Quote:
Btw, on Windows do you know of a backup all that just copies the files, and doesn't compress them or make an image of them


On my computer, I have a batch file (yep, just like in the old MS-DOS days) that uses the Windows "robocopy" command to back up all my files to an external hard drive. I've been using this method for many years and have never had an issue losing files. I also keep my data synced across my desktop and laptop computer by using robocopy.

I use the mirroring feature, which basically compares some sort of CRC for the file and only backs up files that have been changed. So the first time you run it, it will take the time it takes to copy the files, but on subsequent times, it screams through the folders where nothing changed. So while I may have 300 or 400 GB of data to back up (which takes quite awhile on a USB2 interface), subsequent backups usually happen in 5 or 10 minutes or so (depending on what changed).

So, I just attach the external drive, validate that it is still using the same drive letter as before (95% of the time it does, but occasionally, Windows gets squirrely. It's easy to change drive assignments, though). I then launch the batch file and let the backup run. Once done, I safely remove the USB drive and keep it disconnected from the computer.

Works for me. If anyone wants any help setting something like this up, just PM me. It's old school, but works great. The files are copied as is, are not compressed, are not part of an image, and are usable on the external drive as-is (but that's not the point here).

The mirroring function basically makes the destination drive folder (and its subfolders) contain exactly the same as the source folder. That means files not found on the source drive are deleted from the destination; new files on the source drive are added to the destination, and newer files on the source drive overwrite the older files on the destination.

If that makes you uncomfortable, you can also use the "exclude older" option instead of the "mirror" option. The "exclude older" does not delete any files from the destination, but does add new files from the source to the destination, and overwrites (refreshes) older files with their newer versions.

TMI?




John

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