Backup ideas

mewnlite · 23 Nov 2009

Against my better judgement I finally went with the 64 bit version of Windows 7 Professional after starting out with the 32 bit version. Amongst the applications that aren't compatible with 64 bit is Laplink Gold 11 (it worked OK with the 32 bit version). I have used it for years with XP to automatically back up folders of my choice from my computer to a mapped drive on one of my network computers daily at 4 AM. It only transfers files which are new or have been changed. At present I am just booting back into XP before I go to bed so Laplink can do its thing. But since I am trying to phase XP out I need a similar application that will work in 64 bit Windows 7. I have never run across any other application that will transfer files in this manner.
Does anyone have an idea of another app that will do this? Preferably something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Thanks!

richc46 · 23 Nov 2009

I do not know of any application that you can buy, but Windows 7 has some very good back up appl. There is back up and restore which will back up your personal information. Pictures, documents etc. Then there is system restore, backs up the OS, then finally my favorite there is system image, which backs up the hard drive. Each one of these functions works on an incremental basis. You can make it an automatic back up by scheduling it for daily etc. I do not know if this is what you want, but because everyone is new to 7, I just want to be sure that you know about it.

You will like 7, but there is a learning curve from XP

Good luck and enjoy

harpua · 23 Nov 2009

There's a really great free app by Microsoft called SyncToy 2.1 that I think does exactly what you need. Check it out here: Download details: SyncToy 2.1

It was just recently updated and it's really simple and easy to use except it doesn't have a built in scheduler. But there are instructions in the SyncToy help files in the app or on the download page (I can't remember which) on how to schedule it for automatic operation using the Windows Task Scheduler which is part of Windows 7. And . . . there are both 32 and 64 bit versions.

Otherwise, there is a paid app called "Second Copy 7" which does the same thing but has its own built in scheduler.

But I think the free SyncToy app is just what the doctor ordered for you. I use it to synchronize folders between two external drives using a mode it has called "echo" which probably is the mode you would want to use. Another cool thing is that it's really fast. Finally, it also gives you a report (if you're interested) of exactly what it did to which files after the job is completed.

mewnlite · 24 Nov 2009

harpua said:

There's a really great free app by Microsoft called SyncToy 2.1 that I think does exactly what you need. Check it out here: Download details: SyncToy 2.1

Thanks. That looks like maybe about what I want. I'll check it out and let you know!

gregrocker · 24 Nov 2009

Give the WIndows 7 Backup and Imaging center a try. It will back up your selected files and a recovery image on a schedule or when the computer is idle.

I keep my external plugged in to receive file backups and an image update weekly.

Others say that paid imaging solutions are better since they can be broken up for dual-boots, etc., but I have an image stored in a primary partition on each of my machines, backed up externally, so that I can reimage the HDD or a replacement flawlessly in 15 minutes. Reinstalls are a thing of the past!

mewnlite · 24 Nov 2009

harpua said:

There's a really great free app by Microsoft called SyncToy 2.1 that I think does exactly what you need. Check it out here: Download details: SyncToy 2.1

It was just recently updated and it's really simple and easy to use except it doesn't have a built in scheduler. But there are instructions in the SyncToy help files in the app or on the download page (I can't remember which) on how to schedule it for automatic operation using the Windows Task Scheduler which is part of Windows 7. And . . . there are both 32 and 64 bit versions.

Otherwise, there is a paid app called "Second Copy 7" which does the same thing but has its own built in scheduler.

But I think the free SyncToy app is just what the doctor ordered for you. I use it to synchronize folders between two external drives using a mode it has called "echo" which probably is the mode you would want to use. Another cool thing is that it's really fast. Finally, it also gives you a report (if you're interested) of exactly what it did to which files after the job is completed.

OK. Tested & approved! It is highly configurable so you can pick and choose just what you want synched and what you don't.

Thanks!