Windows 7: Backup software for daily manual backups?

I've been (safely but foolishly ) running Windows 7 without a backup system for over a year on a new computer...but am finally getting off it. On the old XP system, I had a manual program that backed up with Verify new and changed files in their native file formats from just the folders I told it to into an external HDD. When I needed to restore, I went to the external drive in Windows Explorer and copied files back. Sadly I can't remember the name of the backup program, but need something similar to backup to a new ioSafe SoloPRO 2GB external drive.

I don't want a new fangled auto backup program because of the potential danger of leaving the external drive connected and turned on all the time. (I may set up an automated online "cloud" backup program in parallel for some files later, but as a photographer I have too many large files to shoot to the cloud).

For now I need a good basic backup program that Verifies and that's smart enough to grab the basic Windows files I need, like my Live email folders, and the specific folders I tell it to. Thoughts?

Thanks, Michael

Here's a few

Karen's Replcator

SyncToy

GFI Backup

SyncBack

Second Copy

I think they are all free except Second Copy.

What is wrong with the built in Windows backup? You don't need to include an image and you can turn off the automatic scheduling. It does incremental backups most of the time.

I use Fbackup4 and I must admit its solid and hasn't failed me yet

I have a backup that runs every week for my small txt files to a small flash drive, then I have a large backup 229GB currently that syncs my media files pics/videos/music to my NAS once a month, and another that backs up my ISO's.

This all works silently as a service with its own scheduler and lets you know if and when each backup is successful ?

I can highly recommend it

Another option to consider:

ROBOCOPY - Create Backup Script

Thanks, I'm taking a look at Second Copy

I read several reviews of it and most said it was "good enough" added caveats that steered me away. I'll take a closer look at it.

I suppose your ioSafe SoloPRO has 2TB and not 2GB (which would not get you very far) - LOL.

The fastest and easiest to use program is probably Allway Sync once you have established the backup base for which I would use the simple Copy to Folder

[QUOTE=whs;1704503]What?!?! 2GB won't be enough??????

Okay, okay, yes I meant 2TB.

Much appreciate the two links. Michael