Best folder specific backup program

Hi, window vista home premium here.

Just recently got an external HD and thinking more seriously about backing up my files. I am looking for a folder specific backup program, the included Window Backup and Restore Center seems to do an adequate job but I am under the impression that it's file-oriented (meaning it will back up picture files from any folders) not folder-oriented. I organize my folders neatly and I would like for this backup program to save my butt when I accidentally delete a file. Not sure if synchronization is for me, I mean...it mirrors the original drive, if I deleted from the original drive, wouldn't the copy drive not have the file either? Anyway, I would love to have your inputs! THanks much.

 

<s> Backup and restore also does scheduled/manual backups of individual folders.

The filetype option is just convenient if you have a lot of folders.</s>

Synchronization would work. All sync programs I know of at the consumer level can be run manually.

Ack, just noticed you are using Vista Home.

Yeah, no luck on the individual folders AFAIK. Gotta get yourself a third party solution. The most highly rated option is Acronis True Image Home.

 

cobian backup

http://www.educ.umu.se/~cobian/cobianbackup.htm

 

I've never heard of Cobian. Can anyone attest to it?

I tried SyncToy but it's weird...it asks me the destination folder I want to back it to....mmm...

 

Well, you DO need a destination for your backups. Whatever folder you choose, it will replicate the folder structure no matter which sync strategy you choose.

 

I use SyncBack Free... it's kind of like SyncToy but with more options. Set it to sync or backup or some combination. The UI isn't as nice as I'd like, but... it's free and it gets it done.

 

Also, what I want to accomplish with this external drive is that I want to off load some of large video files on my laptop HD. I want to access those large files on occasion on my external HD...I've just done a Window Backup and Restore, and I can't play those files on external drive...I think they are meant for backup and restore only. So right off the bat, I know windows' backup solution is not ideal for me.

 

Yeah, sounds like you need a sync solution.

AllSync is also a good alternative to SyncToy.

 

Well, it knows I want to back it up to the external drive, that is clear. what I am confused about is that it's asking me to create a folder on the external drive...shouldn't it duplicate the file names and folders automatically?

 

just.. uhm.. MOVE them over??

 

You can normally use xcopy or robocopy to do what you want. I use xcopy under WinXP. I'm not sure if it is included in Vista but you can use robocopy for that.

You do need a destination folder, although it should be sufficient to call the destination folder something like e:\ and it will create your folder structure underneath that. I do this with my portable hard drives but I usually have another level of folders since I will backup multiple things to one portable hard drive. For instance I might give my destination as e:\home .

Xcopy has always worked fine for me going from hard drive to hard drive, even working with our linux server at work. However with my NAS it has problems comparing dates to figure out what file copies over what other file. So for that I've been using a synchronization program called allwaysync. This works well but requires your interaction, not just something you can run through a batch file.

I think I'm going to try syncback free too.

 

I've just tried SyncToy, it works quite well. However, I am a bit torn. I still like the idea of having shadow copy in case I really mess up my personal files and have to do a restore...but I also like what SyncToy does..I can dump files to external drive and play them whenever I want to. Is there a program that can do both? shadow copy and allow access? I promise this is my last Q on this topic. *finger crossed*

 

I suggest throwing in dropbox or some other online backup/synchronization solution for more crucial stuff. Let me tell you, it's no fun rebuilding a resume and employment history from scratch on short notice. And any time you keep everything in the same building, well, that's just not a good idea.

Oh, and I've had good luck setting people up with NTI Backup Now, though I've never used it extensively myself. They also offer realtime synchronization with versioning in a separate product, and at least one version of the backup software. Depending on how you're setup that might not work all that well on an external hard drive. I'm not sure how it reacts when the destination isn't available.