Backup

[Paul Smith]

Hi all

Just wanna hear some suggestions...

I have a huge amount of data to backup. I ought to use NTBACKUP but the BKF
file is coming very large and takes ages to be done. Is there a quicker way
to backup the files whilst retaining NTFS permissions? also would it be best
to backup from disk to disk or from disk to tape?

Thanks
P Smith

 

[JS]

Tape is an unreliable method.
You may want to consider Image backups for backup up an entire partition
or SyncToy for file backups.

Two Image Backup products (Ghost and True Image)
Norton Ghost version 14 - has a 30 day trial available
(Trial does not allow you to create a Bootable Restore CD AFAK)
http://www.symantec.com/norton/products/overview.jsp?pcid=br&pvid=ghost14
Product Review "Symantec's 14th Ghost":
http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/Norton-Ghost--Review-78775.shtml

True Image 2009 - has a 15 day trial version available,
(Trial version can create a Restore CD/Rescue Media, but I have not verified
this yet)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
User's Guide: http://us1.download.acronis.com/pdf/TrueImage12_ug.en.pdf

SyncToy Version 2.0
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...36-98e0-4ee9-a7c5-98d0592d8c52&displaylang=en

JS
http://www.pagestart.com

 

[Leonard Grey]

If you want to backup your data files (documents, spreadsheets, jpegs,
etc.) your big problem will be choosing from among the dozens of quality
third-party backup programs. Just about any one of these will be more
convenient than Windows Backup, which was only intended as a basic
backup utility.

Check the web for reviews of backup programs for Windows XP. Then,
download the free trials and pick the program that works best for you.

Backing up is one of the best things you can do for your data. For
maximum convenience and flexibility, an external hard drive is the way
to go.

 

[Twayne]

If you want to backup your data files (documents, spreadsheets, jpegs,

etc.) your big problem will be choosing from among the dozens of
quality third-party backup programs. Just about any one of these will
be more convenient than Windows Backup, which was only intended as a
basic backup utility.

ntbackup.exe is a good backup system. Customizable, schedulable, works
for a single file, set of files, folder, set of folders, drive, all
drives, and the Operating System plus System State, etc. Works well, if
you can use win explorer, you can use it, and it does everything needed
for a full, incremental, differential, etc., backup. It is not a
"basic" backup, it is literally a "backup" application that works on
both Home and Professional versions. It's major drawback is MS's lunacy
of requiring a floppy disk for emergency total recovery situations and
inability to write to CD/DVD drives without a 3rd party assistance.
It's a prefectly viable backup application. Imaging software is
better, yes, with bells & whistles that are pretty useful, but not for
any of the capabilities listed in the preceding para.

Twayne

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi all

Just wanna hear some suggestions...

I have a huge amount of data to backup. I ought to use NTBACKUP but the
BKF file is coming very large and takes ages to be done. Is there a
quicker way to backup the files whilst retaining NTFS permissions? also
would it be best to backup from disk to disk or from disk to tape?

Thanks
P Smith

Please define "huge".

What does the data set include? Are you backing up system files? Some
files do *not* need to be backed up repeatedly.

While ntbackup works for some people, it doesn't for others. If you're
using XP Home, some options are silently unavailable (one in particular is
in the UI and you won't be told at any point that it isn't supported, it
will just fail).

Tape is not fast, and all backup media degrades eventually. Tape drives
are harder to come by, and hard disks are becoming cheap - where I am,
half-terabyte hard disks are under $70. Sustained data transfer rates can
be an issue, so the connection method is a factor.

So, for more effective suggestions, it would be helpful if you provided some
more information about your situation.

HTH
-pk

 

[Jim Cladingboel]

Please define "huge".

What does the data set include? Are you backing up system files? Some
files do *not* need to be backed up repeatedly.

While ntbackup works for some people, it doesn't for others. If you're
using XP Home, some options are silently unavailable (one in particular is
in the UI and you won't be told at any point that it isn't supported, it
will just fail).

Tape is not fast, and all backup media degrades eventually. Tape drives
are harder to come by, and hard disks are becoming cheap - where I am,
half-terabyte hard disks are under $70. Sustained data transfer rates
can be an issue, so the connection method is a factor.

So, for more effective suggestions, it would be helpful if you provided
some more information about your situation.

HTH
-pk

External HDDs upto one terabyte are now available. One of those with
an imaging program - I use DriveImage XML - freeware, and you should
have no problems. My 6GB Drive C image is created in just over 4 minutes.
Good luck.

Jim.

 

[Paul Smith]

I did try using an external hard drive but i always encountered WRITE DELAY
FAILURE errors!!