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Resolved Question

exact difference between 'backup' and 'storage' drives

Jan 6, 2012 8:03AM PST

I previously posted questions on this topic. It was indicated that 'backup' and 'storage' drives were separate entities.
It appeared that 'backup' was for backup/restore only, not storage/access of individual files. Data could be backed up, then restored as a whole when required.
However, on several vendor's sites, reference was made to a 'backup storage drive'.
Perhaps the difference is in the use to which the product is initially dedicated, either storage or backup, but not both.
Are their differences in formatting, software, etc.? I am cofused once again.
Thankz.

Discussion is locked

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

Best Answer

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Usage
Jan 6, 2012 10:23PM PST

Don't get lost in the schematics of it all. Any media device that's NOT your primary storage becomes a extra storage or backup. It does depend on your main usage of said device. Depending on the s/w used should more clearly provide the total solution. If your primary storage craps out, I'm sure you'll use whatever is present to restore some status of a working system. This is where the s/w comes in, if primary use is storage, then bits of data or sub-folders or directories will be rescued. If used as back-up, then hopefully, it will be restored to the date of that back-up.

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grats
Jan 8, 2012 7:15AM PST

Thanx, Willy. This clears things up.
My problem now is to find a backup drive that functions with my particular Wi 7 computer; Lacie Rugged XL does not.
Thank you again.

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LaCie Setup Assistant LaCie Backup Assistant
Jan 8, 2012 7:23AM PST

It appears that once we remove said software it's a drive like any other. The LaCie software appears to be incompatible but the drive is fine.

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Software
Jan 8, 2012 8:20AM PST

Better ext. or extra storage devices usually provide some s/w package that's part of the whole bundle. While many do as stated, many are just basic(entry level) or minimal. Others, include better s/w like Acronis, Seagate(based on Acronis), Norton, and Cheyene, etc.. to name a few. You can also buy separately such s/w as well. If you buy a separate s/w use or even freebie or demo of shareware usually works with whatever you deem as ext. storage. Your Lacie should be easily supported, deemed by source and destination areas. good luck -----Willy Happy

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not
Jan 8, 2012 11:21AM PST

Lacie should be, as everyone says, but is not supported by my win 7 computer, as stated by MS>

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It's not supported.
Jan 8, 2012 1:35PM PST

The product is supplied with software that does not work on Windows 7 64 bit so it is not supported.

But the hard drive is nothing special once we turf that software.
Bob

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It's supposed to be...
Jan 9, 2012 2:22AM PST

Well, I visited the support webpage it states it will support Win7.

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reply
Jan 9, 2012 9:21AM PST

I have downloaded latest software repeatedly, to no avail.
I have 'argued' with lacie for months regarding this problem, to no avail; they cut me off when I refused their demand to mark the problem as 'answered' (what a joke). I had supplied them with all the pertinent information.
Have you checked MS website to find what they say about compatibility of lacie drive with win 7? Lacie refused to do this.
Perhaps HP has sold me a defective computer. Ther can be no other answer, apparently.

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Skip or remove the Lacie software.
Jan 9, 2012 9:25AM PST

The Lacie software is indeed broken on WIndows 7 64 bit the last time I saw it. And since it's just another USB HDD after we turf that software, not a total loss.
bob

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lacie turfing
Jan 9, 2012 10:50PM PST

I am now getting reminders to backup my data appearing every time I start up. This is really annoying sine the drive is not recognized.
Do you think I can find other compatible software to make this drive functional? Please recommend if possible.
Thank you.

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Re: drive
Jan 10, 2012 12:09AM PST

You're not clear about the issue. All you say:
- It doesn't function.
- It isn't supported
- An MS website confirms it
- It is not recognised
This totally leaves us guessing what's wrong.

All Bob said: the software isn't compatible with the 64 bit version of Windows 7. But it can be used without that software. Just dump it and start copying files to it using Windows Explorer. If that works, you might consider to use backup software to automate the backup.

But if the drive is defective or your PC is defective that won't work either. But without any indication of the symptoms you experience we can't tell what's wrong.

Kees

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Parting thoughts...
Jan 9, 2012 11:50PM PST

This is one reason that I offer repeatedly that when a "end user" has issues not to dottle and start the warranty process or simply return product. I didn't mention this during our posts, but once you offered all details and dealing with your problem, I would suggest that. It maybe still a viable option, if you're covered. If not with the vendor then the maker. I'll leave it at that.

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To Willy and Mr. Proffitt
Jan 12, 2012 7:03AM PST

As you suggested, I deleted the lacie Genie Backup Assist software.
POOF!
The drive magically appeared on my drive list.
I must now check majorgeeks for freeware or software I can afford, according to my requirements.
Thanx to all who helped!!

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What titles I'm using.
Jan 12, 2012 7:19AM PST

1. CLONEZILLA for a total image backup.
2. Goodsync and Syncback (depends on what machine I'm on!)

I am tinkering more with Goodsync PORTABLE now.
Bob

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freeware
Jan 12, 2012 11:38AM PST

Are free backup software programs reliable?
Much to lose if it fails.

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I have to ask
Jan 13, 2012 1:35AM PST

If the titles I mentioned are not reliable backup software programs then I'm in trouble too.

But once you understand what each app is and how one differs from the other you may consider it a backup.

I consider a backup something that I can use to restore my FILES. I never care too much about the OS and Apps. Those are readily available.
Bob