backup function giving me one option only, not the one I want

[dunkinidaho]

I am attempting the first backup for my new desktop. I have a wd one terabyte ext. Drive. That is functioning. When I open the windows backup section and click on, "first windows backup" the only option I am given is to use the D drive. I don't want the D drive I want my ext. HD. How do I make my ext HD the default for backups?

Brian

 

[mjf]

Do you have the "Change Settings" selectable? If you do then go in there and change the default drive. It may be best to allocate your external HDD a specific unused letter (eg. J or whatever).

A suggestion when using Windows "backup" is to select "Let me Choose" and deselect the make a system image option. This way you make file/folder backups - basically this your data. To make system images (snapshots of your total system inc OS, installed programs and data) I suggest you manually select the "Create a system image" button in the Backup & Restore screen.

Another suggestion - explore other system imaging (free) software like Macrium Reflect. This has a large number of supporters here.

 

[R2D2WD]

Hi there,
If you provide me with the model number of the external drive, I can be more specific, but, in general, what MJF suggested looks the right way to do it. If the drive is visible through Windows and is usable, should be available as a backup option. If the issue persists, I would advise you to try a system backup with Acronis True Image. I leave you more details and a download link below.
http://support.wdc.com/product/downloaddetail.asp?swid=119


Hope this helps

 

[dunkinidaho]

backup function giving me one option

I found the "change" pathway and selected my E: drive. I selected the "recommended" setting and also the "create restore" option. I did this before I received your response to my query. The backup ran and now I am feeling a bit better. One can never be certain that the backup is solid unless it is needed, then it is too late.


thanks

 

[mjf]

The Windows "backup" process consists of 2 distinctly different types of backup. One is a file/folder backup which stores a bunch of zip files typically for backing up your data files. The other is a system image stored in very large vhd files which backs up everything.
With the "recommended" setting you will get both every time you run a "backup". This takes time and space. Many including me like the two types of backup split.

In terms of checking file/folder backups you can always browse for folders or specific files and pull a copy off. This is a reasonable check. With system images the acid test is a full system image restore. The safest way to test this is by disconnecting your current HDD and restore to a new HDD.

 

[dunkinidaho]

backup function giving me one option

Ultimately I will use a program that will run incremental backups but for now this will work

Thanks