Problem using backup utility

[Nathan Sokalski]

I would like to backup my hard drive using my CD-RW, so I tried using the
Backup utility that comes with Windows XP. However, when I enter a name for
the backup, it tells me the name is invalid (the name I tried using is
April16Backup, but I recieved the same error using the plain old name Backup
that it gave as the default). I do not want to manually save all the files
on my drive or go buy any expensive backup software, so if anyone can tell
me the problem, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You.

 

[Jim]

XP Pro or XP Home?

Jim

 

[Harry Ohrn]

The problem is that the Backup program that ships with Windows XP (or any
version of Windows for that matter) is not designed to backup to CD. You can
use a work around to make minimal backup jobs
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/saving_files_to_cd.htm However a decent
third party app is preferable. NTI Backup Now works quite nicely as does
Backup MyPC. For full system backups Norton Ghost or Drive Image are 2
popular apps.

 

[Nathan Sokalski]

Windows XP Professional

 

[Jake]

Nathan

I just got a new pc and so I'm using XP for the first time. I've managed to
backup to CD ok, but I did get the mesage you refer to when I tried to set
up backup without first putting a writeable CD into the dirve (I was trying
to use an old one with the session/disc closed). Once I put a blank disc in
the drive, it seemed quite happy to let me enter any name I wanted. Seemed
weird, but worked.

Jake

 

[rockyptc]

Nathan

I just got a new pc and so I'm using XP for the first time. I've managed to
backup to CD ok, but I did get the mesage you refer to when I tried to set
up backup without first putting a writeable CD into the dirve (I was trying
to use an old one with the session/disc closed). Once I put a blank disc in
the drive, it seemed quite happy to let me enter any name I wanted. Seemed
weird, but worked.

Jake

hi all.
have you tried a packet writing softare such as DirectCD(roxio?),
FileCD(NTI?) INCD from NERO.COM? you format your cd (less than 10
seconds) with it and from then on it works like a regular ol'
removable disc. Windows and any other application can read and write
to it with it's own drive letter.
And as for backing up, I made the hasty purchase of NTI Backup Now! 3
Deluxe because of the feature (at the time) i couldn't find anywhere
else which was Drive Spanning.. I've since discovered "Zip Backup to
CD".. Look for it, read about it.. You may just end up liking it it a
lot more than NTI.. here's what I like about it (sorry to sound like a
commercial).

Zip Backup to CD;
Email to you after job is done or failed. (Great heads up on client
support)
Backup as ZIP files (custom size zips from 100mb up to 4095mb) so that
you can old archives around other discs.
Backup with sequential number scheme or static backup volume name.
Zip backups can be easily read in other drives for restore and as a
zip, it's searchable if catalogs are lost.
Drive Spanning either with or without packet writing method.
Works with CD and/or DVD discs.
Works with any drive virtually. Any Drive letter or directory can be
listed as a multi-destination point for the backup.
I wasted a lot of money on NTI and I'm getting more features from Zip
Backup to CD...

oh well. there's my 2 cents.

-regards
CP