Backup size issue

[chainsaw_masochist]

I have used the Windows 7 facility to create a backup of my C: drive but I am rather confused as to the amount of space it has required on the (previously empty and formatted) E: drive.

C: drive 140 GB free of 238 GB used: 98 GB
E: drive 82.79 GB free of 232.89 GB used: 152GB

Any advice as to why there is a size discrepancy would be welcome.

 

[Skyhigh]

Basically it's a bit of:
"The Windows backup process is a law unto itself".

I've come across the same thing and it can depend on:
- When you back the files up
- The type of file backup it's doing at any point, or thinks it might need to do based on how you use your machine
- The type of disk (SCSI, IDE, SSD)
- The disk manufacturer
- How windows likes to access the various disk sectors
- Fragmentation of the disk (quite likely)

But mostly, its simply "because Windows says so".

I'd recommend moving away from local backups (I did locals for years) as it doesn't usually protect against theft and fire (the most common issues of data loss aside from 'oops, accidentally deleted that!').

I've used a cloud backup service for 3-4 years (crashplan) - it costs a little, but it's so much easier to manage. Plus many have a 'family plan' or similar for up to 10 devices.



Cheers,