HDD #s dont add up for me re Imaging HDD - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Rouge21 · 2007-12-15, 11:37 AM

For the first time I did a "Complete Windows and PC backup and Restore Image" (Vista Ultimate) to a WD external HD (160GB) (which I did format but still showed a capacity of 150 gigs under properites). Vista indicated that the image would require 37 gigs...that seemed correct as the C drive showed about 32 gigs used and the RECOVERY D drive has just under 6 gigs. But upon successful completion of this backup, I see it shown that there is 131 gigs free out of a total of 150...or is it 160GB? in this external HD...so only 19 gigs was required for this first image using Vista backup. What am I missing?

hugh · 2007-12-15, 01:46 PM

First, you never get the full amout on a drive so 152GB or so out of 160GB seems right.

when you backup, it typically compresses the data so it would use up fewer gigs on the backup than the original.

Rouge21 · 2007-12-15, 03:25 PM

Thanks Hugh. I forgot about the compression. The "imaging" feature that come with Vista Ultimate is sweet and simple. Long overdue.

dezzpayne · 2007-12-15, 03:48 PM

What I do is create 2 partitions. C:\ is a 10GB partition just for windows. D:\ is evertything else. Redirect My Documents to D:\. Windows goes sideways? 20 minutes to reinstall and your back in the game with no fear of "if I don't have every digital picture in existance backed up the wife is gonna kill me". Just recreate the shortcuts to the apps.

2007-12-15, 11:37 AM	#1
Rouge21 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Vinegar Hill, Rogers, Sony KDS50A2000, Samsung LNT4061, SA8300, PS3, TT GO730 Posts: 421	HDD #s dont add up for me re Imaging HDD For the first time I did a "Complete Windows and PC backup and Restore Image" (Vista Ultimate) to a WD external HD (160GB) (which I did format but still showed a capacity of 150 gigs under properites). Vista indicated that the image would require 37 gigs...that seemed correct as the C drive showed about 32 gigs used and the RECOVERY D drive has just under 6 gigs. But upon successful completion of this backup, I see it shown that there is 131 gigs free out of a total of 150...or is it 160GB? in this external HD...so only 19 gigs was required for this first image using Vista backup. What am I missing? Last edited by Rouge21; 2007-12-15 at 11:45 AM.

2007-12-15, 01:46 PM	#2
hugh Member #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Toronto Posts: 47,492	First, you never get the full amout on a drive so 152GB or so out of 160GB seems right. when you backup, it typically compresses the data so it would use up fewer gigs on the backup than the original. __________________ As of January 2012, I am no longer the owner of the Digital Home website. If you have questions about the operation of the site, please contact VSAdmin. For personal inquiries contact me at the Hugh Thompson website.

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2007-12-15, 03:25 PM	#3
Rouge21 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Vinegar Hill, Rogers, Sony KDS50A2000, Samsung LNT4061, SA8300, PS3, TT GO730 Posts: 421	Thanks Hugh. I forgot about the compression. The "imaging" feature that come with Vista Ultimate is sweet and simple. Long overdue.

2007-12-15, 03:48 PM	#4
dezzpayne Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Barrie, ON Posts: 1,374	What I do is create 2 partitions. C:\ is a 10GB partition just for windows. D:\ is evertything else. Redirect My Documents to D:\. Windows goes sideways? 20 minutes to reinstall and your back in the game with no fear of "if I don't have every digital picture in existance backed up the wife is gonna kill me". Just recreate the shortcuts to the apps.