XP File Backup utility???

sr160009 · May 2, 2007

why not just ghost an image off your harddrive with Nortons Ghost. I use my laptop for work and I have a lot of important stuff on it. I always ghost an image of my drive. I did have my PC crash once and I reloaded from the ghost image and I had everything back the way it was within about 1 1/2 hours. I have about 40 gig of programs and files. Ghost image is the only way to go. After you reimage your drive there are no configs to reenter, your pc will be exactly the way it was when you created the image.

jdbower · May 3, 2007

I use a program called AllWay Sync to back stuff up, the price is right and it's surprisingly featured.
Allway Sync: Free File Synchronization, Backup, Data Replication, PC Sync Software, Freeware, File Sync, Data Synchronization Software

I've got it set up to back up my data files 10 minutes after I change them, I even have it set to exclude some automatically generated files (thumbs.db, the JPEG album covers mixed in with MP3s, etc.)

hazmat · May 3, 2007

The idea of imaging the whole hard drive is appealing.

acronis had a free trial (thanks Dougj7)- downloaded it last night, but didn't get a chance to try it out yet.

So - if I'm imaging my hard drive - how to I know if it is working without wiping out the original HD???

sr160009 · May 3, 2007

hazmat said:
So - if I'm imaging my hard drive - how to I know if it is working without wiping out the original HD???

I have not had any issues with Nortons Ghost, you will have a ghost file after the image is copied. I support field technician that work on ATM's for a living and our software has got really complex and it takes 3 to 4 hours to reload software on these machines. With the Ghost program we have reduced the time down to 30 to 45 minutes. If you ghost to anouter drive you will not have any issues, but I have had a couple of issues when I have ghosted to a CD or DVD (due to the media quality).

dougj7 · May 3, 2007

hazmat said:
The idea of imaging the whole hard drive is appealing.

acronis had a free trial (thanks Dougj7)- downloaded it last night, but didn't get a chance to try it out yet.

So - if I'm imaging my hard drive - how to I know if it is working without wiping out the original HD???

When you choose the backup option, it only performs a backup, no other functions are performed. The program will guide you through step by step as you go.

tawilson · May 3, 2007

I've been using Second Copy for file backup and synchronization for years. It's $30 now. It was 20 bucks back when I bought it. Just another option for you.
..:: Second Copy ::.. Secure your data with automatic backups

hazmat · May 3, 2007

backup is running now on my desktop as I type on my laptop. I chose the backup option vs. the whole disk image.

Time remaining for 16GB is 3 hours. I think the USB is what is limiting the speed. Is there anyway for me to upgrade the USB from 1.0 to 2.0? Is it a software/driver thing or hardware?

GaryE · May 3, 2007

hazmat said:
The idea of imaging the whole hard drive is appealing.

acronis had a free trial (thanks Dougj7)- downloaded it last night, but didn't get a chance to try it out yet.

So - if I'm imaging my hard drive - how to I know if it is working without wiping out the original HD???

I thought you said free?

hazmat · May 3, 2007

GaryE said:
I thought you said free?

I said free was preffered, but was willing to spend a few bucks. The pictures of my daughter are irreplaceable.

HomeBrew2 · May 3, 2007

hazmat said:
...The pictures of my daughter are irreplaceable.

I suggest printing all to paper, possibly archival media even. Electrons have a habit of turning into flux. I have family pix (and plates) from the late 1800's that are in excellent shape. I don't believe anyone has that track record for "stored" electrons. Backing up is one thing, "irrerlacable" is yet another.