Backup Recommendation

I'm looking for a reliable piece of backup software which:

• runs under Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
• allows me to specify which files/folders are to be backed up using an Explorer-type interface
• allows the destination to be on another PC in my Homegroup
• offers full backup initially and then changed files (including deletions) thereafter
• allows me to specify how many past copies of changed files are kept in the backup archive
• can be run on a schedule
• doesn't cripple the PC while it is running

The Windows 7 Backup does most of this except for backing up to a network destination and retaining a number of past copies of files. I have found this to be an invaluable facility which I don't want to do without. Does anyone know anything that can do all of this?

Many thanks in anticipation.

johnstd2 said:

I'm looking for a reliable piece of backup software which:

• runs under Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
• allows me to specify which files/folders are to be backed up using an Explorer-type interface
• allows the destination to be on another PC in my Homegroup
• offers full backup initially and then changed files (including deletions) thereafter
• allows me to specify how many past copies of changed files are kept in the backup archive
• can be run on a schedule
• doesn't cripple the PC while it is running

The Windows 7 Backup does most of this except for backing up to a network destination and retaining a number of past copies of files. I have found this to be an invaluable facility which I don't want to do without. Does anyone know anything that can do all of this?

Many thanks in anticipation.

Hi and nice post.

This is an easy one. There are several but IMHO Acronis is best. I had been using Symantec ghost until it became bloated and hosed my system. Acronis has a small footprint, uses minimal resources and fits your requirements. You will get many other suggestions.

Ken J+

If you want a file by file application rather than an imaging application, I have used "Second Copy" from Centered Systems for 10 years with absolutely no issues.

http://www.centered.com/index.html

A 30 day trial is available at no charge. If you want to keep it, it's $30 and they send you a registration key.

It supports both 32 and 64 bit Win 7. I have used it since Windows 98 and am currently using it on Win 7 32-bit.

Here is the screen showing where you can set the number of copies of deleted files to keep.

It is about as intuitive as an app can be. You make a custom "profile" for each backup group you want to use. You could have 1 profile for everything, or break them up into categories.

I have profiles for text files, pictures and video, mp3, email, and bookmarks. I run each with a single click on demand, but they can be automated.

Hi John,

Macrium Reflect has all the features you list, and is by far the smallest, fastest and most efficient backup app.

You could try the free edition first ( not as complete as the paid one of course as it does imaging , but not file and folder backup - you need the paid version for that - but will give you a good idea of what it does)

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp


Paragon and Acronis are two other widely used apps. They are much larger than Macrium , and have extra features (which you may not want). Neither of them are as fast as Macrium, although Paragon is also very low on resource usage.

Hi there
+1 for Acronis.

Problem with Macrium is that it uses MS's VSS (Volume Shadow Service)

This means that if you have a SMALL Windows 7 partition you can run into problems.

Acronis doesn't depend on you using the VSS. The advantage of this is that you can CHANGE the size of the partition being restored and can also move images to different types of Disks (and Disks of different capacities).

Acronis also doesn't backup / restore "Non used" space - another disadvantage of the problem of having to rely on MS's VSS (although you can "Force" Acronis into a "Byte" by "Byte" recovery mode -- not sure why you would actually want to do that BTW).

A Backup that doesn't allow you to restore Folders and files however IMO is WORSE than USELESS so I DON'T recommend the FREE version as it will give you a "False sense of security".

If you just need a basic Image backup what's wrong with the built in Windows Backup.

Acronis can backup individual files / folders even from an "Image" backup.



Cheers
jimbo.

Hi Jimbo,

I am afraid you are mistaken.

Macrium uses VSS in preference - it does not depend on it - Macrium has it's own drivers if, for example, VSS isn't working.

I have never come across a situation where Macrium has a problem with small partitions - in fact it is able to image the 100mb partition , using VSS, where Windows own System image program cannot.

Macrium only images the used space - it does not back up non used space, unless you specifically ask it to to do a sector by sector image.

The FREE version does allow you to restore any file or folder from a partition/drive image - it can mount the image and let you copy them back.

You can resize the partitions during restore , and restore to wherever you like including to disks of different types and capacities.

The point of the free version is to see if you like the way the program operates.

Some people will only need the free version, those who want extra functions can then move to the paid version.

Thank you all - very helpful - especially ignatzatsonic's suggestion of Second Copywhich appears to do eveything I want. I have been running it for about a week and am just about to invest in a licensed copy.

Much appreciated guys.

There is a new automatic remote backup software that does all these that you ask.
I haven't tried it yet,but you can find its features on this page: Online Backup, Data Backup & Remote Backup Service - Automatic Software
It also offers unlimited online backup. The prices are the best I've met so far.
It will be open for members on Tuesday 21 of April. It's worth waiting for.

Can someone recommend a good external(standalone) hard drive to use for Windows 7 backup? I want to be in a situation that I can connect this drive and download everthing from my last backup and be back in operation from a hard drive crash for example. I currently have around 3gig of information to back up. I intend to use the routines provided with Windows 7 to do the actual backup.
Jim