My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user* guide],
says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:

c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system directory
is not supported]

So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup right?

If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my original EOM
DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor drive?

Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was led to
believe elsewhere.

It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep looking
for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any responses.

Barbara

"chicagofan" wrote:

> My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user* guide],
> says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:
>
> c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system directory
> is not supported]
>
> So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup right?
>
> If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my original EOM
> DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor drive?
>
> Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was led to
> believe elsewhere.
>
> It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep looking
> for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any responses.
>
> Barbara
>
Hi Barbara,
If you are using MS Backup utility, you can't do Backup direct to the CD/DVD
disk, you need a third party Backup Utility to do that, if you want to use
Windows Backup utility you need to create a Backup Folder and save to the
desktop then you can copy or move it to the CD/DVD to be copied.
Third party like Niero is good backup Utility (for me personally).
HTH
Please let us know.
Regards,
nass

chicagofan wrote:
> My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user*
> guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:
>
> c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
> directory is not supported]
>
> So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
> right?

Of course you can. Just for some reason not with the software that ships
with this maxtor hard drive, for some reason. Is NTBackup installed on
your computer? (start, run, type NTBackup, hit enter). That'll work just
fine for backing up to an external hard disk.

> If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
> original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
> drive?

Sounds like it as things stand. Actually this isn't so bad, it's a slight
pain in the neck to restore your operating system, sure, but its your
*data* that is irreplacable. If I could only choose one to backup I know
what I'd pick.

> Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
> led to believe elsewhere.

It's a good thing you asked. Either the software you're using has a
problem or it is very inadequate (in fact, I'm having so much trouble
believing a backup program would do this by design, I'm very much inclined
to it being a problem with the backup software).

> It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
> looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
> responses.

No surprise there. If (one way or another) you are only getting your data
backed up this file isn't really relevant.

--
--
Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for Security
Blog Site - http://www.robertmoir.com
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ -
http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked:
"Have you checked (event viewer / syslog)".

Robert Moir wrote:
> chicagofan wrote:
>
>>My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *User*
>>Guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:
>>
>>c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
>>directory is not supported]
>>
>>So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
>>right?
>
>
> Of course you can. Just for some reason not with the software that ships
> with this maxtor hard drive, for some reason. Is NTBackup installed on
> your computer?

Yes, I have the Windows NT backup that came with my system, but I'm
reluctant to use it, if I can make this drive's software work. I'm only
"semi-literate" when it comes to today's computers.


> (start, run, type NTBackup, hit enter). That'll work just
> fine for backing up to an external hard disk.
>
>
>>If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
>>original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
>>drive?
>
>
> Sounds like it as things stand. Actually this isn't so bad, it's a slight
> pain in the neck to restore your operating system, sure, but its your
> *data* that is irreplacable.

Thanks, that's useful info to have; and the fact that this drive *should* be
able to backup everything.


>>Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
>>led to believe elsewhere.
>
>
> It's a good thing you asked. Either the software you're using has a
> problem or it is very inadequate (in fact, I'm having so much trouble
> believing a backup program would do this by design, I'm very much inclined
> to it being a problem with the backup software).

I'm thinking now, it probably has to do with the *operator* of this pc...
[moi].


>>It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
>>looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
>>responses.
>
>
> No surprise there. If (one way or another) you are only getting your data
> backed up this file isn't really relevant.

That's good to know.

I'm thinking that file may be *why* it isn't working correctly. For some
reason [I just discovered] my "ntuser.dat" file is set to Open With: "Media
Player Classic". I don't know how that happened, but what should it open
with? Could that have caused the "Internal Error" message that I got from
Maxtor?

TIA for additional help...

Barbara

> chicagofan wrote:
>> My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user*
>> guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:
>>
>> c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
>> directory is not supported]
>>
>> So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
>> right?
>
>> If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
>> original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
>> drive?
>> Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
>> led to believe elsewhere.
>> It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
>> looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
>> responses.


"Robert Moir" <robspamtrap+(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Of course you can. Just for some reason not with the software that ships
> with this maxtor hard drive, for some reason. Is NTBackup installed on
> your computer? (start, run, type NTBackup, hit enter). That'll work just
> fine for backing up to an external hard disk.
>
> Sounds like it as things stand. Actually this isn't so bad, it's a slight
> pain in the neck to restore your operating system, sure, but its your
> *data* that is irreplacable. If I could only choose one to backup I know
> what I'd pick.
>
> It's a good thing you asked. Either the software you're using has a
> problem or it is very inadequate (in fact, I'm having so much trouble
> believing a backup program would do this by design, I'm very much inclined
> to it being a problem with the backup software).
>
> No surprise there (re the "ntuser.dat" file mentioned by the OP). If (one
> way or another) you are only getting your data backed up this file isn't
> really relevant.
> --
> Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for Security
> Blog Site - http://www.robertmoir.com
> Virtual PC 2004 FAQ -
> http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
> I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked:
> "Have you checked (event viewer / syslog)".


chicagofan:
In addition to the recommendations provided you by Rob Moir concerning a
backup strategy, let me give you another option to consider...

You indicate that you're interested in backing up your system in a
comprehensive way -- you say "...backup my *entire* C drive for a complete
backup..." and that "If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc.
....". I take it from your statements that you're looking for a backup
program that will do more than merely backup up your created data, i.e., the
files & folders you have created (as important as that might be!). That you
do have an interest in also "backing up" your operating system, together
with the programs/applications residing on your computer so that in the
event of your system becoming non-functional (for one reason or another) you
would be able to *completely* restore the system to a functional state and
do so in a reasonably simple & straightforward manner.

If that is indeed your goal, let us know and I (and I'm sure others) can
give you some specific details about another more comprehensive approach. On
the other hand, if your principal (if not exclusive) interest is backing up
your "created data" as mentioned above, then Bob's suggestion re using the
XP NTBackup program should suit you fine.
Anna

Anna wrote:

>>chicagofan wrote:
>>
>>>My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user*
>>>guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:
>>>
>>>c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
>>>directory is not supported]
>>>
>>>So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
>>>right?
>>
>>>If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
>>>original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
>>>drive?
>>>Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
>>>led to believe elsewhere.
>>>It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
>>>looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
>>>responses.
>
>
> chicagofan:
> In addition to the recommendations provided you by Rob Moir concerning a
> backup strategy, let me give you another option to consider...
>
> You indicate that you're interested in backing up your system in a
> comprehensive way -- you say "...backup my *entire* C drive for a complete
> backup..." and that "If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc.
> ...". I take it from your statements that you're looking for a backup
> program that will do more than merely backup up your created data, i.e., the
> files & folders you have created (as important as that might be!). That you
> do have an interest in also "backing up" your operating system, together
> with the programs/applications residing on your computer so that in the
> event of your system becoming non-functional (for one reason or another) you
> would be able to *completely* restore the system to a functional state and
> do so in a reasonably simple & straightforward manner.

EXACTLY.....


> If that is indeed your goal, let us know and I (and I'm sure others) can
> give you some specific details about another more comprehensive approach. On
> the other hand, if your principal (if not exclusive) interest is backing up
> your "created data" as mentioned above, then Bob's suggestion re using the
> XP NTBackup program should suit you fine.
> Anna

Oh, I definitely want to back up my *entire* system, and that's why I bought
this external hard drive. I don't want to be *at the mercy* of another PC
shop, as I was last year. I thought the Maxtor would help me do that... simply.

I have an 80 GB hard drive, but only have 10 GB in use [including MS XP OS
and other stuff]. The Maxtor is 60 GB. I'll appreciate any advice on how
to do this... hopefully without buying additional backup software. TIA...

Barbara

>>>chicagofan wrote:
>>>>My new Maxtor external backup drive [Mini III version with NO *user*
>>>>guide], says my backup of my *entire* system failed because:
>>>>
>>>>c:\Windows Not supported/Folder skipped [backup of Windows system
>>>>directory is not supported]
>>>>
>>>>So I can't actually backup my *entire* C drive for a complete backup
>>>>right?
>>>
>>>>If my pc crashed, I would have to restore Windows, etc. from my
>>>>original EOM DVD, and then restore *other* files from the Maxtor
>>>>drive?
>>>>Sorry if these sound like stupid questions, it's just not what I was
>>>>led to believe elsewhere.
>>>>It also had a problem with backing up "ntuser.dat", but I'll keep
>>>>looking for the answer for that at the Maxtor site. TIA for any
>>>>responses.


> Anna wrote:
>> chicagofan:
>> In addition to the recommendations provided you by Rob Moir concerning a
>> backup strategy, let me give you another option to consider...
>>
>> You indicate that you're interested in backing up your system in a
>> comprehensive way -- you say "...backup my *entire* C drive for a
>> complete backup..." and that "If my pc crashed, I would have to restore
>> Windows, etc. ...". I take it from your statements that you're looking
>> for a backup program that will do more than merely backup up your created
>> data, i.e., the files & folders you have created (as important as that
>> might be!). That you do have an interest in also "backing up" your
>> operating system, together with the programs/applications residing on
>> your computer so that in the event of your system becoming non-functional
>> (for one reason or another) you would be able to *completely* restore the
>> system to a functional state and do so in a reasonably simple &
>> straightforward manner.


"chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
> EXACTLY.....


> Anna wrote:
>> If that is indeed your goal, let us know and I (and I'm sure others) can
>> give you some specific details about another more comprehensive approach.
>> On the other hand, if your principal (if not exclusive) interest is
>> backing up your "created data" as mentioned above, then Bob's suggestion
>> re using the XP NTBackup program should suit you fine.
>> Anna


"chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
> Oh, I definitely want to back up my *entire* system, and that's why I
> bought this external hard drive. I don't want to be *at the mercy* of
> another PC shop, as I was last year. I thought the Maxtor would help me
> do that... simply.
>
> I have an 80 GB hard drive, but only have 10 GB in use [including MS XP OS
> and other stuff]. The Maxtor is 60 GB. I'll appreciate any advice on how
> to do this... hopefully without buying additional backup software. TIA...
>
> Barbara


Barbara:
Everything was going fine until the final part of your last sentence when
you said "hopefully without buying additional backup software.". While there
are some "freebie" programs available that purport to do what I'm about to
describe to you, based on the experience we've had with them we cannot
recommend them because of their excruciatingly slow performance and frequent
erratic behavior.

The kind of program we are recommending is usually called a disk imaging
program. Using this type of program you can, in effect, clone the contents
of your day-to-day working HD to your USB external HD. Through this direct
disk-to-disk cloning operation, the recipient of the clone, i.e., your USB
EHD will be, for all practical purposes, a bit-for-bit copy of your "source"
disk, your internal HD. As such it will contain the operating system, all
your programs & applications, all your created data - in short, everything
that's on your internal HD. What better backup system can one have?

So if & when the day comes when your system is no longer functional because
of some aspect of system files corruption that simply can't be internally
"fixed" or because your internal HD just fails for one reason or another,
you can easily restore your system from the cloned contents residing on your
external HD. You would do this by simply reversing the cloning operation -
this time cloning the contents of the external HD to your internal HD (or
possibly a new HD should the original one have failed). Again the process is
simple & straightforward. Obviously you would be using this disk imaging
program on a routine & systematic basis.

Using a disk imaging program to perform the direct disk-to-disk cloning
process is relatively simple to undertake, reasonably quick, and best of
all -- most effective. You mention that your system contains only 10 GB of
data at this point. Assuming you have reasonably modern computer components
(which I'm sure you now have in your system) you could figure on the disk
cloning operation to take somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes - give or take
a few minutes. Obviously as your data increases so will the disk cloning
operation take somewhat longer.

There are a number of commercially available disk imaging programs
available. One of the more popular ones is the Acronis True Image program
(Home Edition) - see
http://www.acronis.com . I see Newegg
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832200204) is selling
a boxed version for $30 (incl. shipping). The program is quite easy to use
along the lines I described above. Acronis has a 15-day trial version
available for download - see
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...oad/trueimage/

There are other disk imaging programs commercially available as well. A
Google search will lead you to them; many of which will have a demo version
available for download.

Unless you're "dead-set" against purchasing a backup program, give the
Acronis program a try. If you want, I can provide you with step-by-step
instructions to use this program for direct disk-to-disk cloning.
Anna

Anna wrote:
>
> "chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
>>Oh, I definitely want to back up my *entire* system, and that's why I
>>bought this external hard drive. I don't want to be *at the mercy* of
>>another PC shop, as I was last year. I thought the Maxtor would help me
>>do that... simply.
>>
>>I have an 80 GB hard drive, but only have 15* GB [*corrected]... in use.
>>The Maxtor is 60 GB. I'll appreciate any advice on how to do this
>>... hopefully without buying additional backup software. TIA...
>
>
> Barbara:
> Everything was going fine until the final part of your last sentence when
> you said "hopefully without buying additional backup software.". While there
> are some "freebie" programs available that purport to do what I'm about to
> describe to you, based on the experience we've had with them we cannot
> recommend them because of their excruciatingly slow performance and frequent
> erratic behavior.
>
> Using a disk imaging program to perform the direct disk-to-disk cloning
> process is relatively simple to undertake, reasonably quick, and best of
> all -- most effective. You mention that your system contains only 10 GB of
> data at this point. Assuming you have reasonably modern computer components
> (which I'm sure you now have in your system) you could figure on the disk
> cloning operation to take somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes - give or take
> a few minutes. Obviously as your data increases so will the disk cloning
> operation take somewhat longer.

I have a 2.66GHZ processor and 512MB DDR RAM. It took less than 15 mins.
to backup my files [excluding the Windows system directory] with the Maxtor.

Hopefully, I can find what changed ALL of my .dat files to "OPEN with Media
Player Classic"... fix that and this drive's software will work as intended.
I found this out last night. :\ I do a lot of dumb things, but that is
not something I would have done [intentionally]. I rarely ever use MPC, and
only have it to hear/see the occasional Real Player *only* media.


> There are a number of commercially available disk imaging programs
> available. One of the more popular ones is the Acronis True Image program
> (Home Edition) - see
> http://www.acronis.com . I see Newegg
> (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832200204) is selling
> a boxed version for $30 (incl. shipping). The program is quite easy to use
> along the lines I described above. Acronis has a 15-day trial version
> available for download - see
> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...oad/trueimage/
>
> Unless you're "dead-set" against purchasing a backup program, give the
> Acronis program a try. If you want, I can provide you with step-by-step
> instructions to use this program for direct disk-to-disk cloning.
> Anna

I read a lot about Acronis and other backup programs before I bought this
drive, so I know it is highly rated and widely used. However, since the
software came pre-installed on this Maxtor drive [everything was supposed to
be automatic and pretty much was], I'd rather not try something else, until
I've straightened out my system and given it a *fair* test. I could
probably make a *real* mess.

I don't have a clue how I will get those .dat files back to their correct
state, because my XP restore points don't go back far enough. There wasn't
a choice to restore to default/s, but I do know HOW to change the files
individually, I just don't know WHAT to change them to in all cases.

Anyway, unless you can tell me a place I haven't looked in XP, to restore my
..dat extensions to their correct "OPEN with" instructions [default], you've
done all you can. I appreciate all of your advice, and if I am unable
to get the Maxtor software to work, I will be back to take you up on your
kind offer to help me with Acronis. Thanks again, so much... especially for
the additional New Egg info.

Barbara

chicagofan wrote:

> I have a 2.66GHZ processor and 512MB DDR RAM. It took less than 15
> mins. to backup my files [excluding the Windows system directory]
> with the Maxtor.
> Hopefully, I can find what changed ALL of my .dat files to "OPEN with
> Media Player Classic"... fix that and this drive's software will work
> as intended. I found this out last night. :\

That sounds very unlikely. Good backup software should neither know or
care what you use to open a file with during normal use, yet alone know or
care if that setting is correct or incorrect.


--
--
Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for Security
Blog Site - http://www.robertmoir.com
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ -
http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked:
"Have you checked (event viewer / syslog)".

Robert Moir wrote:
> chicagofan wrote:
>
>
>>I have a 2.66GHZ processor and 512MB DDR RAM. It took less than 15
>>mins. to backup my files [excluding the Windows system directory]
>>with the Maxtor.
>>Hopefully, I can find what changed ALL of my .dat files to "OPEN with
>>Media Player Classic"... fix that and this drive's software will work
>> as intended. I found this out last night. :\
>
>
> That sounds very unlikely. Good backup software should neither know or
> care what you use to open a file with during normal use, yet alone know or
> care if that setting is correct or incorrect.


Thanks... that makes sense. I thought since the first error listed was that
ntuser.dat file error, that's what kept the windows files from being handled
correctly... but as you can tell... I know little about how XP works and
therefore how other programs work with it. Appreciate this info..

Barbara