How do I backup a hard disk that's mounted to a folder?


  1. vool
    Posts : 2
    Windows 7
       New #1

    How do I backup a hard disk that's mounted to a folder?


    I have mounted (mapped) a hard disk to an empty folder so it doesn't show up as a drive letter. This mounted folder is inside a folder that is being backed up by Windows 7 integrated Backup & Restore. But Backup & Restore simply ignores the mounted folder, even though it looks and behaves like a normal folder shortcut when I'm in the explorer. Also I cannot select the mounted folder when I set up a custom backup configuration.. it just doesn't show up.

    And I see no alternative way to backup the hard disk because it doesn't have a drive letter assigned which I could select in Backup & Restore.

    Do you have an idea how I could backup this hard disk when it's mounted to a folder?

    Many thanks in advance,
    Oliver
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  3. not so gray matter
    Posts : 1,506
    W7 Ult. x64 | OS X
       New #2

    You should be able to use a secondary backup software like this: Free backup software for Windows - GFI Backup Home Edition
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  4. CommonTater
    Posts : 1,170
    XP Pro SP3 X86 / Win7 Pro X86
       New #3

    vool said:
    I have mounted (mapped) a hard disk to an empty folder so it doesn't show up as a drive letter. This mounted folder is inside a folder that is being backed up by Windows 7 integrated Backup & Restore. But Backup & Restore simply ignores the mounted folder, even though it looks and behaves like a normal folder shortcut when I'm in the explorer. Also I cannot select the mounted folder when I set up a custom backup configuration.. it just doesn't show up.

    And I see no alternative way to backup the hard disk because it doesn't have a drive letter assigned which I could select in Backup & Restore.

    Do you have an idea how I could backup this hard disk when it's mounted to a folder?

    Many thanks in advance,
    Oliver
    Well... the obvious suggestion is "Don't mount it as a folder"... but I doubt that's what you want to hear.
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  6. not so gray matter
    Posts : 1,506
    W7 Ult. x64 | OS X
       New #4

    Backup & Restore via Windows is good to use if you're trying to make a system image or trying to backup your main drive. However, if you're trying to backup data or a secondary partition, it's not the best utility to use. Copy & Paste works alright, and 3rd party backup utilities work even better. You should download a program that can backup hard drives and use that. However, you may have to connect to the hard drive directly.
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  7. vool
    Posts : 2
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    As I'm quite happy with Backup & Restore and don't want to go 3rd party, I did some new research and found out that I can mount the hard disk AND have it show a drive letter at the same time.

    So I did that and hid the drive in the explorer via registry key: Hide Drives from Your Computer in Windows 7 or Vista - How-To Geek

    Now I have my mounted folder and can select the drive for backup. I'm happy.

    Thanks to you all for your advice.
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