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File system backups |
  
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File system backups |
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File system backups are categorized in three different types: Simple Copy, Exact Copy and Synchronization.
File system - Simple Copy |
A simple copy of all chosen files and folders is produced. The files and folders are copied to the specified location. (This is like a manual copy using the windows explorer)
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File system - Exact Copy (Mirror) |
All files and folders are copied to the specified location. Files which are not present in the source are deleted* from the destination location. So the destination directory always contains an exact image of the source directory.
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File system - Synchronization |
File synchronization provides the possibility to synchronize two folders. The newest files are copied to each location. Newly created files on one side are copied to the other side. Deleted files on one side will be deleted* on the other side. This backup type should only be used by advanced users to prevent possible data loss.
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* All files which are deleted during a backup process are moved to Recycle Bin. The files will not be deleted physically except the Recycle Bin is too small to hold all 'deleted' files. In this case, Windows indeed will delete the files circumventing Recycle Bin. Therefore only advanced users should use synchronization. Also, synchronization must not be used for synchronizing complete harddrives, especially not, if the OS is installed on one of them.
This screenshot shows the creation dialog when a file system type is selected.
Opening the properties of an existing backup set looks like this. The only differences are the available buttons at the bottom of the dialog page.
In the Properties dialog of 'Exact Copy' and 'Synchronization' SmartBackup can be set to ask for permission, whenever it wants to delete files. During backup you can decide how to process the current or all following files that should be deleted. If you uncheck this option files that should be deleted are effectively deleted without any inquiry.