Backup Software: Alternatives to WD Smartware?

macman

I've recently fitted a couple of external drives to their 2 PC's for some friends after nagging them for ages to keep a proper backup of their data. Because I knew that a manual backup method simply wouldn't ever get done, I went for Westerm Digital drives fitted with 'SmartWare' on the basis that it runs continuous automatic incremental backups-in essence, set and forget.
The software was problematic to install and demanded an immediate firmware and software upgrade to version 1.6, and even now the effects on the PC's seem to be drastic in terms of CPU/memory resource hogging. The new PC with W7 and 4GB of RAM is just about OK with it, the XP machine with 2GB of RAM has been reduced to a crawl. A delve into various WD forums reveal a large can of worms regarding this software and it's many issues that remain unresolved going back over several releases. WD seem to have washed their hands of it on the basis that's its 'free with the hardware and it's use is optional'-despite the fact that their marketing very much highlights the benefits of the software...
Release 1.6 is supposed to have fixed the memory resource issue, but many forum comments indicate that it hasn't.
I'll let it run for a few days to see how goes, but assuming that I'm going to have to remove SmartWare eventually, can anyone recommend a free or budget alternative? The two that have come up quite positively so far are 'Genie Timeline' and 'Cobian Backup'.
Has anyone got SmartWare and finds it OK?

robmar0se

Good morning..........

I have to say that I've never been very impressed with WD backup software, they appear to change the packages they use every so often.

I have now for a time used Retrospect, and have done now for over 5 years. Maybe a little OTT for what you want, but I do like the facility to do incremental backups automatically via a schedule of the users'choice. Retrospect Pro for Windows can be acquired for £28 + VAT - if of interest PM me and I can give you the details.

PS I notice that PCPro has got the Genie Timeline 2012 free in their cover disk this month

arrallas

Acronis True Image has worked well for me over the years. Available for around £20.

macman

Thanks both. I'm looking more for data back-up software than disk imaging-I've already done a disk image onto both drives using Macrium Reflect.
The problem with a lot of the freeware is that it doesn't back up incrementally or continuously-a utility that just offers a fixed weekly back up (such as Windows Backup on the W7 PC) isn't going to work for them, as I know the PC will not necessarily be on at the time I set.
The reason I went for SmartWare was the perceived 'idiot-proof' factor. PS: further research also indicates that you can't remove simply reformat the drive to remove this software, as the firmware then constantly nags you to reinstall it!

Figment

If the Smartware software is on a virtual optical drive, you should be able to disable the drive in device manager.

arrallas

Acronis will backup an image (disk and partition backup), but also does nonstop backup, online backup, file backup or email backup.

closed

xcopy c: f:\backup /s/e/d/h/c in startup will do an incremental

scheduled tasks can be set to run as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed, ie when it is next switched on.

agrinnall

I am also a long time user of Acronis and find it straightforward to use. I've never had to restore anything in anger but I've done a couple of tests to convince myself that it does work OK.

spud17

I'll tell you what I've set up for someone. It's not ideal but it's better than nothing. :cool:

It may give you some inspiration.:)

This particular person only needs to keep a backup of their photos and invoices, approximately 3GB.

They now have an 8GB flash drive permanently connected to the back of the pc. I've installed Free SyncBack, and by using 'schedule task' they have a continuous backup.

The task scheduler allows options to be set which are not time dependant, e.g. 'System Startup', at 'Logon' or 'When pc idle'. In this instance it's set to backup when the pc is idle, and despite it being an old low powered pc, the Syncback runs completly un-noticed.

p.s I use Free Syncback on my PC and I've noticed that if the pc is hibernating and misses a (time set) scheduled run, it will automatically run the next time the pc is fired up.

buglawton

I have been using Synctoy from Microsoft for years. Simple & good for the purpose described by OP.

free at
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15155

spud17

buglawton wrote: »

I have been using Synctoy from Microsoft for years. Simple & good for the purpose described by OP.

free at
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15155

I just knew somebody would come back with Synctoy.

My experience with it was not brilliant, it constantly gave errors/corrupted data and was very slow compared to SyncBack.

Not doubting your experiences, just putting forward my findings.