Consecutive Partial (Differential) Backup with Hard Links

The following instructions explain which settings are needed in the Profile Properties for a differential partial backup with hard links.

Backup Plan

Files to back up: C:\Data
Full backup: C:\FullBackup
Partial backup with hard links: C:\PartialBackup

Monday: Full backup
Tuesday: 1. partial backup with hard links
Wednesday: 2. partial backup with hard links
Thursday: 3. partial backup with hard links
Friday: 4. partial backup with hard links

A total of 2 profiles are required. The 1. profile creates the full backup. The 2. profile creates the partial backup and the hard links from the files of the full backup.

Profile Properties: Full Backup

1. Profile

Create a new profile. If the Profile Assistant opens, exit it by clicking on Cancel. Activate the Expert View below the menu.

2. Copy mode

Select Backup copy mode.

3. File options

In the left menu below Copy Options click on File Attributes. Activate the option Modify attributes of source file and the sub option Archive – Delete.

4. Source and destination folders

In the left menu select Folders.

In the source folder list add the folder C:\Data.
In the destination folder list add the folder C:\FullBackup.

5. Saving your settings

You have now completed all the requisite settings. Conclude by clicking on OK. Now you can create a copy preview of the profile and examine the results of the settings you have made.

Profile Properties: Partial Backup

1. Profile

Create a new profile. If the Profile Assistant opens, exit it by clicking on Cancel. Activate the Expert View below the menu.

2. Copy mode

Select Backup copy mode.

3. Copy rules

In the left menu select Copy Rules. Activate the copy rule Copy only files with the 'Archive' attribute and deactivate the sub-option Filter files without 'Archive' attribute

4. Copy options

In the left menu below Copy Options click on Folder Options. Activate the option Don't create empty folders in source or destination folder.

5. Backup options

In the left menu below Copy Modes, select Backup Options.

Activate the option Create differential backup on the basis of complete backup. Enter the folder C:\FullBackup at the text box Complete Backup.
Activate the option Create hard links.
Activate the option Create backup folder at destination.
Activate the option Generations of backups to be created and set the generations to 4 (from Tuesday to Friday).

6. Source and destination folders

In the left menu select Folders.

In the source folder list add the folder C:\Data.
In the destination folder list add the folder C:\PartialBackup.

7. Saving your settings

You have now completed all the requisite settings. Conclude by clicking on OK. Now you can create a copy preview of the profile and examine the results of the settings you have made.