MacBook Pro Backup and Disaster recovery testing

Levi · « **on:** 12 Jan 2011, 11:29 pm »

I just realized that Time Machine has a downside. It only backs up files that changed. Time Machine also overwrites files when your hard drive is full. This means that all your pictures say 10 years ago will be erased to make room for the new Time Machine backups. Is this true?

That best backup for Photos will be to burn them into a DVD that is made for archiving. This way, your photos are safe 10+ years from now.

Another point in backup is testing it. A good backup is only as good when you are able to restore when you need it.

Having said that, I am currently testing my own disaster recover. I purchased an additional HDD for my MBP. It is actually an upgrade HDD (more rotational speed, less battery consumption and more capacity). Let's shall see if I can restore from SuperDuper in conjuction with Time Machine. Having the FileVault enabled proves even more fun.

Upgraded 7200rpm 16mb cache vs 5400 rpm Apple

Currently installed, 7200rpm 320Gb capacity

JohnR · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 12:08 am »

Quote from: Levi on 12 Jan 2011, 11:29 pm

I just realized that Time Machine has a downside. It only backs up files that changed. Time Machine also overwrites files when your hard drive is full. This means that all your pictures say 10 years ago will be erased to make room for the new Time Machine backups. Is this true?

Time Machine is for disaster recovery, it's not intended for archival backups. The idea is that as you change a file, it keeps a copy of every version that you create. So you can if needed go back to an older version of a file. Similarly, if you delete a file, then you can go back "in time" to when the file wasn't deleted and get it back (although I've never actually tried it). However you can only go "back in time" so far because the disk fills up. Time Machine assumes that past a certain point you're not going to need those files, and it determines that by how much space is on its drive.

It's a "set and forget" solution. If it were properly archival then the user would have to buy and configure more drives etc.

So the answer to your question is that it won't erase those old pictures if they are still on your computer's drive. It will erase them if you deleted them from your computer's drive.

It never hurts to have another backup. Especially for things that can be grouped into year and so on. In fact, I might do that myself... what DVDs do you use?

Levi · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 12:38 am »

Thanks for the post John.

I currently use Verbatim DVD+R 4.7GB, 8x, DataLifePlus Shiny Silver Disc (Spindle Pack of 50). It is only $14.50 at BHPhoto.com

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/353393-REG/Verbatim_95052_DVD_R_4_7GB_8x_DataLifePlus.html

Crimson · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 01:04 am »

I'd be wary of using dye-based/reflective (consumer grade) DVD discs for backup purposes. They are not made for archival use, and will degrade with time. They are the equivalent of thermal fax paper: the text disappears and the paper gets discolored, even in a 'safe' environment.

Levi · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 01:10 am »

Thanks! Most of them are expensive too! Which one do you use?

Reading Verbatim's info:

Product Highlights
* Fits 1-8x Write Speed DVD+R Hardware
* Ideal for Silk Screen Printing
* Advanced Metal Azo Recording Dye
* Superior Archival Life

Crimson · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 01:17 am »

Superior means 3-5 years. If you're lucky.

I don't use DVDs for archiving. Strictly multiple hard drives (copies of copies).

jtwrace · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 01:32 am »

Quote from: Crimson on 13 Jan 2011, 01:17 am

Superior means 3-5 years. If you're lucky.

I don't use DVDs for archiving. Strictly multiple hard drives (copies of copies).

So true. I use and recommend SuperDuper! http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

It has saved my $ss already..

Levi · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 01:47 am »

That's funny you mentioned that because I have non-archival CD-Rs that I used before DVD-+R where even around and still readable. That's over 8++ years ago. Lucky? Perhaps put another zero behind that 3-5.

I also have a multitude of hard drives that creates a backup of a backup. Having a DVD archive is an added insurance for me. You just never know when you needed it.

Levi · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 02:05 am »

I have lots of 8mm DAT that I have 14+years that I used for archival and they still work to this day. They are surely more reliable than HDDs.

Levi · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 03:21 am »

My disaster recovery testing worked!

Some thoughts:
1. My BootCamp partition was not cloned by SuperDuper!
2. MBP boots was looking for the HDD after the "gong". Wait time for complete boot is noticeably longer.

The test was somewhat a success and I was able to upgrade the HDD. That's for my future info.

I just need to fine tune my backup.

How do you backup the BOOTCAMP partition?

skunark · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 04:13 am »

Don't forget to consider online storage for your media or the entire drive. Some even offer to backup external drives, but not all. Typically you can find unlimited backups online for $50/year and all it takes is a reasonable broadband connection and some time. I use this in addition to time-machine, I also use Aperture's "vault" feature for photos.

Keep in mind that each medium you use to backup has it's own fault, and the restore process will make that apparent.

Crimson · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 10:51 am »

Re: online backup, I use Backblaze. Supports external drives, provides a timeline of restore points, is cross-platform compatible, provides continuous backup as opposed to scheduled, and is much faster than Carbonite.

Levi · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 01:58 pm »

My disaster recovery testing worked!

Anyone here knows how to backup the BOOTCAMP partition?

Levi · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 04:30 pm »

I googled Winclone. Looks a winner so far.

Levi · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 05:46 pm »

I have yet several interesting findings about using FileVault and Time Machine. They simply don't add convenience if you ask me.

MaxCast · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 06:08 pm »

Quote from: Levi on 13 Jan 2011, 05:46 pm

I have yet several interesting findings about using FileVault and Time Machine. They simply don't add convenience if you ask me.

What do you find is lacking in Time Machine?

Levi · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 06:30 pm »

Quote from: MaxCast on 13 Jan 2011, 06:08 pm

What do you find is lacking in Time Machine?

If you are not using FileVault, Time Machine does what it supposed to do conveniently.

On the other hand, if you are using FileVault, user has to logoff for Time Machine to backup. Likewise, Time Machine with FileVault, you can not do a single file restore or browse time machine backups.

Cheers!

JohnR · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 Jan 2011, 10:26 pm »

I believe that's because with FileVault your whole home directory is converted into a single file.

Levi · « **Reply #18 on:** 14 Jan 2011, 02:30 am »

I think so. A backup software has to have backup agents that has access to the encrypted files in order for it to successfully backup/restore as "brick level". Perhaps on the next version of Time Machine.

Levi · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 Jan 2011, 03:23 am »

I was able to backup my BOOTCAMP partition using Winclone 2.2

All I need now is to run another test and my disaster recover contingency plan will be set!