Sample Scenarios

The section below offers some sample scenarios using the different backup methods over a four-day period. Scenarios 1-4 are simpler, as they start from a Full backup. Scenarios 5-8 are more complicated, as they start from a Differential or Incremental backup. (In Scenarios 5 & 6, the data was previously backed up either in a different job or using a different backup software.)

The table below shows the state of files A, B, and C on days 1-4:

Scenario 1

This scenario shows the effect of using Differential backups after a Full backup on the first day.

Scenario 2

This scenario shows the effect of using Incremental backups after a Full backup on the first day.

Scenario 3

This scenario shows the effect of using both Differential and Incremental backups after a Full backup on the first day.

Scenario 4

This scenario shows the effect of using both Differential and Incremental backups after a Full backup on the first day.

Scenario 5

This scenario shows the effect of using Differential backups starting from a previous backup of A, B, C (on Day 0)

Scenario 6

This scenario shows the effect of using Incremental backups starting from a previous backup of A, B, C (on Day 0).

Scenario 7

This scenario shows the effect of using Differential backups, even on the first day.

Note: Although the first backup was not a Full backup, the resulting backup on Day 1 is the equivalent of a Full backup.

Scenario 8

This scenario shows the effect of using Incremental backups, even on the first day.

Note: Although the first backup was not a Full backup, the resulting backup on Day 1 is the equivalent of a Full backup.