Backup to two targets

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  1. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #1

    Backup to two targets


    For many years I have been backing up Windows (data and system) to an external HDD using Windows Backup & Restore. I recently acquired a Network Attached Storage device (Synology) and decided to make a second backup to the NAS. I had planned to use Windows Backup & Restore for this, but ran into a problem: Windows assumes a SINGLE target. Each time I reconfigure the target it counts as a 'new' backup job, which requires a new full backup to be done.

    Is there a workaround? Or must I use more sophisticated backup software? If so, what software do you recommend? I'm not a sophisticated user, so the simpler, the better. As far as features are concerned, all I need is the equivalent of Windows Backup & Restore plus the ability to handle multiple targets, no more and no less. Thanks!
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  2. Posts : 1,839
    Windows 7 pro
       #2

    Have you ever tried to copy a file to more than one location at a time? OS's (not just windows) aren't designed for that and that is essentially what you are trying to do. If you need a backup in another location you will have to do so manually.
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  3. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #3

    As far as I know one can only do a backup to one destination at a time.

    I'm not sure if what you desire to do can even be done with Windows Server.

    Hang in there. Their might be another member with other ideas.
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  4. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Let me clarify my original post. I want make two backups (data and system image), certainly not at the same time, but rather one after the other. That way, I'll have a second backup in case one of the devices fails. Anyway, the first backup goes to an external HDD and another backup (done at a different time) goes to the NAS.
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  5. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Let me clarify my original post. I want make two backups (data and system image), certainly not at the same time, but rather one after the other. That way, I'll have a second backup on a second device in case one of the devices fails. Anyway, one backup goes to an external HDD and the other (done at a different time!) goes to the NAS.

    I created confusion when I said "Windows assumes a single target." Yes, of course Windows can only handle one target at a time. But when you edit the schedule and change the target in order to backup to a second device, Windows says "Ah, this must be a new backup" and it makes a full backup, rather than an incremental one. So as I keep alternating targets, I keep getting full backups.
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  6. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #6

    Just a suggestion.

    I personally use Macrium Reflect for Backups and Clones.

    Take a read here and see if it is what you are looking for.

    **Notice is does have a section for How to create an incremental disk image


    Macrium Reflect Tutorials

    --------------------

    I think our misunderstanding was from post #1

    all I need is the equivalent of Windows Backup & Restore plus the ability to handle multiple targets, no more and no less. Thanks!


    As far as I know you can have as many targets destination as you desire but just one at a time.
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  7. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks! I have a look at Macrium Reflect.
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  8. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #8

    Whs has a Tutorial that also could be helpful. With a video.

    Imaging with free Macrium
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  9. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #9

    Just an fyi,

    Macrium Reflect free does not have Incrementals.
    Macrium Reflect free does have Differentials.

    If you want to use incrementals, you need the Pro (paid) version.

    imho, differentials are a bit larger/slower than Incrementals, but they are more reliable.
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  10. Posts : 1,839
    Windows 7 pro
       #10

    Also with a differential you only need one or 2 to be sure. With incrementals you need all of them. It makes restores more complicated and cumulatively takes up more room compared to only keeping 1 or 2 differentials. IMO the only advantage to incrementals is if you need file versioning.
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