Solved What backup software is complete and has searchable file restore?

[Chaim613]

I currently use Norton cloud storage but I'd like to backup to DVDs instead. Does all backup software have the convenience of search-ability? It's a pleasure to restore exactly a file specified, and only that file - that's what I mean by search-ability.
Thank you in advance for sage recommendations or advice!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I assume you are referring to data backup, not Windows backup.

Any ordinary data backup I have seen can be viewed in Explorer and searched on a folder by folder or file by file basis.

But I'd use hard drives and avoid DVD burns.

Why have you chosen DVDs?

 

[Chaim613]

Thanks for responding. Money is the problem, but it is for most everyone.
I'm concerned about backup because my HDD might be not long for this world.
I have to leave the Windows 7 Installation disk in the disk reader for the machine to boot.
I was told this may indicate a dying HDD, but I'm rationalizing everything will be OK!
My Lenovo M-90 has limited USB ports, but a disk reader.
Would you recommend another Hard Drive? I'm a bit afraid I might need two, one for use every session, and another for backup.
If 1 or 2 should be purchased, solid state drive(s) would seem to me to be free of most HDD mechanical problems, is this true?
Thank you

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Thanks for responding. Money is the problem, but it is for most everyone.
I'm concerned about backup because my HDD might be not long for this world.
I have to leave the Windows 7 Installation disk in the disk reader for the machine to boot.
I was told this may indicate a dying HDD, but I'm rationalizing everything will be OK!
My Lenovo M-90 has limited USB ports, but a disk reader.
Would you recommend another Hard Drive? I'm a bit afraid I might need two, one for use every session, and another for backup.
If 1 or 2 should be purchased, solid state drive(s) would seem to me to be free of most HDD mechanical problems, is this true?
Thank you

In your situation, I would make a backup of personal data as soon as possible--to DVDs or whatever is immediately available.

Then I would evaluate the hard drive by going to the manufacturer's web site and downloading their disk analysis tool. If it's a Western Digital hard drive, you would download Data Lifeguard and run its tests. Other drive manufacturers have similar tools.


If the drive fails the tests, I'd assume it is failing and make a warranty claim if in warranty. Or just buy another hard drive.

Two hard drives would probably be a good idea--one inside the machine, plus an external outside to back up your data.

Yes, solid state drives are generally more reliable, but they cost more and are lower capacity. They are also much much faster and highly recommended if you can afford one. I have no idea how much storage space you need for your data, but Windows alone doesn't take up more than about 20 GB, plus your programs.

What drives you need depends on budget and the amount of space you need for your programs and data.

I have no idea what a Lenovo M-90 is--you need to fill out your system specifications.

 

[DavidE]

In addition to what ignatzatsonic said

Just be aware...
You are talking about backing up DATA only.
If your HD crashes you will have to "Reinstall the OS" and all your programs, configuration changes, personal tweaks, etc.
If you want to restore the OS + Programs you should create a System Backup Image.
Restoring a System Backup Image can save you MANY hours.
It can also make recovery from malware or many other system failures much easier and quicker.

Some folks like to reinstall everything periodically.
Some folks (including me) prefer to Restore a System Backup Image if anything goes wrong with the OS, HD, etc.
There is no right/wrong, one answer fits all.

If you want to be able to restore your OS+Programs, use a program such as Macrium Reflect (free).
Here is a tutorial by whs for Macrium:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

 

[Chaim613]

I've re-installed the O/S several times over the years, it's the poorman's alternative to having a machine cleaned up of viruses.
The machine presently has a WD500AAKS 500GB SATA III HDD, I'd like to increase the capacity, but I'm not sure what max. the machine can handle?
I have an external enclosure that can interface through a USB port, but I'm not sure how to get the O/S to recognize it. Does that recognition happen when the O/S is re-installed?
I plugged the external drive into a USB port, and powered it up, but the O/S can't "discover" the external HDD.
Any ideas on how to get it "discovered"?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Western Digital WD Blue Hard Drive 1TB WD10EZEX 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" | Internal Hard Drive - Newegg.com

Above is a link to a good 1 TB drive; twice what you have now. 55 bucks.

Crucial MX100 CT128MX100SSD1 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Newegg.com

Above is a link to a high quality 128 GB SSD if you want to go that route; 73 bucks.

I'd be very surprised if that Lenovo can't handle drives up to 2 TB, perhaps more. The motherboard information on the Lenovo web site for that PC would be the final authority.

I don't use externals and don't know exactly how they behave, but they'd obviously have to have a partition and a drive letter to be usable.

Does your external supposedly work and have data on it right now?

 

[DavidE]

Maybe the external is "defective".
Can you test the external HD on another PC ?

Most "newer" systems can handle HDs up to 2 TB without "problems".
Latest systems can handle HDs > 2 TB.
It depends on your PC - updating your SF specs would help.
Here is a tutorial by Brink for this:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

 

[Chaim613]

The external HDD was at one time recognized, and I put something on it just to experiment, but I've since re-installed the O/S and the external drive was not a priority and I put it aside, now I wish I hadn't, but I'll futz with it and get it going. Thanks for the links about the large capacity HDD! One question though, the link was for a SATA 6 HDD, and the present HDD is SATA 3, will the SATA 6 work where there was SATA 3?

The external drive may be defective, it worked once, I'll see about testing it.

Thanks for advice of the "finest kind"!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Thanks for the links about the large capacity HDD! One question though, the link was for a SATA 6 HDD, and the present HDD is SATA 3, will the SATA 6 work where there was SATA 3?

Yes, they are backwards-compatible.

 

[Chaim613]

Much appreciated, and the link for the System info showed the external drive was recognized! It just wasn't partitioned - a manageable problem, I see the light at the end of the tunnel, here's hoping the light is not the headlamp of an oncoming train!!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Much appreciated, and the link for the System info showed the external drive was recognized! It just wasn't partitioned - a manageable problem, I see the light at the end of the tunnel, here's hoping the light is not the headlamp of an oncoming train!!

OK.

Get your data backed up one way or another and then evaluate that drive. If it's bogus, replace it under warranty or out of your own pocket.