Definition Files' tab, select your saved definition, then run it again as a Full, Differential or (paid for/Trial version) an Incremental.
I do delete unneeded backup files from within Reflect. You just need to keep the full backup and linked differential backup (normally the latest one) you wish to keep.
I appreciate all of your inputs but my specific question was never really answered. Therefore I did a test by making another Differential from an existing Differential, then deleted a couple of programs and restored the Image with no problems. Then I deleted the the Differential that I made before the test and created a Differential from the Full Backup (so I have 2 Differentials again), then uninstalled a couple of programs and again restored the Image with no problems. So I answered my own question. Again, thanks for all of your inputs .
Mark
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