Backup software recommendations please

dllive

Hi all

Ive recently upgraded to Windows 10 and a new laptop. Can anyone recommend some free backup software that - if there are any files removed in the source directory - it keeps the same file in the destination folder but moves it to a 'deleted' folder on the external harddrive?

Perhaps some sort of 'versioning' capability too so that if a file has changed in the source folder, it backs-up the file but also keeps the older version of that file.

Thanks

grumpycrab

Windows File History is free.  Type "file history" in search with a space to get to setup.  Some words here
File History in Windows (microsoft.com)

googler

How much data do you actually have that needs the multiple versions retained? 

dllive

googler said:

How much data do you actually have that needs the multiple versions retained? 

Not much TBH. Its really only a safeguard in case I do something stupid and can then refer to an older version. Its never happened before, but thats not to say it will never happen.

SiliconChip

I used to use Acronis (paid for) but eventually decided it was overkill. These days there is almost no need to back up software because you can just download it again if you have to, and if you use IMAP for emails loss of local copies is nothing more than a temporary issue as they are still available to reload. I only back up my own data now, and all I do is copy the content of Documents and Pictures to a new folder (I name it using the date) on removable hard drives - one to keep in the house and one to have offsite in my detatched garage. I also make additional copies of my most used / important folders. Very large files (videos etc.) I tend to keep on removable drives rather than on my laptop anyway. If I need to I can look back 10 years or more for previous versions of data files.

googler

dllive said:

googler said:

How much data do you actually have that needs the multiple versions retained? 

Not much TBH. Its really only a safeguard in case I do something stupid and can then refer to an older version. Its never happened before, but thats not to say it will never happen.

OK, what are you working with? Excel? Word? Powerpoint? Something else? 

What I'm working around to is what SiliconChip said, but I was trying to establish how much space you needed;

Create folder on backup drive dated 2022-04-02
Copy all your docs there.

Create new folder on backup drive dated 2022-04-06 (or appropriate date)
Copy all your docs there. 

repeat

If you have, say, 25Gb of docs, then after four iterations of the above, you have filled 100Gb of disk space, and ...

We're back to "How much data have you got?"

You can then work out how long it will take you to fill 1Tb, 2Tb or 4Tb ...

400ixl

Sounds like a solution like Office 365 with One Drive would be a good solution. It will sync between your local drive and the cloud and does version control for everytime it is saved so you can roll back or just open previous versions.

Easier and more elegant than messing about with backup software & external drives etc.

If you really don't have too much then the free tier may be enough for you.

outtatune

Ashampoo Backup Pro isn't free but occassionally offers old versions for free, you just have to keep an eye out. It does all you're asking for effortlessly.

dllive

For me purposes perhaps dedicated backup software is OTT. I dont tend to to scheduled backups - only backups when needed. The folder I want to backup is 12GB. So maybe Ill do it manually creating my own folders on the destination drive naming it after the date; then keep 2 iterations before deleting the older backup versions.

I will however have a look at Ashampoo.
Thanks

victor2

iDrive (nothing to do with Apple!) Has a free version which does encrypted backups to the cloud and retains up to 30 versions of each file. The free version gives you 5GB of space and doesn't count the space used by previous"versions" of files.
You can automate it to backup certain folders when necessary and it appears to be very secure. Don't forget your encryption password, as they can't help you out!
Gives you an off-site backup. 

dllive

Hi guys. Quick update:

I decided to use Second Copy. Its great and is now backing up files to my external harddrive.

However, theres a folder that is very important (my personal accounts) which I want backed-up to the cloud AND is zipped/password protected and ideally versioned.

I have a microsoft account and I use Windows 10, so presumably One Drive would play a part in this. But how to do I backup this one particular folder and password protect it? Sorry, I know what I want but cant join up the dots.

Thanks