File vs. Disk Backup

[ccesena]

Can someone explain if it is best to Backup to a File or Disk in this situation.

I want to backup my Documents and Settings onto an external USB hard drive. I have done this before, and believe I have backed up to a "Disk." However, with my most recent script to the new external USB hard drive, I used "File."

 

Which is better? Also, do do both File and Disk backups create "Catalogs?"

 

Thanks for your help.

[DWitteried]

I use Disk as Grooming is available with this mode. I like grooming as the drive basicaly never fills up (at least not for a long time), meaning I don't need to do media recycles as often.

 

From Retorspect's help file:

 

A hard disk drive can be the destination for both file Backup Sets and disk Backup Sets. There are major differences between these two types of Backup Set. Disk Backup Sets provide the maximum flexibility and performance because they can:

 

Span multiple disks, including network volumes

Include the option to automatically groom disks to reclaim disk space

Provide the best support for backing up to NAS devices and servers

Use the same Backup Set as the destination in one operation while, at the same time, as the source for one or more additional operations.

Support User Initiated Restore (UIR), if you have the UIR add-on.

In addition, disk Backup Sets do not have the file size limitations inherent in a file Backup Set.

 

When saved on hard disks, both file Backup Sets and disk Backup Sets can store and access files other than the Backup Set data files.

 

 

Hope that helps.

 

David

[ccesena]

Thanks David. I appreciate the note.

 

Chris