Automatic Backup

Dick H · 17 Jul 2011

If this is in the wrong place, please move or delete it.

I want to buy an external hard drive to store all my photos. Looking at the specs, they all seem to mention some kind of automatic backup. Is this something I can disable? I really dislike all these "automatic" things, especially in WIN 7 where it puts things in Libraries. Yes, I know it's a wonderful new feature - to me that's just so much BS. I want to put things where I want them, not where WIN 7 wants them. :)
Anyway, what are the ramifications of this "automatic backup" thing?

Bare Foot Kid · 17 Jul 2011

Hello Dick.

I really dislike Libraries also, they're a PITA to me, I too want things where I want them.

Nothing with HDDs is 'automatic' it has to be setup and if you don't do so it won't.

mjf · 17 Jul 2011

Personal View.
I avoid any HDD that comes with "inbuilt" backup capabilities. They generally cause more trouble than they are worth, they are proprietory, and you pay more.
I stick to "bare bones" drives with only the software/firmware to make it function as a HDD.

Britton30 · 17 Jul 2011

I agree, use 3rd party software like Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download or Complete hard disk recovery solution, backup, drive copy, clone and image computer software Macrium is free, Acronis is pay-for.

Dick H · 17 Jul 2011

mjf said:

Personal View.
I avoid any HDD that comes with "inbuilt" backup capabilities. They generally cause more trouble than they are worth, they are proprietory, and you pay more.
I stick to "bare bones" drives with only the software/firmware to make it function as a HDD.

BAREFOOT: Thanks, I hoped that was the case.

MJF: Now I'm worried again. :) All the ones I've looked at seem to have some kind of auto. backup. How do I find one without it?

mjf · 17 Jul 2011

[QUOTE=Dick H;1494942]

mjf said:

MJF: Now I'm worried again. :) All the ones I've looked at seem to have some kind of auto. backup. How do I find one without it?

I wouldn't worry - most of the HDD manufacturers seem to to be going this way to get extra $ out of you.
I stick with WD Elements range or the Seagate equivalent if a special is running.
Otherwise you can buy the basic disk and Case and probably get better cooling.
Another option is a docking station (not really portable!)

seavixen32 · 17 Jul 2011

If you don't want to use the auto backup software just remove it and use the drive as a standard external drive.

I've got a 1 TB Hitachi external drive and it's backup software was awful, so I just gave the drive a quick format and I now use Windows 7's backup software.

bru · 20 Jul 2011

I never used the Seagate backup software that came with my HDD. I didn't uninstall it though. I use Windows backup.

SlasherIT · 20 Jul 2011

Well, WD external HDD's such as the My Passport series, what they do is add the WD Smartware backup software (really crappy) not as a regular exe that can be deleted or formatted and gone, but in some kind of virtual disk if I can remember correctly. You have to use the command prompt to remove that stuff, its pretty annoying...