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Why is my backup too large for my recovery partition in Windows 7? This is a source of frustration. This subject seems to elude me.

Partition Size vs Backup Size

Partitions are portions of a hard drive that have been designated to act as a separate entity with its own drive letter. For example, most computers have a C: drive which acts as the primary hard disk. Drives that have been partitioned will have a second drive letter that shows up, such as the D: drive. While C: and D: are shown separately when exploring and using the computer, the two drives share space on the physical hard disk.

How much space each partition takes up depends on how the partition was originally created. When creating a partition, the user is prompted to specify a partition size. The size combinations are limitless. For example, if your hard drive is 200 GB, the C: and D: partitions could be equal such as 100 GB each or of vastly different sizes such as 150 GB and 50 GB.

Recovery Partition Size

Since this partition has been designated as a recovery partition, I'm wondering if it came this way from the factory? If so, it's possible that the recovery partition is meant for storing the Windows 7 recovery files. This is becoming more common. Manufacturers used to ship recovery CDs but now are storing the recovery files on the hard disk in a separate partition. When your system becomes unstable and requires a complete restoration back to factory settings, instead of using Windows recovery CDs, you would access the recovery partition to reinstall Windows and revert the system back to its original state. In this case, the recovery partition isn't designed for regular system backups and should be left alone unless you need it.

Backup Options

Depending on how you use your computer, several options are available to back it up. For average computer users, enabling System Protection is sufficient for keeping the operating system adequately protected. System Protection makes periodic restore points that are like snapshots of your operating system and all of its settings at a given point in time. The restore points are stored by default on the drive that Windows 7 is installed on with automatic restore points created each week as well as before major events.

In addition to using System Protection/System Restore, you must also backup your data. After all, you can buy a new computer or reinstall the operating system but if your data is irreversibly damaged, you can't get it back. When backing up data, the first backup is usually the largest. After creating the first backup, it's not necessary to keep copying the same files over and over. Only new and changed files need to be added to the backup.

Windows 7 comes with a built-in backup utility called Backup and Restore which is found in the Control Panel. Using this utility, you can also create a System Image which is a copy of the drives that Windows needs in order to run. A backup containing a System Image is going to be huge. Rather than storing the backup and system image on a partition, you'd be better off storing it on an external hard drive or at an online file storage site.

While I don't know if the partition on your hard drive is designated as the computer's official recovery partition or not, I'm guessing that it's a relatively small partition compared to your backup set. I recommend either an external hard drive or an online backup site over trying to backup your data or your entire system on its internal drive.     

Fair Use and You: Making Backups of your Digital Media

With all the internet and anti-pirating laws passed in the last decade, people are scared to do what Fair Use laws allow them to do. Basically, to make backups of programs, movies, and games they've legally purchased.

Fair use Laws and Data Backup

In terms of Fair Use laws, you are allowed to make backup copies of media you've purchased. You can also use bits and pieces of that media for school projects and presentations.

You just have to keep copyright laws in mind when doing so, and not make copies for public distribution and sales. And yes, public distribution does include making copies of copyrighted materials for your friends and family who live outside your home. You also may not transmit those materials over digital lines.

Personal Use

You are, for example, allowed to make a backup of that new game you purchased for your personal use. There are many reasons for this including: You what to keep the original disks from getting damaged by repeated use, you want to keep the originals safe from your children, and you don't want to carry the disks around with you for using with your laptop.

No matter what your reasons are, you feel it is your right to make backups of any media and materials you legally purchased. In the most technical sense, you are absolutely correct. Here's where it gets tricky.

Copyright and Encryption

Almost all of those movies, games, and programs come with encryption and copyright protection now. If you try to use any of those backups the movie won't play, the game asks for the original disk, or the program fails to load without the original in the disk drive. While it is your right to make copies, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 has made it illegal for you to circumvent the copyright protection.

Lawsuit Case Study

Case in point: In 2004 321 Studios, a company which made programs to allow consumers to make backups of their legally purchased commercial DVD's, was forced to shut its doors after repeated lawsuits were filed. A federal judge agreed with the plaintiffs, and ruled that the programs were in violation of copyright laws.

Many other cases have been brought before the courts over the years, but the results are usually the same. If the product "can" be used to circumvent CSS protection, then it's in violation of copyright laws or the DCMA.

What does this mean for you, the consumer?

Be very careful when making "legal" backups of your digital media. Even if you are within you rights to make copies for personal use, companies have the power, money, and lawyers to force you to desist. Try not to use any of those backups on a computer which has access to the internet. Many programs and movies automatically connect to the manufacturer's website.

Become active in your state's political arena. Send letters to your federal representatives urging them to amend or repeal the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. Encourage others to do so as well.

Don't create any websites or articles which detail how to bypass the CSS protection on any digital product. While it may only be to enhance the product, it's still in violation of the MCDA and could land you in court.

Avoid Hacks and Cracks

Above all, don't download any "hacked" or "cracked" software or movies. Companies such as EA Games, Disney, and NBC have teams which scan the internet to see who is downloading their products. They also place some of those files on the internet to track the people downloading them.

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