Back up software.

DarkStar · Oct 29, 2008, 14:57:57

To elaborate on the subject a little more, I'm interested in which software people use to do their system backups.
I have actually got round to putting in place a 'Disaster Recovery Plan'

that is a bit more comprehensive than my previous system of backing up to CD's/DVD's etc. I already have an external hard drive available, I just need some opinions on which software to use to back up my system on a day to day basis so that if I do have something like terminal hdd failure I can then reinstall my system to a new hard drive.
I am trialling StorageCraft's ShadowProtect Desktop at the moment and also Rollback RX professional FD-ISR. Any comments/advice gratefully received.

Ian

Inactive · Oct 29, 2008, 15:14:04

I use this, it is only free if you use a Maxtor or Seagate HD.

http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=9630.0

Rik · Oct 29, 2008, 15:16:51

Hi Ian

I image my drives periodically with Acronis True Image.

Daily, I back up all data and important settings to two external USB HDs, and one internal HD, with a subset of the most critical data being written out to a DVD-R. For this, I use a combination of three programs, MS' Synctoy, SyncBack and Karen's Replicator.

Twice weekly, I write the entire contents of my data and apps drives to two other USB HDs, one on Wednesdays, one of Saturdays. These are stored off site, and also contain copies of the drive images.

I am, of course, a little paranoid about my data, but I've not lost a file since 1989.

Glenn · Oct 29, 2008, 16:22:46

I use Windows Home Server, http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=9530.0 backups run every day at a configured time, mines 9 pm onwards, it only takes a few minutes once the initial backup has been taken.

Steve · Oct 29, 2008, 16:37:35

In addition to what Glen said.The backups can be protected against drive failure by duplication and/or database backup. Shared data on the server is routinely backed up to an additional hard drive.

Prior to this I used to wander round every machine and image with Acronis TI.v10

Noreen · Oct 29, 2008, 17:54:03

I use Acronis True Image v10 (not the latest version) to make a complete drive backup once a month, I've had to use it and know that it works.

I also make a manual System Restore Point about every other day. Stuff that is really important to me is also backed-up onto flash drives and CDs.

Sebby · Oct 29, 2008, 18:19:37

I use Memeo AutoBackup, which backs up my selected areas on my computer "on the fly".

MoHux · Oct 29, 2008, 19:13:08

Quote from: Inactive on Oct 29, 2008, 15:14:04
I use this, it is only free if you use a Maxtor or Seagate HD.

http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=9630.0

Thanks for the link In'! I have 2x160GB internal HDDs, one is a Maxtor, the other a Seagate.

Mo

DarkStar · Oct 31, 2008, 11:00:46

Apologies for not replying sooner, the cold weather got to me, feeling a bit better this morning.
I like the look of the new Acronis TI 2009, has everything I want, but looking at their official forums it seems that there are more problems with that than the last release TI11. True Image 10 seems to be last reliable / stable version so I'm having a look at Paragon and ShadowProtect. A bit pricey but I always think you get what you pay for, something like IDNet.

Anyway, I'll keep you updated and come back to you helpful people if I get any problems

Ian

Inactive · Oct 31, 2008, 11:13:16

The link that I posted is a free version based on Acronis 10, arguably the best version.

DarkStar · Oct 31, 2008, 15:25:16

Thanks for that jog In, I just checked and I do have a Maxtor HD so am in the process of downloading it now. Big file though, over 100MB

good job it's the last day of the month and I have a bit of spare usage left. Will have a look at it later.

Ian

Inactive · Oct 31, 2008, 15:30:49

You are welcome, it is brilliant and free, can't get better than that.

Simon · Oct 31, 2008, 15:47:33

Quote from: Inactive on Oct 31, 2008, 15:30:49
You are welcome, it is brilliant and free, can't get better than that.

It could - they could pay you to use it.

Sorry, I have to make these comments in Rik's absence.

Inactive · Oct 31, 2008, 15:49:36

Same response that Rik would get..

Sebby · Oct 31, 2008, 16:01:14

Quote from: Simon on Oct 31, 2008, 15:47:33
It could - they could pay you to use it.

Sorry, I have to make these comments in Rik's absence.

Inactive · Oct 31, 2008, 16:16:20

Don't encourage him Seb..

Glenn · Oct 31, 2008, 16:20:15

I didn't think he needed any

Simon · Oct 31, 2008, 16:26:13

sparky · Oct 31, 2008, 16:48:32

Hi all, I've just found this post.........

I now have a new PC running Vista and yep, I have a Seagate drive. All I want to do is burn an image of the system disk across what will I guess be multiple DVD's so that in event of a disk failure I can get the PC back to as I have set it up in minimal time. I assume that I would also have to create a boot disk as well.

I was looking at buying TI 2009 but if this is free I guess my questions are, 1) does it work OK with Vista, I know that it says that it does, but has anyone used it? 2) can I burn an image of the C:/ drive direct to DVD and 3) can I then simply create a boot disk that will re-install that image directly from the burnt DVD?

Thanks, Keith.

Inactive · Oct 31, 2008, 16:57:03

Hi Keith,

Not tried it with Vista, nor DVD/s.

Sorry.

Why not just give it a go, it's free, if it doesn't do as required, just dump it.

It works fine with XP and an external HD.

sparky · Oct 31, 2008, 17:03:14

Well, I've been using W98 for what seems like a lifetime, so it's a bit like being a nervous new user again while still trying to learn all about Vista.

I know I'm not supposed to be able to, but I don't want to trash it !! Not without that backup !!

Rik · Nov 01, 2008, 04:43:49

Quote from: Simon on Oct 31, 2008, 15:47:33
It could - they could pay you to use it.

Sorry, I have to make these comments in Rik's absence.

Rik · Nov 01, 2008, 04:45:57

Quote from: sparky on Oct 31, 2008, 16:48:32
I now have a new PC running Vista and yep, I have a Seagate drive. All I want to do is burn an image of the system disk across what will I guess be multiple DVD's so that in event of a disk failure I can get the PC back to as I have set it up in minimal time. I assume that I would also have to create a boot disk as well.

I was looking at buying TI 2009 but if this is free I guess my questions are, 1) does it work OK with Vista, I know that it says that it does, but has anyone used it? 2) can I burn an image of the C:/ drive direct to DVD and 3) can I then simply create a boot disk that will re-install that image directly from the burnt DVD?

Hi Keith

It will do what you want, but create the DVD images on the HD and then burn them. However, as In suggests, a much better route is to use an external, USB, HD.

Steve · Nov 01, 2008, 09:41:22

In addition or perhaps first off to save time and trouble, make sure the the Acronis boot disk actually works on your machine. The boot disk does not make any changes to your hard drive until you ask it to restore a backup from the library. Backup is the easy part, there is no point using the software if you can't restore the image.

Inactive · Nov 01, 2008, 09:46:38

Good thinking Steve..