Which backup method should I use?

We suggest that you use the Full backup method the first time you back up your files. Thereafter, you may use this option again or use the Differential or the Incremental backup method to make a partial backup.

General speaking, Differential backups are used when it is important to have the latest version of each file, and Incremental backups are used when each revision of a file must be maintained.

Each time you create a Differential backup, the program backs up files that have been changed since the last Full backup. After you have made a new Differential backup, you can delete or erase previously made Differential backups. You need only the original Full backup archive file and the latest Differential backup archive file to restore all your files. The Differential backup method requires more time to back up files, but less time to restore files.

When you create an Incremental backup, PowerBackup backs up files that have been changed since the most recent Full or Incremental backup. Therefore you need to keep the original Full backup file and all the Incremental backup archive files you created. The Incremental backup method requires less time to back up files, but more time to restore files.

See !§How does PowerBackup identify whether a file has been backed up or not?!‥ for more information about backup methods.