Solved Looking for basic incremental backup, like McAfee QuickBackup was

[RichG]

Newbie (to this forum) here. I just upgraded to Win 7 Pro (I stuck with XP Pro until my SBS Server died).

I tried searching the previous threads here, but quickly became overwhelmed with the threads that didn't seem to address what I want.

Can someone point me to a backup program that:

1. Does a simple incremental backup of selected files/folders (Word Docs, AutoCad Dwgs, etc.)
2. Backs up ONLY those data files that were modified during that day
3. Stores them in standard Windows folders on a specified location (no proprietary format)
4. Can be scheduled to run daily (after working hours)
5. Can save each day in a separate folder

I'm already covered with the disk imaging/full backup stuff, but am not satisfied with Acronis 2014, as their "incremental" looks like a full backup of the selected folders/files, and is stored in *.tib files, that I cannot easily see which files I worked on yesterday, or clean up.

I was able to do most of this with McAfee's QuickBackup (Except for each morning going in to rename the previous evening's backup to include its date). But sadly, it was a 16-bit program. I was used to being able to go back to specific dates to check which projects I worked on (and my progress), and also to confirm my diary for client billings.

I'm open to any suggestions.

 

[Golden]

See if this helps:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/278866-synctoy-backup-user-data.html

 

[scr]

Or this:
Free Backup & Sync Software for Windows - SyncBackFree

 

[RichG]

See if this helps:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/278866-synctoy-backup-user-data.html

Thanks for the link. I checked into it, but that definitely DOES NOT DO what I want, or described.

Anyone else?

 

[RichG]

Or this:
Free Backup & Sync Software for Windows - SyncBackFree

Hmm... It doesn't look like that works across several selected source folders, and preserves the directory tree in the backups. Unless I'm missing something. Probably am, I'll keep looking at it.

 

[RichG]

I would think there would be an app that searches for the "Archive" flag on the files (across only the preselected folders & subfolders) and copies only those, then clears the flag...

 

[kathy025]

Hello,

Can you check this out for me:
AOMEI Backupper Standard

I'm also looking for a backup solution but I'm lazy to test haha.
Maybe we could both benefit from this.

 

[whs]

Kathy, the AOMEI Backupper works. I have used it although I prefer free Macrium. I always make full images.

 

[kathy025]

Why thank you, whs! I've been eyeing AOMEI since it seems to be a light one but has what I need.
Glad to have it confirmed.

 

[RichG]

Hello,

Can you check this out for me:
AOMEI Backupper Standard

I'm also looking for a backup solution but I'm lazy to test haha.
Maybe we could both benefit from this.

Tried AOMEI. Still doesn't do what I described. There's no "Incremental" option I could find.

It seems every backup app boasts of sophisticated and advanced capabilities, but they are utterly incapable of the simple things.

Makes me want to go back to XPsp3. At least that did everything I wanted to do.

 

[whs]

That's a good idea. Why don't you go back to XP. Who needs all this modern stuff, LOL.

 

[kathy025]

Hahaha oh whs.

Hello RichG,

Here's a list of backup software:
13 best backup software 2015/2016 UK - Test Centre - PC Advisor

Not sure if they have what you're looking for but they may be worth a jab.
Good luck with your hunt.

 

[whs]

It is strange that Macrium is not even mentioned.

 

[kathy025]

Yes, I found that odd.

 

[RichG]

Hahaha oh whs.

Hello RichG,

Here's a list of backup software:
13 best backup software 2015/2016 UK - Test Centre - PC Advisor

Not sure if they have what you're looking for but they may be worth a jab.
Good luck with your hunt.

Thanks for the link. I'll check them out.

So far, EVERY backup solution that I have checked out fails one or more of my requirements (usually more):

1. Does a simple incremental backup of selected files/folders (Word Docs, AutoCad Dwgs, etc.)
2. Backs up ONLY those data files that were modified during that day
3. Stores them in standard Windows folders on a specified location (no proprietary format)
4. Preserves the folder/directory path structure of backed up files
4. Can be scheduled to run daily (after working hours)
5. Can save each day in a separate folder

I have A LOT of files (AutoCAD dwgs, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, .PDF files, etc.) sorted into Project Number folders and I need the Daily Incremental Backups to save ONLY those projects and files I worked on THAT DAY, and allows me to save each day separately in sequence.

And so far, every app I've looked at does not work for that.

 

[whs]

Consider the scenario if one of the increments in the chain gets corrupted. That's why I prefer full images. Disk space is so cheap that skimping at the wrong end is not worth it.

 

[Golden]

Syntoy does all of that with ease, with the exception of No. 6 on your list. But if you are prepared to do some lateral thinking you could make that work.

You could also write your own solution using robocopy in a .bat

 

[RichG]

Consider the scenario if one of the increments in the chain gets corrupted. That's why I prefer full images. Disk space is so cheap that skimping at the wrong end is not worth it.

You are missing why I want this. I need to be able to recreate where I was on specific days on specific projects. I have had to retrieve an Autocad drawing set from 3 months earlier after numerous revisions had been made. With the backup schemes that are being presented, it is *very* difficult (at best) to review work progress history on specific projects.

I could run a complete image every night, but I lose the history.

 

[RichG]

Syntoy does all of that with ease, with the exception of No. 6 on your list. But if you are prepared to do some lateral thinking you could make that work.

You could also write your own solution using robocopy in a .bat

I didn't see that capability when I tried SyncToy earlier today.

I may have to. But it's been years since I messed with .BAT files...

Now, if MS could compile FORTRAN, I could do it (I am that old!)

 

[RichG]

Well, I found the AOMEI incremental backup option, but it still won't let me review *ONLY* those files *IN THAT BACKUP SET*.

Thanks for trying - but I'll have to look elsewhere.