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    What software to automatically backup data to external HDD?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by passive101, Sep 12, 2008.

  1. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    I'm building my own with a HDD and a SATA to USB2 enclosure.

    What software is good that will automatically back up files for someone? The cheaper the better, and free is great. The computer will be running Vista 32bit.
     
    passive101, Sep 12, 2008
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I'm a big fan of Acronis True Image, but Norton Ghost is another good alternative!
     
    Greg, Sep 12, 2008
    #2
  3. Hiker

    Hiker Notebook Deity

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    If one of your HDD's is a Seagate you can use Seagate DiscWizard which is a ATI with fewer functions. It's free.
     
    Hiker, Sep 12, 2008
    #3
  4. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    There's also Vista's built-in Backup and Restore Center. Exactly how much it can do depends on which edition of Vista you're using.
     
    swarmer, Sep 12, 2008
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  5. Oodle-Bear

    Oodle-Bear Alienware Mug, Testpilot

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    If you go to Portable Apps website and download the Toucan App... Install it and when it tries to find a memory stick, select your C: and create a folder with it. Run Toucan and it has a back-up/Mirror function, you select what you want to mirror and then the destination drive and select go... works for me and it's free...

    If you ues the update it will update the two selected folders with changes etc... which can be useful.

    OB
     
    Oodle-Bear, Sep 12, 2008
    #5
  6. billy_b0b

    billy_b0b Notebook Consultant

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    Acronis +1
     
    billy_b0b, Sep 12, 2008
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  7. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    I don't really need a true image. I'd be happier if it just backed up certain folders.
     
    passive101, Sep 12, 2008
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  8. jb1007

    jb1007 Full Customization

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    Why don't you just use microsoft briefcase then?
     
    jb1007, Sep 12, 2008
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  9. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    I've never used that before. I run Apple OS for my own machine, but this is for my g/f's Acer notebook.

    I didn't even know Vista still had the briefcase program. Does it detect multiple folders for changed files and update on it's own?
     
    passive101, Sep 12, 2008
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  10. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    Bump for anyone else who can recommend.
     
    passive101, Sep 13, 2008
    #10
  11. deathstick

    deathstick Notebook Evangelist

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    I know exactly what you need: Microsoft SyncToy

    What it does is make a direct copy of the original folder (in other words, as if you had copied and pasted it yourself) to the backup location. I use it to make backups of my Music/Videos/Documents folders and Steam folder (I would hate to re-download all the games :p).

    Its actually very simple to use. After making folder pairs (original and destination folder) you select which folder pairs you want it to sync (4 different methods) and run it.

    Heres a pic online of its interface:
    http://w3net.eu/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/SyncToy.png
     
    deathstick, Sep 13, 2008
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  12. McGrady

    McGrady Notebook Virtuoso

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    DriveImageXML or SeaGate Disc Wizard-both free.
     
    McGrady, Sep 13, 2008
    #12