Stratesave 7.0 Organized Backup Program Help Files
Backup to CD/DVD
In Stratesave macro definition, select Removable disk as Storage media for backups to CD/DVD, and specify the
volume names for backup rotation.
CD/DVDs are somewhat more delicate than ordinary removable disks. One of the problems is data underrun,
which occurs when there is no more data available while the CD is being written to, and makes the CD defective
when it occurs. For network backups (and local backups to a lesser degree), a CD/DVD drive with burn-proof or other
underrun-safe technology is recommended. The modern drives nowadays have this builtin. Another problem is
overheating of drive or CD/DVD. If burning several CD/DVDs on the same drive one after the other, it might be best to wait a few minutes before burning another CD/DVD,
to let the drive cool down.
Stratesave has builtin engine for backup to CD/DVD. Alternatively, access through 3rd party packet driver Software
is also supported.
Use of builtin engine is the default selection in Removable Disk (incl CD/DVD) device and settings.
Stratesave supports backup to DVD+RW, (DVD-RW), DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-RW, CD-R. DVD+RW is preferred reusable media
and does not need blanking when reused. Backups can be extended over several CD/DVDs (multi volume backup), and multiple CD/DVD
drives can be used. The backup can be unattended with multiple drives and volumes.
Just put the DVDs into the drives before backup starts. The builtin engine always overwrites CD/DVD from the beginning,
automatically blanking or formatting the CD/DVD if necessary.
Non-rewritable CD/DVD+-R media can be used for a single backup only.
The builtin CD/DVD driver-engine uses the SCSI passthrough interface (SPTI), which requires Administrator rights.
When using third-party packet-writing Software which allows to copy files to a CD/DVD like a normal removable media,
Stratesave has some additional options to leave free space on disk, or ask for reformatting the disk when reused.
These can help for stable CD/DVD backups with packet-writing. The packet-writing Software also must allow to write large files,
because entire backup on CD/DVD is written as a single file.
Backup to CD/DVD-R or CD-RW/DVD+RW?
Stratesave has builtin rotation scheme, where the backup media is periodically rewritten.
Therefore the rewritable CD-RW/DVD+RW is the more natural choice for backups with Stratesave.
CD/DVD+-Rs are probably best for longer periods, e.g. monthly to yearly backups.
CD-RW/DVD+RW are best for daily and weekly (possibly monthly) backups, which are overwritten more often.
DVD-RW are supported, but not recommended, because they need lengthy blanking operation everytime when reused.
Better use DVD+RW, where this step is not necessary.
Backup over multiple CD/DVDs
Stratesave allows backups to extend over multiple CDs / DVDs. In Storage location settings,
you can enter a list of volume names into each field for removable disks, separated by blank or comma.
When first volume gets filled, and a second volume has been specified in list,
Stratesave will continue backup on the second volume. Dito for 3rd, 4th volume etc.
When no continuous volumes are defined with macro, volume names are automatically generated.
Stratesave Help Files