Should I use Hard Drive's Software, or Windows Backup?

Windows 911 · 15 Jun 2011

Hello Gang,

I just bought a new external hard drive from Transcend. It has a "one-touch backup" system that has a software to backup my computer. It seems really good from what I have been reading from the manual. It also says that it can encrypt it with 256-AES.

However, I am debating to whether use the software on the device or just use Windows Backup. I have Ultimate, so I can use BitLocker for an encryption solution here.

Also, I believe the Hard Drive is in FAT format. Should I change it to NTFS??

Thank you guys, I apologize for asking lots of questions..

seavixen32 · 15 Jun 2011

It's a matter of personal choice as to which backup software you use, but if you can't decide either way, you can use both.

For example, you could use Windows to create a system image, and then use Transcend's software to create incremental backups of of your personal data.

As for the hard drive's format, change it to NTFS as it can handle larger cluster sizes and it will be quicker. You can use the Windows Disk Management utility to do it, just delete the existing FAT partition then create a new NTFS one and give it a quick format.

In fact, you could create two partitions on it: one for a full system image backup and the other for incremental backups of your personal stuff.

Windows 911 · 15 Jun 2011

Brilliant idea, I didn't know you could do that. Thank you!

But, I don't know how to make 2 partitions on a HDD. Can Windows Disk Management do that? Or is there a tutorial on the forums somewhere?

seavixen32 · 15 Jun 2011

Partition or Volume - Create New

Windows 911 · 15 Jun 2011

I am currently making a system image for the HDD right now. Once that is done, I will make the 2 partitions like you suggested. I have the system image set to backup every week. When the time comes, will Windows overwrite the old image? Or do I need to delete the older one first?

mjf · 15 Jun 2011

I'm not sure you need multiple partitions to achieve your goal but that's up to you.
Although I am an advocate of Windows imaging, I consider imaging so important that making an image with a second imaging program is good insurance. Macrium Reflect (free) is well regarded. I use Windows and Macrium imaging.
Also, if you purchase other brand drives will the Transcend backup software work on them?

seavixen32 · 15 Jun 2011

Windows 911 said:

I am currently making a system image for the HDD right now. Once that is done, I will make the 2 partitions like you suggested. I have the system image set to backup every week. When the time comes, will Windows overwrite the old image? Or do I need to delete the older one first?

Windows will keep the full backups so you'll need to keep an eye on your disc space and delete the earlier backups as and when necessary.

mjf · 15 Jun 2011

Windows 911 said:

I am currently making a system image for the HDD right now. Once that is done, I will make the 2 partitions like you suggested. I have the system image set to backup every week. When the time comes, will Windows overwrite the old image? Or do I need to delete the older one first?

This may help explain windows backup & restore procedure.
Backup & Restore Options
I have made & restored many windows images and do not recommend scheduled imaging. I think the images are best made manually- "Create a system image". You may indeed be making windows file/folder backups as well which you apparently don't want to do.

If you wish to keep the old image simply rename it, otherwise shift delete it.
The tutorial section of the forum will give more guidance on Windows image creation and restoring. There are also tutorials on Macrium.

seekermeister · 15 Jun 2011

I see no need for separate partitions, if the drive is only to be used for backup images. For organizational purposes, just put images of different types in different folders.