Can anyone recommend a good backup utility?

[CT]

I run Windows Me and XP and need a good backup utility, ideally
freeware or inexpensive shareware.

I'd like one which can do password-protected incremental backups
spanning over CD-RWs. The MS Backup utility refuses to see the CD
writer in my laptop.

I know some people question the use of rewritables for backups, but
otherwise you can't do incrementals and must go through tons of CD-Rs,
not to mention the time it takes to do a full backup every time
(although I'm talking maybe 4GB compressed).

I tried using FilZip but it didn't seem to work - too much data
perhaps? - so I'm having to use a basic backup program, and then using
Split File Shell Extension, then burning the chunks manually to CD -
bit of a pain.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[George Richards]

I run Windows Me and XP and need a good backup utility, ideally
freeware or inexpensive shareware.

I'd like one which can do password-protected incremental backups
spanning over CD-RWs. The MS Backup utility refuses to see the CD
writer in my laptop.

I know some people question the use of rewritables for backups, but
otherwise you can't do incrementals and must go through tons of CD-Rs,
not to mention the time it takes to do a full backup every time
(although I'm talking maybe 4GB compressed).

I tried using FilZip but it didn't seem to work - too much data
perhaps? - so I'm having to use a basic backup program, and then using
Split File Shell Extension, then burning the chunks manually to CD -
bit of a pain.

Any advice would be appreciated.

You could try connecting an external HDD or an iPod to your computer via a
USB 2.0 port. These items have been dropping in price, and would end your
need to split your files. Some manufacturers of Flash Memory devices,
guarantee data retention for as much as 10 years. I believe that many of
these external storage units come with an option to password protect access
to the device.

As for a backup program, Karen's Replicator
http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp was voted by this group
to be Pricelessware.

 

[Bjorn Simonsen]

George Richards wrote in

As for a backup program, Karen's Replicator
http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp was voted by this group
to be Pricelessware.

Yes, OP should browse <http://www.pricelessware.org> to see what else
this group voted Pricelessware.

Another tip to the OP: if you are online try
<http://www.google.com/groups?&as_ugroup=alt.comp.freeware>
and enter BACKUP as your search word, select "Search only in
alt.comp.freeware" and click the search button to go.
On the results page click the "sort by date" link out on the right
hand side.

All the best,
Bjorn Simonsen

 

[Dave]

I run Windows Me and XP and need a good backup utility, ideally
freeware or inexpensive shareware.

I'd like one which can do password-protected incremental backups
spanning over CD-RWs. The MS Backup utility refuses to see the CD
writer in my laptop.

I know some people question the use of rewritables for backups, but
otherwise you can't do incrementals and must go through tons of CD-Rs,
not to mention the time it takes to do a full backup every time
(although I'm talking maybe 4GB compressed).

I tried using FilZip but it didn't seem to work - too much data
perhaps? - so I'm having to use a basic backup program, and then using
Split File Shell Extension, then burning the chunks manually to CD -
bit of a pain.

Any advice would be appreciated.

1) Try using XXCopy for the backups - It's complicated, but can do most
things once you work out how.
2) IIRC, there is a trick to getting Windows to backup to a CDRW - you
have to call the drive a shared network drive, even though it's not on a
network. Sorry I can't recall the details.
Dave

 

[Owen]

1) Try using XXCopy for the backups - It's complicated, but can do most
things once you work out how.
2) IIRC, there is a trick to getting Windows to backup to a CDRW - you
have to call the drive a shared network drive, even though it's not on a
network. Sorry I can't recall the details.
Dave

I use cobian backup it is great and I think it will do everything you want.
http://www2.educ.umu.se/~cobian/
regards
oldfart.

 

[tharpa]

I've been happy with Karen's Replicator.
http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp