Windows 7: Can I use my laptop to backup my desktop?

Denis54 · 04 Apr 2012

I have a desktop where my main files are located and a laptop which I do not use a lot.

Is there any easy way I can backup/image my desktop to my laptop? I would like to have a copy on my laptop in case my desktop fails.

Could I use Macrium Reflect or a similar program to do this?

boohbah · 04 Apr 2012

probably ,although you would need to link the lappy to the desktop via a cable i guess. and what will you back up the laptop to.
i personally would back up to an external, if you get a big enough external then you could back up the laptop too.

Solarstarshines · 04 Apr 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by boohbah

probably ,although you would need to link the lappy to the desktop via a cable i guess. and what will you back up the laptop to.
i personally would back up to an external, if you get a big enough external then you could back up the laptop too.

Exactly I would invest in a External drive like a Mybook WD or any HDD that you can put a enclosure on then run it usb and store all the data

You putting it on the laptop would be the same thing as keeping it on the main rig something happens both of them are down also Invest in a mem stick atleast 8 Gbs and store the data there in case of a melt down those are the most secure options for keeping your files intact before a major shut down occurs

Wouldn't be a bad idea to clone your HDD too and throw it on a Disc hard copies are always good

Hanna 1 · 04 Apr 2012

Hi Denis 54
If you intend to make a Backup copies of your files then as per Solar Starshines the 8 Gb stick will be enough, but if you intend to make an Image of your system so you need to buy an external HDD.

Denis54 · 04 Apr 2012

I do not understand why the laptop would be down if the desktop fails.

I just want to be able to store a backup or an image of my desktop somewhere. Since I have more than enough space on my laptop I would prefer to use it instead of buying an external drive.

If my desktop was to fail I want to be able to recover my files.

I do not care about backingup the laptop. I do not have anything that matters on it.

A USB drive is way too small and too slow. I need to backup at least 100 GB to backup all my files, messages, favorites, photos, MP3, etc.

Hanna 1 · 04 Apr 2012

Denis
The Imaging Tool prompt you to make a RESCUE disk to BOOT from and you have no other way of that.

your desktop have C: as your os system and also in your laptop you have the C:drive , in this regard when you want to restore your desktop the image will take the C:drive of your laptop and that's why the external HDD is for.
Good luck

Solarstarshines · 04 Apr 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Denis54

I do not understand why the laptop would be down if the desktop fails.

I just want to be able to store a backup or an image of my desktop somewhere. Since I have more than enough space on my laptop I would prefer to use it instead of buying an external drive.

If my desktop was to fail I want to be able to recover my files.

I do not care about backingup the laptop. I do not have anything that matters on it.

A USB drive is way too small and too slow. I need to backup at least 100 GB to backup all my files, messages, favorites, photos, MP3, etc.

Reason I am saying this just because your Laptop is fine doesn't mean future use could corrupt the files you store on it meaning very BAD idea to do that

Best way is sugested that way anything happens it is not attached to the main drive and can be used to boot system in the future

Im only suggesting what I do but if you still care to go ahead that's your choice

Windows 7: Can I use my laptop to backup my desktop?

Can I use my laptop to backup my desktop? problems?