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Question

BEST STORAGE MEDIUM FOR BACKUP

Jul 6, 2011 2:29PM PDT

I am looking to backup my system - home desktop comp. used for computer graphics (win 7 64-bit). I was thinking of buying 1TB 3.5" (western digital) external hard drive which would be permanently connected to comp. However after checking user reviews on amazon it would seem that this is not a reliable form of backup with many customers losing data after the HD stopped working sometimes within 3 months.
I though maybe the most reliable way is to buy another internal HD (- i have a sata connection free)
Are there any better options I would appreciate recommendations about which make is reliable (and not too expensive)

Discussion is locked

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Answer
HP Simple Save 1 TB
Jul 7, 2011 12:44AM PDT

is a great, easy to setup and use external hard drive for storage and backup. You can set it up to either do everything automatically or manual, it's your choice.
I had to replace the hard drive on my computer and it was almost too easy getting everything back on the new drive. Plug in HP drive to a USB port (Doesn't have SATA). It sees the unit, asks what you want to do, clicked restore, it asks where do you want them restored, clicked origanal location and that was it, everything back to where it was on the old hard drive.
I have had the unit for about a year and a half and it's never missed a beat. Works great!

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Thanks
Jul 7, 2011 2:57AM PDT

Thanks for taking your time to answer.
Are these external drives more reliable (in life span) than internal drives?

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Good question.
Jul 7, 2011 4:43AM PDT

I have been using external drives for backup for a long time without a failure. On the other hand I have replaced 2 internal hard drives in the same time frame. I replace the external drives when I need more storage space. Once I install the unit it never gets moved when plugged into power and the drive running.
I have a friend who says it doesn't matter as they are made to be moved. He has gone through 3 of them that I know of in the past 4 years.... so I think a lot has to do with how they are used.
I am sold on the HP unit because of the software that comes with it and what it says is what you get unlike a couple other brands I have used.