How does "Keep the size of the backup to more than..." really work?

Thread needs solution
David Vredenburgh
Beginner
Posts: 1
Comments: 2

I have a file backup job that backs up about 2 TB of files to a 3TB drive.  

I prefer to use incremental method.

I am concerned about filling up the drive, especially if I periodically (re)create a full version say after 30 incremental ones.

In order to not run out of space, I'd like to use the option to limit the size of the backups to "3TB" -- but how does this really work?  The documentation does not say anything about the details. What is being deleted and when in order to not go over the limit?  Is there any technical documentation on this?

I want to ensure I have this configured correctly and know what to expect!

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 15:20
0 Users found this helpful
FtrPilot
Forum Star
Posts: 60
Comments: 1412

David, welcome to these user forums.

Paragraph 4.5.2.3 in the user manual covers custom schemes, including the option to "Keep size of the backup no more than..."

In your case of using 3TB drive to backup 2TB of data, there is no automatic cleanup function that will work.  This is because ATI will not delete an old backup until the next full backup is successfully completed.

My personal recommendation is the backup drive should be 3x the size of the data being backed up.  This will ensure a new backup is complete before deleting an old backup.  For me, deleting an old backup prior to the new backup completing is unacceptable.

Regards,

FtrPilot

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 16:30
Products: TI 2014, TI 2016
David Vredenburgh
Beginner
Posts: 1
Comments: 2

Thanks for you answer.  I get that I will need a bigger disk.  I will do that.

Can I infer from your answer that limiting the space happens because after a full backup, if you are over the limit, it will delete the oldest full backup (and subsequent incrementals)?

 

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 17:56
Steve Smith
Legend
Posts: 113
Comments: 31105
mvp

David, as referenced by Randy (FtrPilot), the ATI 2018 User Guide: Custom schemes covers this cleanup option and states the following:

  • Keep size of the backup no more than [defined size] - Select this option to limit maximum size of the backup. After creating a new backup version, the program checks whether the total backup size exceeds the specified value. If it's true, the oldest backup version will be deleted.

So, yes, if you have backups that add up to more than the size set, ATI will start deleting the oldest backup version chain files, i.e. the oldest Full backup and any associated incremental or different files that have the same backup scheme identifier, e.g. _b1_  

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 18:15

Acronis Links  :  Acronis Scheduler Manager  :  Acronis VSS Doctor  :  Backup Archive Compatibility  :  Cleanup Tool (All versions) : Cloning Disks  :  Contact Acronis Support  :  Difference between Backup and Disk Clone : Repair program / settings

MVP Assistant (Log Viewer) latest version see pinned topic in ACPHO forum page.
Acronis True Image User Guides available from Product Documentation page.
imTranslator for quick translation of language posts.

Please do NOT send private messages about urgent issues - open a forum topic instead where you will get a quicker response!!

Products: Acronis True Image 9.0 - 11.0, 2009 - 2025
David Vredenburgh
Beginner
Posts: 1
Comments: 2

Very clear - thanks.

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 18:38