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scOtt
03-12-2010, 08:25 PM
What do you guys use to back up your files? I want to save my stuff and then wipe my main drive and do a clean install of Windows.

BTW, I'm thinking of buying this for the backup. 3 day deal from Tiger.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4622464&Sku=I21-6238
What do y'all think of that?
RShack
03-12-2010, 10:08 PM
What do you guys use to back up your files? I want to save my stuff and then wipe my main drive and do a clean install of Windows.

BTW, I'm thinking of buying this for the backup. 3 day deal from Tiger.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4622464&Sku=I21-6238
What do y'all think of that?
IMO, TigerDirect is fine, but watch the shipping charges...

Possible alternatives:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136469
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136505
Mark Carver
03-12-2010, 10:49 PM
IMO, TigerDirect is fine, but watch the shipping charges...

Possible alternatives:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136469
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136505

I'm a WD hard drive person, so I will agree with your recommendations.
scOtt
03-12-2010, 11:49 PM
I always liked W-Ds too, and Seagates.

My main question was do you guys use a program to backup your files? Or just manually copy from one drive to another?
RShack
03-13-2010, 12:13 AM
My main question was do you guys use a program to backup your files? Or just manually copy from one drive to another?
I use something called Synchro Magic. I'm used to it, it does what I want, it gives me all the options I want, and can do things that are simple and things that are complicated. However, while I am happy with it, I can't say it's the best thing around, because I don't know. Since I'm happy with it, and have been happy with it for ages, I have had no reason to keep up with whatever the alternatives might be, so I don't know what the choices are these days.

EDIT: I just looked, and the thing I use has been replaced by SynchroMaster (http://www.rosecitysoftware.com/SynchroMaster/). Looks like you can try it for 30 days to see if you like it. (They say I can get a cheap upgrade, but they don't say how much, so we'll see. Not sure I need an upgrade...)
scOtt
03-13-2010, 04:01 AM
I use something called Synchro Magic. I'm used to it, it does what I want, it gives me all the options I want, and can do things that are simple and things that are complicated. However, while I am happy with it, I can't say it's the best thing around, because I don't know. Since I'm happy with it, and have been happy with it for ages, I have had no reason to keep up with whatever the alternatives might be, so I don't know what the choices are these days.

EDIT: I just looked, and the thing I use has been replaced by SynchroMaster (http://www.rosecitysoftware.com/SynchroMaster/). Looks like you can try it for 30 days to see if you like it. (They say I can get a cheap upgrade, but they don't say how much, so we'll see. Not sure I need an upgrade...)
Thanks. It's only 40 bucks. They take PayPal too, which is easier for me.

I had an OLD program (DR-DOS boot floppies :p ) that did a serial copy, drive to drive. Also did formatting and even partitioning. But it's so old HOW OLD IS IT? that it only recognizes like a 1/4 gig of space. I've been wanting something new for a while now.
BRobinsonfan
03-15-2010, 09:20 AM
I always liked W-Ds too, and Seagates.

My main question was do you guys use a program to backup your files? Or just manually copy from one drive to another?

I'm on the Mac. I started converting my office to paperless last year with the purchase of Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500M. Since I was going paperless I needed quick, regular backups that I didn't have to think about. The solution for me was the 1TB Time Capsule. It acts as a wireless hardrive, as well as a dual mode Wi-Fi base station and router.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC343LL/A/Time-Capsule-1TB?fnode=MTY1NDA0Mg&mco=MTMzNzU2Mjk
srock
03-15-2010, 10:09 AM
I always liked W-Ds too, and Seagates.

My main question was do you guys use a program to backup your files? Or just manually copy from one drive to another?

As I have proclaimed in the External HDD threa (http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2056831&postcount=5)d, I like offsite backup such as Carbonite. No thinking, no local hardware to break/lose/remember to plug in/etc.

If you prefer local backup, then try the program that comes with the drive. I have a Seagate that has a perfectly capable backup app on it. Schedule it for a time your computer is on, but not in use, leave the drive plugged in, and it backs everything up.

Also, I have had success with the free version of SyncBack (http://www.2brightsparks.com/).
PitchingWins
03-17-2010, 08:26 AM
I am a WD guy also. I am not a believer in programs to back up files for me. I'm a drag and drop kind of guy. Obviously your Dos Floppies don't have LBA support. I find Syncing is a PITA. Many times I found it copying or should I say recopying files that were already on it. Again though, that is just my experience. Seagate is an alright brand (and there corporate offices are in downtown Pittsburgh, really neat building) however, I don't think any other company can hold a candle to WD's reputation. I have had an 80 GB external from them for 8 years, and I have toted it all over, dropped it, kicked it, yet every time I turn it on, there it is. You may also want to look into a shell case, that you can swap the drive in. So over time when storage needs change, you can swap in a new sata/ide drive.
Goober Noodles
03-17-2010, 11:52 PM
Honestly, there's a ton of ways to backup files. It really depends on what you're looking for.

There's your typical external HDD route, which many times has proprietary back-up software that you can configure to either run on a schedule, or to the press of a button. I would recommend this if you're using a laptop, or have any desire to move the files that are backed up to other machines. (Or would have any other use for an external drive)

Another route is just a second hard drive. You can always drag/drop the files you want, or use software to backup programs. There's plenty of software you can pay for that I'm sure will get the job done, but I've had success with a free program called SyncBack.

There's always RAID-1 - but it would require a reformat of the drive you're looking to "backup"...

One other route if you're looking for full system backups... including the OS... is to make routine images of your primary hard drive. You can purchase something like Norton Ghost or Acronis TrueImage. Or use a free program like Drive Image XML. You would need a 2nd hard drive to store the images, though.

PM me if you want to discuss anything.

EDIT: There's a deal on Acronis at newegg for $20. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832200012&cm_mmc=LMCDBanner-_-CPC-_-NA-_-NA