In case of a computer problem why is a back-up program used instead of just
copying to a disk or external hard-drive?

Programs are used to image the drive -
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/
http://www.paragon-software.com/home/db-personal/

Copying files over to an external drive, would only mean copying data files etc.

If you image your drive, you can restore the whole computer in a matter of minutes
including operating system, programs etc.

--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2008 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Computer Maintenance: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco


"John" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:O%(E-Mail Removed)...
| In case of a computer problem why is a back-up program used instead of just
| copying to a disk or external hard-drive?
|
|

On Sun, 6 Apr 2008 16:48:40 +0800, "John" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> In case of a computer problem why is a back-up program used instead of just
> copying to a disk or external hard-drive?


Using a backup program is really just a special way of copying files
to another place, such as an external hard drive.

But it has several advantages over just a regular DOS or Windows copy:

1. It can image the *entire* drive. With a regular copy, you can copy
data files only, not the operating system.

2. It can automatically compress what it copies.

3. It can easily do incremental copies.

A good backup program, like Acronis True Image, has other extra
features too. Take at look at it and see for yourself.

Read my thoughts on backup here:
http://www.computorcompanion.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=314

....and note at the end of that article, that I do some kinds of
relatively small but frequent backup by a simple copy.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
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Thanks people. The computercompanion article was also very helpful.