Delete Old Backups

Frank C · Jan 3, 2012

Did I make mistake?
Hi,
I Use Windows Backup and Restore center to backup my computer monthly.
These backups go to an external network drive. These backup files have been accumulating
since 2009-04-15. To conserve space, I thought it would be OK to delete the oldest files
(2009) . I did so. Now I wonder if this was a mistake. If the backup incremental I no longer
have the original base. Should I start over and do a complete system backup now and then
continue with monthly backups? If I do this can I delete all of the 2010 and 2011 backups?
Thanks
Frank C
Vista Ultimate 64 bit SP2

zigzag3143 · Jan 3, 2012

Frank C said:
Did I make mistake?
Hi,
I Use Windows Backup and Restore center to backup my computer monthly.
These backups go to an external network drive. These backup files have been accumulating
since 2009-04-15. To conserve space, I thought it would be OK to delete the oldest files
(2009) . I did so. Now I wonder if this was a mistake. If the backup incremental I no longer
have the original base. Should I start over and do a complete system backup now and then
continue with monthly backups? If I do this can I delete all of the 2010 and 2011 backups?
Thanks
Frank C
Vista Ultimate 64 bit SP2

Deleting should not be an issue. I am fairly certain that in the last 2 years your computer would have generated a new total image. If not (and you computer is running fne atm) generate one full image, then change the settings back to incremental.

Anything from the old (circa 2009) back ups SHOULD be safe to delete.

Frank C · Jan 4, 2012

Thanks zigzag3143,
I read this suggested link by Mark H on 04-03-2009

http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...5db2/42_49.pdf

I plan to delete old "Backup Sets " for 2009 and 2010. I'll keep the set for 2011.
Then I will start a new set for this year by doing a "Full Backup" followed by monthly incremental backups using the Backup and Restore Center.

Frank C

townsbg · Jan 5, 2012

On my work laptop I do weekly differentials because one, there is only one backup to worry about other than your full, and two, cumulatively the incrementals take up more space provided you delete the old differentials. However if you want to retain different version of the same documents then you'll want incrementals.

Here is a good guide although it is probably more info than you need: http://www.techsupportalert.com/con...ial-incremental-mean-and-how-will-they-help-m

Frank C · Jan 5, 2012

Thanks townsbg,
I appreciate your pointing out the difference between incremental and differential backups.
I read your referenced link.

"Ask Leo" did a god job of explaining this too.
What's an incremental backup?

I don't see an option in the Backup and Restore Center to make this selection. How do you make the choice?
Thanks
Frank C

townsbg · Jan 5, 2012

I don't use back up and restore so I don't know. You might have to get some third party software.

Delete Old Backups

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