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Question

Novice needs advice on backups

Feb 22, 2012 1:25AM PST

I read most of the 180 hot topic comments, but realized that Rick Broida doesn't actually moderate it, and I don't know whose suggestion makes sense for me. I have 2 desktops witha D-Link router, both using XP. Main PC has two hard drives C & F both with XP. F: is my data drive but has software installed (whenever the option to do so is given) as well. Upgrades likely find their way to the appropriate drive, who knows? Anyway, I would like to back-up my computer in total--not just data files, but operating system and programs. Years ago I used to get the computer store to make a disk copy--is that still a valid option?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I do that. HOW?
Feb 22, 2012 3:17AM PST

There are 2 apps worth noting about this. Ready?

CLONEZILLA
ACRONIS

The free one is pretty good and great for the price. I use it to save an image of the entire drive to "a file on another drive." There are some caveats such as to restore that image, the restore target drive must be same or larger in size.

Acronis can be confusing to some but it can overcome that caveat I noted.

-> That covers the image backup. And as we leave that topic be sure you set this up to backup when you don't need the PC for a while. I start such at night and it usually is finished in the morning.

But this is only the beginning of backups. I use Goodsync, Syncback and Dropbox to sync files with devices when I feel it's time.
Bob

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Still confused..
Feb 22, 2012 7:31AM PST

Thanks for your advice, Bob. To clarify, you said that "the free one" (Clonezilla) "is pretty good..." but has some weaknesses that you wouldn't want to inflict on a novice like me. I'm afraid I still don't know what an "image of the entire drive" gives me (it sounds like a picture but not an explorable drive from which I could retrieve a damaged program.)
Moving on to "Acronis" which "can be confusing to some" (presumably novices like me?) So is there a hope for a backup system for a novice? And, to reword my question, I'd like to back up in total--like a cloned hard drive--and wonder if Acronis is still recommended given that my PC has two hard drives? Sorry, if I'm a bit slow here.
Pete

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I wouldn't call it a weakness.
Feb 22, 2012 7:43AM PST

It's what it does!

As to WHERE the image goes, it goes to another drive in a set of files in a folder.

Hope that helps.
Bob

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Software is too soft.
Feb 23, 2012 12:13AM PST

Yes, Bob, thanks again.
Much clearer: don't visit the Mayo Clinic with a runny nose.
I'll visit a computer store and ask if they can copy my two hard drives.
Cheers.
Pete