Directories selected for current period are backed up. Directories defined for a shorter period are backed up also. For example, a weekly backup includes directories for daily backup.
In a non-differential backup, all files are backed up, independent of their dates. A differential backup, contains only changed or new files since last backup of longer period.
For example, weekly backup is executed on Monday. Differential daily backup on Tuesday will back up all files, that were created or changed since Monday. Daily backup on Wednesday also bases on Monday's weekly backup. It has all files, updated or created since Monday. If Thursday a monthly backup is done, daily backups from Friday to Sunday base on Thursday's monthly-backup etc.
Unreadable files
If a file can not be read, backup will be aborted with error-message. The only exception are for reserved files. Backup-action for reserved files can be set with macro editor, or in backup program with command Special backup parameters in menu Options. Either file will be skipped or backup will be aborted with error-message. Additionally, a waiting time can be defined.
All files which have not been backed up are listed in log and in display window Messages, together with a short explanation.
Not backed up system files
Windows 2003/2000/XP has a defined registry entry FilesNotToBackup (and KeysNotToRestore). These keys define a concept for system recovery/full restore, which tolerates some hardware changes. Stratesave follows these rules.
See also: System State backup