Backup Plan

[tuuoploki]

I have 2TB internal disk space. And another 2TB external as a backup. I always pictured my backup being a mirror of my HDs contents. I remember having a horrible time searching for backup software, and finding nothing that didn't backup into one file with annoying set backup times and schedules.

Then i found Microsoft Sync Toy. and all was good. Until one of my internal HDs crashed, when i went to retrieve my data from my external HD i found thats a lot of my files had been corrupted by Sync Toy. I then done further experimentation and noticed that Sync Toy wouldn't update files that have been changed, and even more frustrating, wouldn't update files after i deleted them from the backups folder. Ive also experienced Sync Toy eating up all the CPU and bringing my system to a hault.

Ive probably gone a bit long winded there to explain, but what I'm looking for is software like Sync Toy that actually works! I want to create mirrors (or echoes as Sync Toy calls them) of my HDs so i can access the files on them. Also i don't want any of that automated backup nonsense, id like to click a button and make it happen when i feel like it.

Any suggestions ideas etc.. Thanks in advance and thanks for reading

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I have 2TB internal disk space. And another 2TB external as a backup. I always pictured my backup being a mirror of my HDs contents. I remember having a horrible time searching for backup software, and finding nothing that didn't backup into one file with annoying set backup times and schedules.

Then i found Microsoft Sync Toy. and all was good. Until one of my internal HDs crashed, when i went to retrieve my data from my external HD i found thats a lot of my files had been corrupted by Sync Toy. I then done further experimentation and noticed that Sync Toy wouldn't update files that have been changed, and even more frustrating, wouldn't update files after i deleted them from the backups folder. Ive also experienced Sync Toy eating up all the CPU and bringing my system to a hault.

Ive probably gone a bit long winded there to explain, but what I'm looking for is software like Sync Toy that actually works! I want to create mirrors (or echoes as Sync Toy calls them) of my HDs so i can access the files on them. Also i don't want any of that automated backup nonsense, id like to click a button and make it happen when i feel like it.

Any suggestions ideas etc.. Thanks in advance and thanks for reading

Any program that backs up into a single file sounds like an imaging product of some kind---Acronis, Macrium, Paragon, etc.

But as you found out, you can backup without using images.

I don't use Synctoy, but I guess it could have caused corruption.

It certainly should update files that have changed. Why it did not in your case I can't say. If you operated it correctly and it failed to do that, then clearly you should give up on it.

I use Second Copy and have for over a decade. It has been around a long time and is highly developed. I have not had any issues. It's $30, but has a 30 day free trial.

It has a lot of flexibility--back up some files, exclude others, include or exclude certain directories, delete files from destination if they have been deleted from the source, run manually, run on a schedule, keep copies of deleted files, exact copies, simple copies, compress, don't compress, etc.

Download it here:

Second Copy: Secure your data with automatic backup software

I have also heard good things about Cobian and Karen's, but can't speak from personal experience.

Karen's:

Karen's Power Tools

Cobian:

Cobian Backup - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

 

[tuuoploki]

Thanks second copy is great

 

[Ztruker]

There is an old addage, "You get what you pay for".

I use Acronis True Image 2010 (been using it since ATI 8). Several reasons that I like it.

1. It works. Does what it says it will do and the backup image restores when it's needed.
2. You can browse the backup image to extract a single folder or file or restore the entire image.
3. Has a good built-in scheduler. I backup my data to the Acronis web site at 7:30PM every night and do an incremental drive backup (4 partitions actually) to a 2nd internal HD at 10:30.
4. I have 10 dates I can restore from as I have ATI set to merge the two oldest before doing the next incremental.
5. It adds a Press F11 to start Acronis Recovery at boot time so I don't need a recovery CD, though I have ine just in case.
6. The Web based backuop can be used on 3 computers so I also backup my two other computers automatically as well.
7. Reasonably priced at $49.95 - upgrades cost less.

I have no connection to Acronis, just a satisfied user.