anyway i can ignore the free space?

[macnatic]

hi folks,
Is there anyway i can simply create an image that contains the "used" volume instead of the entire volume including the free space. I have a 250GB hdd both internal and external. Currently i have only used 30GB on the internal one. As far as i understand, the full backup on SU will create hmm... a backup that spans the entire source hard drive. is there anway i can accomplish this ala acronis trueimage? so in essence, prevent the free space on the internal hdd from being included on the disc image backup so i will be able to use the rest of the free space on the external hdd for other usage. thanks for any advice.

macnatic

[dnanian]

That's what we do, macnatic: we copy only the files, not the free space...

[edoates]

What I do is to use DiskUtility to create a sparse image (see updateable images in the FAQ) and create a max size of about what I think I'll ever need. For example, my system drive is 250GB, but my sparse image max size if only 90GB, and I have about 20GB for expansion over time.

On my backup drive (also 250GB external firewire (the OWC Mercury Pro), I did a minimal Tiger install (only one print driver for my main printer, no language translations) which takes only a couple of gigs and is insured to boot up with DiskUtility in place. Then I create the sparse image and do a SU full backup. After that, I perform "smart" backups to update the sparse image. The rest of the drive is available for other uses (like other SU backups for my iTunes files stored on yet another drive).

If disaster strikes, I can boot the backup drive and use DiskUtility to restore my system drive to the most recent backup.

Ed

[dnanian]

Yep, that works fine, and is certainly another option. The lack of direct boot can be a slight pain in the event of an emergency, though, so I usually suggest partitioning as a "best practices", and sparse images as the "runner up".