recommendations for xp tape backup solutions

[jim sturtz]

primarily concerned with the ability to backup 'open' files & the windows
registries and critical files.

would like suggestions on package solutions of hardware & software, dat?,
travan? etc. the best software for the job.

thanks.

jim

 

[R. McCarty]

Streaming tape isn't really the best choice for a Home system backup.
Unless you want to invest in a SCSI tape drive system. Best solution
is an Imaging program ( I suppose my favorite Topic). Recently, they
have moved from a DOS boot type operation to "Hot Imaging" where
the system OS is running while the Image is created.
Images are best done by saving to media stored off the computer. This
includes external disk drives. The key is to use the Verify function of
the program. After the compressed Image is created it is compared w/
the original drive contents to make sure it's valid.
It's fine to create the image to an alternate/external disk - just every 2-3
versions burn the result to a CD-R set or DVD-R disk and save it away
somewhere.
Choices have narrowed now that Symantec bought out PowerQuest.
The new "Ghost 9.0" is actually an updated form of Drive Image 7.0.
Other vendors have good products, Acronis True Image, Terabyte's
BootITng and others.