What if the files corrupted and then you have nothing but bad files?
Nod to SyncBack as it's what I use albeit in no automatic mode as I learned what a bad idea that was long ago.
Bob
I have an older desktop running XP SP3 in my office . I would like to back up some files and folders automatically to an external hard drive, in case I would like use them on another computer or if that desktop dies on me. What should I do to do this? And would I need any extra software?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic