WinRaR help

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to ask Windows-specific software questions here, but I can't find a single forum for Winrar on it's own, and I know there people in this community would probably know this.

I'm sorry if I can't ask these types of questions.


I am trying to improve upon a backup system I currently have going within my network domain at work. This is how it works:

I am using the WinRaR compression utility to zip certain files from certain locations thoughout the network, and place all the zipped files in designated folders on one machine. This works by assigning the windows task sheduler to run batch files on certain days of the week. The batch files contain a WinRaR command line that, with the use of parameters and switches, allow me to customize each zipped archive as they are created. For those who need examples, here is one of those command lines:

C:\Progra~1\WinRAR\winrar a -ep2 -m5 -O+ -v4.5g "C:\backups\choey\choey_Monday.rar" "Y:\dump\choey"

The problem with this, is that, since I'm making a new file for everyday of the week (that example is Monday's) I'm using a lot of diskspace.

Now, if you were patient enough to read that much, here is what I would like to do:

I would like to modify my system, so every monday, an entire backup is done (like now), but, for Tuesday - Friday's batch files, I want to modify the WinRaR command line to create new files containing ONLY modified, or new files from the Monday's.

What do you think?

Have you not considered taking up backup images of the disk?

7 zip offers better compression so you may wish to use that instead.

Winrar has a `u` switch that lets you update existing files. Right now your using `a`, which adds files. For every day besides monday, try using the `u`.

Have a look at the WinRAR manual here ==> Clicky

There are limitions with the switches and archives, but these are detailed at the end of the manual.

I can't say I know how to take advantage of that type of compression at all, perhaps I should take a look at the manual thanks



Yea, this is what I had thought about doing, but doesn't that function look at the existing RAR file, see if there are any changes, and update it? Cause what I need it to do, is to look at the RAR file, see if there are any changes, and compress the changes into a separate file.


Thanks for your help guys

You want to put ONLY the changes in another RAR file? That might be a little tricky.... :S

Yea, I was hoping WinRaR would be capable of it, but I'm not sure.

If I had it that way, then I'd be all set weekly:


Monday would be a full backup, of everything
Tuesday-Friday's files will contain differences from Monday's

I've had a wee read through the manual and I don't think you'll be able to do that from what I understand. I use WinRAR but not to that extent.

Think that maybe your only option would be to create a little application of your own to achieve this if you can. Failing that, have a search around - there may already be utilities created that will let you achieve this.

Best thing about 7-zip is that it is open source.