Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

Backup or sync?

Dec 19, 2013 4:18AM PST

I want to backup MyDocuments to an external drive. Should I us traditional backup software, for example what's in Norton 360 or should I use a sync software that will keep both drives in sync.

My experience with traditional backup software is that restoring is a huge hassle and that sync might be a better choice. But, I wanted ask the experts.

If sync, what do you recommend?

Discussion is locked

RVHAT has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Don't use the built in Windows backup program
Dec 19, 2013 11:41PM PST

I suggest you get away from the Windows backup program and get yourself a good commercial backup program. I've seen forums fraught with problem reports for the Windows one. I know I was very unimpressed when I tried it. Two I'm familiar with and like are Easeus Todo Backup Free, and Memeo which has a 30 day free trial and you can buy it for $29.99.
The March 2012 issue of PC World was very high on the FREE program from Easeus and so is CNET. In my experience with a variety of configurations I have to say I'm very impressed. Like Ghost (which unfortunately is no longer on the market) it will back up to a networked drive, and it will create a boot CD for when your PC won't boot. See CNET's review of it at
http://download.cnet.com/Easeus-Todo-Backup-Free/3000-2242_4-10964460.html?tag=mncol;1#editorsreview .
-
CNET has a lot of backup program reviews at
http://download.cnet.com/windows/backup-software/?tag=contentBody;sideBar .

Some of these are free (last time I checked there were over 300), some have free trials (over 1000), and some are purchase only (over 200).
-
External hard drives are best for backup. You can get a 500 GB one for around $50 and a 1 TB one for around $60. You can also buy a 32 GB flash drive for under $10. It's the best insurance you can ever buy!

-
I hope this helps. Good luck

- Collapse -
Wow, thanks a lot you guys
Dec 21, 2013 1:47AM PST

I am trying two solutions, one is FreeFileSync which simply keeps two directories in sync. I have a full copy of MyDocuments on my USB Hard drive and have set up a batch job to run at noon every day to sync the two directories. This is really simple in that if I have a hard drive crash simply copying the contents of MyDocuments onto the new drive is a snap.

I'm also trying EaseUS which has a very simple UI and the backup is not encrypted so, again, I could just copy the files/directories back.

Both seem to work nicely and after a week or two I'll let you know what I choose.

Many thanks to you all for giving me the wisdom of your knowledge.

- Collapse -
Answer
YOUR CHOICE.
Dec 19, 2013 6:15AM PST

My choice is unencumbered, unencrypted files. These are ready to copy back into their old homes without worry about obtaining Norton.

Also, how could I verify Norton's work? I'm going to trust those that have let CONDUIT and other malicious software install without so much a wimper? I wish you had not mentioned Norton as they do have a history.
Bob

- Collapse -
C'mon Bob, tell us how you really feel!
Dec 19, 2013 11:21PM PST

What do you suggest for syncing to a USB hard drive? I've downloaded FreeFileSync but it's a bit kludgy.

- Collapse -
I use a few titles.
Dec 20, 2013 9:25AM PST

Look at these.

1. Roadkil's Unstoppable Copier.
2. SyncBack
3. GoodSync

There are others.