Backing up files that are in use

Joe Schlepp

Hello, I used to get an error dialog when backing up a file that was currently in use. This behaviour has changed one or two version ago. Now the file(s) that are in use during the backup run are simply skipped. Unfortunately, it is sometimes impossible to know if certain files were missed during a backup run.

If there is a solution in the current version please let me know, and many thanks in advance.

If not, is there an option that could be introduced to either write a log file or issue a warning if a backup was incomplete because of missed in-use files. A log/error file with the same name (different extension, e.g. .log or .err) as the backup file (I use the timestamp feature) would be handy. I would consider this a must-have feature for automated and unattended backup scenarios.

Thanks
Joe :)

klumy

this would be great if PA would be able to compress files which are in use

I also posted this feature request in earlier times

http://www.powerarchiver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175

spwolf

@Joe:

Hello, I used to get an error dialog when backing up a file that was currently in use. This behaviour has changed one or two version ago. Now the file(s) that are in use during the backup run are simply skipped. Unfortunately, it is sometimes impossible to know if certain files were missed during a backup run.

If there is a solution in the current version please let me know, and many thanks in advance.

If not, is there an option that could be introduced to either write a log file or issue a warning if a backup was incomplete because of missed in-use files. A log/error file with the same name (different extension, e.g. .log or .err) as the backup file (I use the timestamp feature) would be handy. I would consider this a must-have feature for automated and unattended backup scenarios.

Thanks
Joe :)

Hi,

I think error still shows if you choose non-quiet operation, can you check if that works? We got some complaints from users getting an error box even if they choose quiet operation mode which is why this was changed.

thanks,

Joe Schlepp

Thank you “spwolf”, I followed your suggestion and that is indeed what happened.

I guess they fixed what was a “problem” for some and in the process caused a “problem” for others.

From the Help text:

“Run silent if run from Windows” - allows you to turn on the silent backup mode. With silent mode enabled, when you run the auto-backup script from Windows by either double clicking on it or scheduling it to run using Windows Task Scheduler, the backup will complete in the background without any notice. This feature is a great option to use if you schedule a backup using Windows Task Scheduler.

The intention of this feature is good, yet I believe the execution/implementation still needs some work.

Since a “Backup done.” notification is still issued upon completion, even during “silent” mode, perhaps a “Files in use skipped” notification could be issued as well. A log file is still the best solution in an automated over night backup scenario, because it would allow me to check if the backup missed any files.

By the way, I use System Scheduler Pro (from Splinterware) which allows me to check for the existence of specific windows and error dialogs, based on the window title text. So a “PowerArchiver Error” dialog could be used to trigger certain action(s) using System Scheduler.

Looking forward to your comments,
Joe :)

spwolf

Hi,

keep in mind that “backup done” window is also an option, so it is not influenced by silent running since you can turn it off yourself. What we could do for the next version is rename Backup done option to be something like “Show backup done and any errors”… Would that work?

thanks,

Joe Schlepp

Hi “spwolf”,

Your suggestion could be useful. What about a dialog that says “Backup Successful” and one that says “Backup completed with errors - see logfile” or “Backup completed - some files skipped”.

Thanks.
Joe