Windows Vista Backup missing files

[Blue Max]

We recently had a need to replace a hard disk. Our original files were all
backed up with Windows Vista Backup. The backup process produced no errors
and appeared to complete successfully. However, when we restored the
backup to the new hard drive, we found that there were many missing files.
To this point, it appears that the missing files are all .EXE files. In
many cases, all the files were restored to a folder, except for the
executable (.exe). We know that these files existed when the Windows Vista
Backup was performed on the original hard disk. Moreover, we backuped the
same files later using a different program and have confirmed the files were
there.

Is anyone aware of a problem where Windows Vista Backup is either NOT
backing up all the files or is NOT restoring all the files? Furthermore, it
is odd that this seems to have affected only certain files which brings us
to wonder if our security software could have blocked files somehow without
our knowledge. We would sincerely appreciate any help with this issue, it
is a very serious file recovery concern.

 

[semoi]

My copy of Vista Home Premium clearly states in the tiny fine blue print
that executables are not backed up.
Your version may be different.
I see the Vista backup program as utterly useless bloatware, like much of
Vista (as well as other Microsoft and Apple OSes).
If you want a complete back-up of your hard drive you will need additional
software. Alas such back-up software is not entirely reliable. Even if you
scan/verify your back-up it may fail when you actually need to use it as too
many of us have found after disaster struck. It can be worth creating these
back-ups, because if they actually work when you need them you are
fortunate, but you need a back up for your back up:
The safest back-up schemes involve copying data files to whatever medium you
prefer and saving your program installation discs and activation keys.

 

[DL]

If you want a 'proper' complete system backup, use something like Acronis
TI, you would then be able to restore a complete Image or individual data
I dont believe Vista Backup backs up all files, only a default set of file
types (I've never used any type of MS backup, only a dedicated backup app)

 

[Blue Max]

Thank you, semoi. I had never noticed any such disclaimer. Such a design
is simply insane! Why in the world would you purposely cripple someone's
indispensible backup feature and then hide such an important disclosure in
fine print? In this case, we have lost invaluable drivers and programs (all
legal productive software) that are no longer available on the internet.

Incredible!! How in the world can a company be so incompetent as to
alienate loyal users in this fashion? I agree with your characterization of
Microsoft 100%. We continually end up with nothing but frustration using
Microsoft utilities. A fine example is Remote Assistance, advertised as a
simple, trouble-free way for users to help each other (certainly a worthy
endeavor), yet not once have we ever been able to configure a reliable
connection; regardless of the computer, location, version, configuration, or
technical ability of the installer.

I hope some day we can have the privilege of immortalizing some
clear-thinking individual who eventually brings reliability, flexibility,
and sanity back into the software world.

Thanks,
Richard

*************

 

[Richard Urban]

So, you don't have off site backups that you created earlier? I can't
believe that you keep purchased software in only one place. If I pay for a
downloaded program I have it burned to at least 2 CD/DVD's, an external
drive, maybe a different drive on the computer etc.

You have learned that there is more than one type of backup - the difficult
way.

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

So, you don't have off site backups that you created earlier? I can't
believe that you keep purchased software in only one place. If I pay for
a downloaded program I have it burned to at least 2 CD/DVD's, an
external drive, maybe a different drive on the computer etc.

You make up to four backups of *software* you purchase? Why would you want
to do such an idiotic thing, or is this some sort of hobby? There is no
point in having mutliple backups, when programs tend to be updated
regularly. You only need some sort of list of software you use, and
licensing details backed up.

ss.

 

[Blue Max]

Hello Richard,

Before you prejudge, we actually did end up having three separate backups
and some of the programs were burned to DVDs. In this case, we will
probably be able to recover most the lost files. However, our original
complaints still stand:

FIRST, it is INSANE to provide a backup program (Windows Vista Backup) that
unexpectedly provides an incomplete backup and then fails to display a bold
warning dialog clearly stating this limitation before performing the backup.

SECOND, users should not be required to perform 3 or 4 backups for a single
point in time in order to be assured they can recover from a major
malfunction. Such a requirement is time-consuming and expensive for both
individuals and businesses. It is a very sad reflection on the state of
integrity of the art, though we follow this procedure out of necessity.

THIRD, given the unreliable state of the art, as acknowledged above, isn't
it a little unconscionable that Microsoft would undermine the integrity of
the process by crippling the capability of their backup program? Why even
provide one at all?

Thank you for commenting,

Richard

***********

 

[Richard Urban]

Keeping a backup in a proprietary format, such as when you use "any" backup
program - you are bound to use that same backup program again to access the
backup. Many people have run into problems because of this.

One of the major backup programs of a few years ago, Backup Exec, warned
people with the introduction of a new version that their previous backups
would be inaccessible with the new version. They advised their customers to
take precautions. Many didn't and got burned. The traffic in these
newsgroups was quite intense.

Even new versions of Microsoft's backup were not able to handle older
backups, say going from Win 98 to Windows XP (if I remember correctly).

Sometimes a bit for bit backup (without compression), a file copy if you
will, is the most secure type of backup. You never need any ancillary
program to access the files.

As to my multiple backups - I have NEVER been burned. A few major companies
I worked for over the years kept two backups in the building, one in the IT
department and one in a safe. They also kept a copy in a bank vault as well
as one in Iron Mountain. THEY were never burned either.

--

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

You make up to four backups of *software* you purchase? Why would you
want to do such an idiotic thing, or is this some sort of hobby? There is
no point in having mutliple backups, when programs tend to be updated
regularly. You only need some sort of list of software you use, and
licensing details backed up.

ss.


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[Richard Urban]

Microsoft backup programs (in MY opinion) have never been robust. Same for
their system restore. I know that there are some (Microsoft employees??)
that do not want to hear this but "it is what it is".

I have been using 3rd party backup and imaging programs since the days of
DOS and have little problems with them. I have never had much faith, or
success, using any supplied backup program that was included with an
operating system.

 

[Blue Max]

Thank you for the observations, Richard. We also relied on 3rd party
solutions, but made the mistake of thinking that the Vista Backup product
was capable of meeting our current needs. Like you, I guess we are back to
a 3rd party solution, but with a sour taste in our mouth for Microsoft.

Interestingly, we simply used the DOS or Windows 'copy' feature to archive
files for many years. It worked very well and we would probably still use
it on certain occasions except for a continuing problem. The Microsoft
'Copy' routine 'Aborts' when it cannot copy a file rather than giving you a
'Skip' or 'Skip All' option so that it could complete the copy operation.

For all the great technology that comes out of Microsoft, we are sometimes
mystified by the bumbling incompetence found in the simplest details.

Thanks,
Richard

********************

 

[Richard Urban]

There are some nice automated backup programs available that just perform a
file copy to wherever you want to save the backups. If the archive bit on
the original is reset the new version is copied over. You can instruct as to
how many versions to keep before the old version roll off into the ether.

--

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

Thank you for the observations, Richard. We also relied on 3rd party
solutions, but made the mistake of thinking that the Vista Backup product
was capable of meeting our current needs. Like you, I guess we are back
to a 3rd party solution, but with a sour taste in our mouth for Microsoft.

Interestingly, we simply used the DOS or Windows 'copy' feature to archive
files for many years. It worked very well and we would probably still use
it on certain occasions except for a continuing problem. The Microsoft
'Copy' routine 'Aborts' when it cannot copy a file rather than giving you
a 'Skip' or 'Skip All' option so that it could complete the copy
operation.

For all the great technology that comes out of Microsoft, we are sometimes
mystified by the bumbling incompetence found in the simplest details.

Thanks,
Richard

********************



__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 3953 (20090321) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com

__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3953 (20090321) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com

 

[Blue Max]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Richard


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