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Will it cause a problem if I choose a different name for my backup than that recommended by Macrium Reflect?

Question:

I use Macrium Reflect Pro for my backups. When I run a backup, it recommends
that I use a default name to identify the backup. Question: if I choose to use
a different identifier, like my computer name, and then change my computer’s
name down the road, will Reflect recognize the backup with the old computer
name?

In this excerpt from
Answercast #75
, I look at the file names that Macrium Reflect creates when
making a backup and the safety in changing it to something more user
friendly.

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Changing backup file names

There’s no problem. Name it whatever you like.

Quite literally, the “file name” that Macrium is asking you for is nothing more than a file name. It actually has nothing to do with the name of your computer or anything else.

I know that the default name it assigns is actually fairly obscure and kind of bizarre looking. I get that!

I also understand some why they choose what they choose. It’s because it’s guaranteed to be unique no matter what they do.

Change the name to something useful

If you want to change it to something more readable, more useful, change it to whatever you like. Something based on the name of your computer is fine.

I do the same thing.

If you change the name of your computer later, that’s okay. It won’t be a problem. If you want to install or restore that backup to a different hard disk, on a different computer with a different name, that’s fine.

The name of the backup won’t cause a problem; it’s nothing more than the name of the files that Macrium will write when it creates your backup.

Do this

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3 comments on “Will it cause a problem if I choose a different name for my backup than that recommended by Macrium Reflect?”

  1. I keep the filenames that MR suggests, but I locate it in a directory named the way I want. Try changing your naming policy to focus on the directory name where the backup is stored, that way I’m safe just accepting the default filename.

    I make a new subdirectory (named appropriately) every time I create a new full image backup. Typically only one file (the huge backup file) lives in this subdirectory, but sometimes I add some other stuff, maybe some notes, etc.

    Reply
  2. Considering I use my external HD for backing up 5 computers, using the default in my back up program is NOT acceptable. Going by the date of the image, I might use the wrong backup on the computer I’m trying to recover.

    I did as DT suggested and created a subdirectory for each computer. But you could also use one directory, just append or use the computer’s name for the filename.

    Reply

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