Backup Software

[Inspeqtor]

This is not related to Elements in anyway, but I was wondering what you people use to backup your computer files? I am using Windows XP backing up to an external hard drive. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I would prefer when my backups are done, that it is not encrypted. If it is a jpeg file, then I want to see the jpeg file, same for zip files etc.
The external hard drive I have is made by Maxtor, and it did not come with any software. I have been using Nero 6 for my backups, but those are encrypted. Is there any backup software that is free that is any good?

Thank you!

[GaryK]

Hi Charles

I have been using SyncBack (free version) for a while now.

I am not doing a whole HD backup, just folders that I want.
I do a C to D (both internal) backup every night, then once a week I do a C to External

I can't compare with anything else, as I haven't used anything else, but this works for me.
I find the interface a bit clunky .. maybe non intuitive is a better description.

They also have a pay version which is supposed to be a bit faster and does a few extra things.

http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/syncback-hub.html

You have to look a bit for the free version. This link is to the pay version which also has a 30 day free trial.

[danstar]

I use SyncToy which is a free download from the Microsoft site. If you go to their site and search on the name you will find the download link.

Dan

[Inspeqtor]

Thank you Gary and Dan for your quick replies. Does Syncback and SyncToy compress the files,or does it do like a copy/paste? My guess is they both compress, which I may be forced to do with any backup software.

[jlwilm]

Charles,

SyncToy does not compress. It tracks new files, deletes, renames, etc and ensures that the contents of two disks are identical.

If you have changed a file in both drives, it keys on the date/time stamp. If changes are on one disk only, it merges the changes. Seems to handle it like majic.

For more info on SyncToy click here (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx)

[AngelicKim]

How did I miss this thread all day? I just started a similar thread. Thanks for the links guys

[baderms]

I also use Syncback, though it's the paid version as one of my clients purchased it for me.

[AngelicKim]

Well, I tried both Sync Back and Sync Toy and neither program liked me very well:D . Just got home and bought the Seagate Free Agent 250 GB EHD. Thanks for the links though. After I get the EHD set up maybe on of these will make the back up easier than with the the software that comes with it.

[danstar]

Synctoy just makes a mirror of whatever designate on the master disk.

[TheSkySpy]

Another one I'd used in the past at a client site was Super Flexible File Synchronizer, but I think it was a paid app - not freeware. Heard good things about the above recomendations for SyncBack free.

[GaryK]

Hi Charles

Sorry for the tardy reply. SyncBack lets you pick compressed or uncompressed. I think it uses winzip to compress but as I don't compress I'm not sure.

It will let you pick the folders to back up, although I haven't found an easy way to pick lots of folders all over the place.
There likely is but I haven't found it.

What I do is make a few different backup rules/schedules whatever they call them, and them have a master one that these are called from.

[genevh]

Download.com has a lot of backup options here (http://www.download.com/Backup-Software/3150-2242_4-0.html). Some are free, others are free to try before you buy.

Personally, I use Second Copy (http://www.secondcopy.com/index.html). It has a lot of options for backing up, including compressing or not compressing your files, and will do complete and incremental backups, backing up only those files that have been added or changed since the last backup. It is free to try for 30 days, and $29.95 afterwards.

And that's my 2¢ :)