Delete Old Backups

Frank C

Frank C

Member
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
 

My Computer

System One

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
Click to expand...

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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron E 1405
    CPU
    [email protected]
    Memory
    4 gigs
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated intel 945
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    300 gig internal
    Internet Speed
    10 down 1.5 up
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
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro x64
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion Elite HPE-250f
    CPU
    Intel i7 860 Quad core 2.8 ghz
    Memory
    8 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 gb ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Alienware 25 AW2521HF
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 &1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    1 TB x2
    Other Info
    https://www.cnet.com/products/hp-pavilion-elite-hpe-250f/
  • Operating System
    Windows 2012 R2 Data center/Linux Mint
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Poweredge T140
    CPU
    i3 9100 3.6GHz, 8M cache, 4C/4T
    Memory
    8GB 2666MT/s DDR4 ECC UDIMM
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    1 TB & 360 GB x2
    Other Info
    https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/productdetailstxn/poweredge-t140?~ck=bt
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
 

My Computer

System One

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

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro x64
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion Elite HPE-250f
    CPU
    Intel i7 860 Quad core 2.8 ghz
    Memory
    8 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 gb ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Alienware 25 AW2521HF
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 &1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    1 TB x2
    Other Info
    https://www.cnet.com/products/hp-pavilion-elite-hpe-250f/
  • Operating System
    Windows 2012 R2 Data center/Linux Mint
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Poweredge T140
    CPU
    i3 9100 3.6GHz, 8M cache, 4C/4T
    Memory
    8GB 2666MT/s DDR4 ECC UDIMM
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    1 TB & 360 GB x2
    Other Info
    https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/productdetailstxn/poweredge-t140?~ck=bt
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