External Hard Drive For Backup

10past6

Hi David

Deleted_User wrote: »

I'm afraid Windows XP doesn't contain built-in support for burning DVDs itself. You can burn data to CDs quite easily, using the method you tried above - you can watch a video of this here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279157

I gave up waiting for the MS link to open, I almost fell asleep

Deleted_User wrote: »

To burn DVDs you'll need to use a program like Roxio, Nero or maybe one which was pre-installed on your computer. While looking for a decent free alternative this seems to fit the bill: http://www.download.com/BurnAware-Free/3000-2646_4-10878661.html?cdlPid=10978419

If I download the above, how does it work, does it run in the background, ie, just insert my DVD-R, select the foler and send to?

Or do I actually have to use the programe?

[Deleted User]

10past6 wrote: »

If I download the above, how does it work, does it run in the background, ie, just insert my DVD-R, select the foler and send to?

Or do I actually have to use the programe?

Download it, open it, install it, reboot, log back in, open the program up and hit F1 for a how-to guide. Generally these types of programs require you to open them up, select whichever files you want to "burn" to CD / DVD then hit go...

MattLFC

DVD's are great to use for additional backups, but really, an external HDD and a copy of Acronis TrueImage or similar is the best way to protect yourself against hard drive failiures etc, except for systems like RAID etc, which arnt really possible except on the odd (and very expensive) laptops.

I maintain a system image of my C drive once a week or so, and image my secondary partition (with all my media files etc) when I can be bothered.

Should a hard drive ever fail, it takes only a few minutes to have it back up and running again, well at least the C drive. Then I can restore the media image at lesuire.

I also have remote backups on web servers that I just upload important files using FTP, and use DVD-RW's for my photos and music, but find them too tedious, fiddly and time consuming to keep updated to be honest.

I actually keep the system image on a ready to go laptop drive running in a caddy which allows ultra fast restores as and when I need it.

[Deleted User]

MattLFC wrote: »

DVD's are great to use for additional backups, but really, an external HDD and a copy of Acronis TrueImage or similar is the best way to protect yourself against hard drive failiures etc, except for systems like RAID etc, which arnt really possible except on the odd (and very expensive) laptops.

I maintain a system image of my C drive once a week or so, and image my secondary partition (with all my media files etc) when I can be bothered.

Should a hard drive ever fail, it takes only a few minutes to have it back up and running again, well at least the C drive. Then I can restore the media image at lesuire.

I also have remote backups on web servers that I just upload important files using FTP, and use DVD-RW's for my photos and music, but find them too tedious, fiddly and time consuming to keep updated to be honest.

I actually keep the system image on a ready to go laptop drive running in a caddy which allows ultra fast restores as and when I need it.

I'm really not convinced you've read 10past6's posts and what her needs actually are!

MattLFC

Does it matter? At the end of the day I was just saying what I believe is the overall best solution.

DVD's are NOT to be relied upon as a solitary backup option. The failiure rate of DVDR's, especially cheaper ones, is absurd. A small scratch on the label side of the disk, and bang goes your data.

If data is important, DVD's should only be used as an additional form of backup. Besides which, it is so much simpler using an external HDD, which is what the OP was originally asking about.

If you think arsing about with DVDR's all day long, compiling backups and then trying to catalogue them, is the best way to go, fair enough. But when you have spent hours doing that, ill have clicked a few times on my mouse, and let an entire backup of my system run in the background.

[Deleted User]

MattLFC wrote: »

Does it matter? At the end of the day I was just saying what I believe is the overall best solution.

I think the OP will think it matters when they read your reply and think what the hell is this guy on about.

MattLFC wrote: »

DVD's are NOT to be relied upon as a solitary backup option. The failiure rate of DVDR's, especially cheaper ones, is absurd. A small scratch on the label side of the disk, and bang goes your data.

If data is important, DVD's should only be used as an additional form of backup. Besides which, it is so much simpler using an external HDD, which is what the OP was originally asking about.

Again it looks like you've read 0 posts in this thread as I've discussed the merits of each option and what the best options are for the OP.

MattLFC wrote: »

If you think arsing about with DVDR's all day long

Let me stop you there, I don't think this is what I'd do but for the OP and what their needs are I've suggested this is a very valid option.

10past6

It looks like you've both kissed and made up so I'll come back in :rotfl: :rotfl:

OK, I'm going to use the DVD-R for the time being, going to the expense of an EXHD is something I cannot justify at this stage, although I have numerous folders that require backing up, once I've done that, I won't really have the requirment to us the disc much more, may be add the odd letter here and there.

Anyway, thanks for all your tips, it's helped me decide.

[Deleted User]

10past6 wrote: »

It looks like you've both kissed and made up so I'll come back in :rotfl: :rotfl: .

10past6 wrote: »

OK, I'm going to use the DVD-R for the time being, going to the expense of an EXHD is something I cannot justify at this stage, although I have numerous folders that require backing up, once I've done that, I won't really have the requirment to us the disc much more, may be add the odd letter here and there.

Anyway, thanks for all your tips, it's helped me decide

Happy to help

10past6

I was installing this

Deleted_User wrote: »

While looking for a decent free alternative this seems to fit the bill: http://www.download.com/BurnAware-Free/3000-2646_4-10878661.html?cdlPid=10978419

During set up my anti virus has kicked in :eek: saying a "Dangerous Programe and has no digital signature" I've blocked it and come out of it, any suggestions please?

10past6

Leopard wrote: »

Yes. Stop posting in bold and coloured fonts. It shouts at people and some have eyesight conditions that make it oppressive to read.

This deters them from trying to help you.

I looked under your profile, nothings listed, perhaps you could confirm when you were appointed a mod on this site?