Splitting a large file

[paroots]

I use Acronis True Image to create an image of my C: partition. If the backup
is important, I then burn this image file to a DVD. Unfortunately, the image
file is now too large to fit on a single DVD. Does Windows Vista have a way
to split files that could be burned to separate DVDs and later re-assembled
if needed? I checked my Nero manual and it does not seem to offer the
capability to span multiple CD/DVDs.

 

[Gordon]

I use Acronis True Image to create an image of my C: partition. If the
backup
is important, I then burn this image file to a DVD. Unfortunately, the
image
file is now too large to fit on a single DVD. Does Windows Vista have a
way
to split files that could be burned to separate DVDs and later
re-assembled
if needed? I checked my Nero manual and it does not seem to offer the
capability to span multiple CD/DVDs.

True Image will span multiple DVDs

 

[paroots]

True Image will span multiple DVDs

Thanks Gordon. The first time I tried spanning DVDs with True Image I got a
corrupted archive. This has never happened when first saving to hard drive
and then burning a DVD with Nero. Also, the process of first going to hard
drive then burning a DVD from the image file, gives me the redundancy of
identical backups on hard drive and DVD which is nice. It would be really
slick if Windows Vista (or perhaps some 3rd party software) allowed me to
split a file (and at a later date re-assemble it). This would allow me to
continue backing up first to hard drive and then as an option burning
multiple DVDs.

 

[Mark]

True Image will span multiple DVDs to make an image.

 

[paroots]

Hello, in acronis it has an option to split the files into images that
can fit on cd... 700 mb...
it also has for dvd but ignore that I will explain why further down.
You set acronis to make multiple files of 700 mb, that you save on
another partition or disk, and then you fit 6 of those files per DVD.
In other words you burn 6 such parts per dvd.
So if the back up creates 18 part files at 700 per file you can fit all
those in 3 dvds, when restoring it will find all of them, and when it
finishes the first 6 from the first dvd it will ask you for the next one.

I mentioned that you should not try to use the dvd option, because dvd's
by their nature have a 2 gig limit. You might ask me why acronis has
that option then.. well the 2 gig limit applies to normal dvd recorable
disks, however if you use rewritable dvds in packet writing mode it can
store more than 2 gigs per file. Just do what I said above with the 700
mb files and you will be fine.. thats what I do and I have never had a
problem. You can even tell acronis to verify the files after you have
written them on dvd...

if you need any further clarification ask here again.

Thanks Neuron Net. Sounds like you've been down this road before and have a
proven system. I'm trying it out and will let you know how I make out. I like
the idea of having the option of redundant copies on hard drive and DVD. It
also has the advantage of not committing to DVD until Acronis reports a
successful backup.

I've found many 3rd party programs that split files, but after testing a
half dozen of them none seem to work well in Vista. Your method has the
advantage of not involving any additional 3rd party software besides my True
Image and Nero (which I already depend upon). Thanks again.

 

[paroots]

Thanks Neuron Net. Sounds like you've been down this road before and have a
proven system. I'm trying it out and will let you know how I make out. I like
the idea of having the option of redundant copies on hard drive and DVD. It
also has the advantage of not committing to DVD until Acronis reports a
successful backup.

I've found many 3rd party programs that split files, but after testing a
half dozen of them none seem to work well in Vista. Your method has the
advantage of not involving any additional 3rd party software besides my True
Image and Nero (which I already depend upon). Thanks again.

Neuron Net: your method worked like a charm. The only gotcha is that you
must remember to select the last file in the set when restoring. Your method
has the following advantages:
1. Duplicate backups on hard drive and DVD as part of same backup
2. If a backup error, I just erase a hard drive file instead of throwing
away DVDs
3. My experience is that True Image is more reliable writing to hard drive
rather than DVD whereas Nero has never failed writing to DVD

Thanks again.

 

[paroots]

As an experiment, I selected the DVD archive option which said 4.7 GB,
however, when I selected it the number changed to 4.3 GB? I wonder why it
changed? I tried this and the archive seemed to match my DVD drive and DVD+R.
I understand that this may not always work depending on one's drive and
media. It looks like my DVD's will hold just under 4.5 GB. Comments?