Backup Files - Are these files compressed - Unknown Filetype

[AGP]

Hello,

I recently backed up my computer files to DVD (5 DVDs . . . 5 hours . . . 15 thousand files).  I was assuming I would find the backed up files to be represented as they were on my computer.  For instance: WORD documents have the extension ".doc" and ADOBE files have the extension ".pdf".  These file listings also include the graphic symbol for that particular file type.

Here is my problem:  All 15 thousand files on the backup disk are of the same file type.  No extension is shown and they all have the same graphic symbol.  However, the variety of file sizes suggests the backup was successful.  How do I decipher these files?  Are they compressed?  What am I looking at?  Are these recoverable files?  Ask, ask, ask, ask . . .

Frustrated

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

How did you back them up?

Can you describe this....symbol?

[patio]

They would need to be read by the backup app itself...
Decent backup/image apps do not change file extensions so try opening them with whatever app that was...
What app was it ? ? We thrive on details here...they're like Cheerios to us.   

[AGP]

Hmmm . . . I backed up using NORTON UTILITIES.  Does that shed any light?

AGP

[patio]

You mean Norton GoBack ? ?

[Spoiler]

To me it sounds like your backup took a image of your hard drive and than chunked it into the same size parts. After which it burnt it all to CDs.

Think of it like taking a big file and chopping it into parts like using winrar.

[AGP]

I have never done a backup before and was assuming I could simply fetch a file (or maybe 2 files) directly from the backup disk.  Let's say, an MP3 file that I want to listen to.  Is this not how backups work?  Do I need to run the 5 disks through another application to get usable files?

AGP

[patio]

Yes.
Check the Help files on accessing individual files from the images...
I use and recommend Acronis True Image which when ran will show all files/folders as they normally would appear in Explorer and can be read/copied/retrieved individually...

[AGP]

Thank's.  I'll give it a try.

AGP